News
Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu welcomes Manta Trust for an educational event focusing on manta rays

Maldives.net.mv – This summer, Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu is host to a group of Marine Biologists from the Manta Trust who will be spending 2 days at the resort, engaging guests in interactive presentations and inviting them to join a spectacular snorkeling excursion in South Baa Atoll, where they hope to encounter some Manta Rays gliding through the deep blue.
On Saturday, 21st June 2014, Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu will grant a warm, sunny welcome to a group of Marine Biologists from Manta Trust that includes Niv Froman, the Project Manager of Manta Trust Maldives, as well as Annie Murray, the Operations Manager of Manta Trust Maldives. The team will kick-start the program with an interactive presentation for the associates of Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu, to which the resort has invited students of schools from surrounding local islands. In the evening, the visiting scientists together with Chiara Fumagalli, the resort’s own resident marine biologist, will hold an educational presentation for the resort’s guests at Conch Bar focusing on Manta Trust’s work alongside Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu. Both presentations will highlight the work that Manta Trust has been contributing towards the Maldivian Manta Ray Project and will offer guests and students alike a chance to enrich their knowledge regarding these mysterious creatures.
On Sunday morning, 22nd June 2014, Coco Collection’s Resident Marine Biologist, Chiara Fumagalli, together with the team from Manta Trust will lead guests and associates on an adventurous snorkeling excursion that will hopefully include the extraordinary opportunity to swim with these peaceful ocean giants. Afterwards, Chiara will mingle with guests at Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu to share photos of the expedition along with the analysis of any identification, should the team have happened upon new individuals to the database.
For guests looking to experience the Manta Ray expedition, Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu is offering a “Stay Longer and Pay Less” deal where a 5 night’s stay will receive a discount of 25% while a 3 night’s stay will receive a discount of 10% from room rates. Additionally, guests can book their stay with Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu now to enjoy discounts of up to 7% from room rates.
“This exciting expedition with the fellow Marine Biologists from Manta Trust is truly an amazing opportunity to experience these marvelous creatures gliding through the ocean. It is my absolute pleasure to welcome guests of Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu to join us in this snorkeling excursion for a once in a lifetime chance to swim alongside Manta Rays while witnessing their natural behavior in person”, comments Chiara Fumagalli, Resident Marine Biologist at Coco Collection.
Manta Rays are gentle and charismatic, and to this day, many aspects of these fascinating creatures are still a big mystery. Coco Collection has always had a strong bond with Manta Trust for various research initiatives and supports their mission to advance the worldwide conservation of manta rays and their habitat by studying them in their natural environment. The Maldivian Manta Ray Project was founded with the main purpose to learn more about the life cycle, population dynamics and habitat of the Maldives manta population, which Coco Collection is delighted to contribute to.
The contribution and support of Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu and Coco Bodu Hithi has been recently recognized by Manta Trust by ranking Coco Collection as the top submitter of newly identified Manta Ray sightings and the second top submitter of overall Manta Ray sightings for the year 2013. Coco Collection is proud to be a part of such initiatives and during this event, hopes to educate guests and associates regarding the population and behavior of Maldivian Manta Rays, aiding the research objectives of Manta Trust.
For only USD 3,031, you can book a 7 night stay for 2 at Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu, to attend the Manta Trust event this June, including return seaplane transfers, daily Breakfast at Cowrie Restaurant and 1 Manta Ray snorkeling excursion with the Marine Biologist*. For booking inquiries, please contact reservations@
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Oaga Art Resort’s Samaasaa takes centre stage in Dubai’s art scene

Under the desert sky of Dubai, Oaga Art Resort made its international debut with a striking performance by Raai Badeeu at the closing night of renowned light calligrapher Karim Jabbari’s exhibition, Vertical Horizon / 361 Degrees, held at Inloco Gallery. The performance introduced audiences to Samaasaa, the resort’s original theatrical dining concept where storytelling intertwines with seasonal cuisine, and folklore comes alive through immersive performance.
Samaasaa represents a distinctive fusion of art and gastronomy, with each course unfolding as an edible chapter of a story. The concept invites guests into a world where tradition meets innovation, rooted deeply in Maldivian heritage.
The venue for the performance, Inloco Gallery, is an emerging boutique art space in Dubai known for pushing creative boundaries. Its third season was dedicated to ‘vanishing urban landscapes’—a reflection on the echoes of fading cityscapes. Central to this season was the work of Karim Jabbari, whose intricate light calligraphy transforms traditional Arabic script into contemporary expressions of cultural memory. His Vertical Horizon / 361 Degrees exhibition explored the theme of ‘Lost Tradition,’ featuring a collaborative project with artist Khalil Abdulwahid that documented Al Satwa’s disappearing historic fabric and reclaimed calligraphy’s original role as a vehicle for communication and preservation.
In collaboration with Inloco Gallery and Karim Jabbari, Oaga Art Resort presented Raai Badeeu as part of the finissage—a moving farewell performance that seamlessly blended calligraphy, choreography, and storytelling. The immersive show transformed the gallery into a space of ancestral memory, myth, and poetic expression, embodying the artistic ethos of Oaga.
The performance also offered audiences an exclusive preview of Samaasaa Presents: The First Coconuts, Oaga’s upcoming theatrical dining experience. A specially curated segment from the show was performed, offering a glimpse into the mythical origins of island life through expressive movement and narrative.
As Oaga Art Resort expands its creative reach beyond the Maldives, this performance in Dubai marks the beginning of a broader journey. Guided by a spirit that is playful, poetic, and deeply rooted in island culture, Oaga is poised to share its unique stories with the world.
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JOALI Maldives welcomes FIX’s iconic chocolate in first-ever global expansion

Dubai-based artisanal brand FIX Dessert Chocolatier, renowned for its viral chocolate creations, has partnered with JOALI Maldives – the Indian Ocean’s first art-immersive luxury island resort. Starting 2 July 2025, guests at JOALI Maldives will have the exclusive opportunity to indulge in FIX’s signature creation, The Original Dubai Chocolate, marking the first time the coveted dessert will be available outside the UAE.
Famed for its bold creativity, intricate layering, and unforgettable textures, FIX has redefined the modern dessert experience. This collaboration brings together two worlds of sensory delight – the imaginative world of FIX and the refined, story-driven luxury of JOALI Maldives.
As part of this partnership, FIX introduces Time To Mango, a brand-new chocolate bar inspired by tropical fruits, warm breezes, and the playful spirit of summer. Blending mango-forward flavours with nostalgic childhood treats and a whimsical touch of popping candy, the creation delivers a multi-sensory experience wrapped in rich chocolate.
FIX Dessert Chocolatier’s signature artistry and innovative flavour combinations align seamlessly with the philosophy of JOALI Maldives, a resort celebrated for its immersive art, sublime design, and curated experiences. According to FIX co-founder Sarah Hamouda, “This collaboration is about more than flavour – it’s about sparking wonder and delivering delight in unexpected ways. Seeing our creation featured at JOALI Maldives feels like the perfect match of storytelling and indulgence.”
Guests at JOALI Maldives will encounter FIX’s chocolates across various curated settings – from the private airport lounge and the resort’s artisanal ice cream shop to bespoke in-villa amenities and select evening turndown rituals. Every piece is hand-crafted in Dubai, carefully transported, and presented under the Maldivian sun as a true edible work of art.
Commenting on the partnership, Semiha Askin, Global Director of Sales and Marketing at JOALI, stated, “At JOALI, we embrace art in all its forms – from visual and spatial to culinary. Partnering with FIX Dessert Chocolatier allows us to extend that ethos into the realm of artisanal sweets. Their chocolate is more than a dessert – it’s an immersive experience our guests will remember, one bite at a time.”
This marks FIX’s first international placement, making JOALI Maldives the only destination outside of the UAE to offer the brand’s signature chocolate. The collaboration exemplifies a shared dedication to luxury, creativity, and culinary innovation.
Located in one of the largest and deepest atolls in the world, JOALI Maldives offers 73 elegantly appointed beach and over-water villas, each accompanied by a personal Jadugar (meaning “skilled magician” in Dhivehi). The resort is a sanctuary of sustainability, immersive programming, and next-level wellbeing offerings, including the JOALI BEING Cure – the first outpost of sister retreat JOALI BEING, the Maldives’ pioneering wellness island.
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Dusit launches second Maldivian property with all-inclusive dusitD2 Feydhoo

Dusit Hotels and Resorts, the hospitality division of Dusit International — one of Thailand’s leading hotel and property development companies — is set to reach a significant milestone with the launch of dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives. This property will be the group’s first all-inclusive lifestyle resort and the second Dusit-branded hotel in the Maldives, joining the acclaimed Dusit Thani Maldives.
Scheduled for a soft opening on 27 July 2025, dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives is located on an untouched island just seven minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport in Malé. The resort promises a private escape characterised by bold design, vibrant energy, and curated experiences tailored for modern travellers seeking freedom, connection, and discovery in a breathtaking natural setting.
Surrounded by a spacious lagoon and thriving coral reefs, the resort provides outstanding access to marine biodiversity and world-class dive sites, making it an ideal destination for underwater enthusiasts and adventure seekers.
The upscale resort features 127 generously sized villas spread across seven unique categories, ranging from 77 to 306 square metres. Designed to harmonise beachfront charm with overwater serenity, each villa offers a contemporary indoor-outdoor living experience, complete with private decks and plunge pools in most categories.
Introducing a fresh perspective on the all-inclusive concept, dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives offers à la carte dining at five distinct venues, unlimited premium beverages, daily entertainment, and generous resort credits for personalised indulgence.
Guests can enjoy a variety of wellness and leisure activities, including treatments at Namm Spa, beachfront yoga sessions, and rooftop cocktails with panoramic views. Experiences such as floating breakfasts, live DJ performances, snorkelling excursions, and beachside cinema nights are all curated to foster joy and unforgettable memories.
For business travellers, corporate retreats, and incentive groups, the resort includes a full-service conference facility accommodating up to 240 guests — all within close proximity to the capital.
Mr Gilles Cretallaz, Chief Operating Officer of Dusit International, remarked, “dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives brings a bold new energy to the Maldives while staying true to Dusit’s signature Thai-inspired gracious hospitality. Thoughtfully designed for the young and the young at heart, this vibrant, all-inclusive resort is more than just a place to stay; it’s a lifestyle destination offering exceptional marine experiences, curated adventures, and effortless escapes in a stunning setting.”
To mark its soft opening, the resort is launching an exclusive package that includes complimentary round-trip speedboat transfers for two, a complimentary villa upgrade, one floating breakfast per stay, 24-hour check-in and check-out, and additional privileges. Members of Dusit’s Dusit Gold loyalty and lifestyle programme — available for free sign-up at dusit.com/enrollment — will also receive 15% off member rates and exclusive benefits during their stay.
The resort will be led by General Manager Yogeswaran Veerasamy, a seasoned hospitality professional with over 20 years of experience in luxury resort operations throughout the Maldives and Southeast Asia. The official grand opening of dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives is scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2025.
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