News

Coco Collection in Support of Healthier Oceans

Published

10 years ago

June 8, 2015

Maldives.net.mv – The global movement of this year’s World Oceans Day focuses around the theme Healthy Ocean, Healthy Planet, raising awareness and highlighting the human responsibility to keep the oceans clean. With plastic trash choking the oceans, it is shocking that 80% of this debris comes from land. Apart from plastic, one of the fundamental threats that the Indian ocean is facing are ghost nets that entangle and threaten marine life, of which sea turtles are the most common endangered species discovered in such nets.

Leading in support and contribution towards all the marine life conservation programmes in Maldives, Coco Collection is looking back at the portfolio’s initiatives in honour of World Oceans Day 2015. At Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu and Coco Bodu Hithi, dedicated teams work together to observe the ocean for such debris while out on snorkelling trips and other excursions. In 2014, Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu was at the top on the list of data submitters to the Olive Ridley Project with a total of 10 ghost nets removed and 7 turtles rescued and Coco Bodu Hithi brought in the second top submitter with the removal of 4 ghost nets.

This year, on 15th of May, the team at Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu encountered a ghost net that illustrated the dire situation very clearly. The Dive Ocean team spent a solid one hour loading the massive net onto the boat and the resort team gathered at the beach to sort through the net. With a total of 12 nets stuck together, the team discovered the usual debris of plastic bottles, bags and even buoys trapped inside the net. The most harrowing discovery was a lone turtle bone among the debris, indicating that the entangled turtle had died trapped inside the net. The very next day, guests discovered a young Olive Ridley Turtle that was entangled inside a bag, where it had lost a front flipper and damaged the back flippers. Through the official partnership with the Olive Ridley Project, the immediate focus of Coco Collection is to setup the turtle rescue centre at Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu, enabling the team to rehabilitate turtles suffering from such injuries.

“Even though it is a relief to discover these nets and rescue entangled turtles and other marine life, it is tragic to come across unfortunate instances where we have to sort through nets and encounter those that did not survive. Of course, with the dedication of our helpful guests and passionate teams, the removal of these nets and the rescues that follow are perfect examples of how humans can contribute to the survival of these endangered species that we usually encounter. It is my absolute pleasure to be among such a dedicated team and we will continue to work towards our vision for all marine life to swim freely in a debris free ocean.” comments Chiara Fumagalli, Resident Marine Biologist at Coco Collection.

While Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu is a known Green Sea turtle nesting site, Coco Bodu Hithi experienced 3 surprise nests this year where the hatchlings were safely escorted to the open ocean. Guests can expect to see more hatchings at Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu as there are a total of 9 nests on the island, with the first one expecting to hatch after 14th June.

Coco Collection appreciates the commitment of the guests and associates for their continuous support and dedication towards such initiatives and looks forward to move in line with a sustainable promise for a healthy ocean and a healthy planet.

Pictures courtesy of Coco Collection. First picture by Dave Bretherton, Olive Ridley Project.

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Brennia Kottefaru kicks off holiday season with joyful cake mixing celebration

Published

3 hours ago

November 28, 2025

m@ldives

The festive season at Brennia Kottefaru kicked off with the annual Christmas Cake Mixing Ceremony at La Pella Main Bar, bringing guests and staff together in celebration. Participants mixed a fragrant blend of dried fruits, nuts, and spices, filling the air with the warm scents of cinnamon, nutmeg, and rum.

The event was a joyful gathering, where laughter, holiday cheer, and shared memories created a true sense of togetherness. Brennia Kottefaru’s welcoming spirit shone through, making it the perfect tropical escape to celebrate the holidays. This Christmas, join the team at Brennia Kottefaru to experience festive traditions that will create sweet memories to last a lifetime

Nestled in the heart of Raa Atoll, Brennia Kottefaru is home to 187 spacious villas, surrounded by lush nature, panoramic beaches, and a turquoise lagoon. The resort’s passionate hosts ensure that every stay is personal, authentic, and unforgettable.

Entertainment

Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives announces week-long Music in Paradise experience with Kate Miller-Heidke

Published

6 hours ago

November 28, 2025

m@ldives

Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives, in partnership with Music in Paradise, has announced that acclaimed Australian artist Kate Miller-Heidke will perform live at the private island resort from 3 – 10 October 2026.

Renowned for her soaring vocals, magnetic stage presence and evocative storytelling, Kate is one of Australia’s most distinctive and celebrated performers. A classically trained vocalist from the Queensland Conservatorium, she moves effortlessly between pop, folk and opera. Alongside her chart-topping solo work, Kate and longtime collaborator Keir Nuttall composed the original music for Muriel’s Wedding The Musical and together with Iain Grandage and Lally Katz, the award-winning opera The Rabbits. In 2019, she captivated global audiences when she represented Australia at Eurovision with her hit “Zero Gravity”, and more recently has acted as a coach on The Voice Australia.

Kate’s debut at Kandooma Maldives will feature three intimate sunset concerts in an exclusive beachside setting with audiences capped at just 200 guests. Attendees can expect beloved favourites, reimagined arrangements and a few special surprises in an unforgettable island atmosphere.

Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives General Manager, Mark Eletr, said: “We couldn’t be more excited to welcome Kate to Kandooma next year. Her unmistakable voice, magnetic stage presence, and those breathtaking, angelic high notes promise a magical week of music on our beaches. With three intimate sunset concerts, it’s an experience our guests will be talking about for years to come.”

The first-release Ultimate Experience Package is now available at a special launch rate of A$5,790 per person twin share (regular price A$6,590). The package includes:

Seven nights in a stunning Overwater Villa (3–10 October)
Welcome bottle of sparkling wine
Entry to three performances
Music in Paradise welcome bag, event poster & t-shirt
Welcome drinks with the Music in Paradise team
Meet & greet with Kate
Professional photo with Kate
Return shared speedboat airport transfers
Daily buffet breakfast at Kandooma Café
Complimentary snorkel trip & snorkelling gear
Unlimited group yoga sessions
Unlimited group “Learn to Surf” experiences
Ultimate Dolphin Cruise
Welcome drink and cold towel on arrival
Tea, coffee and water provisions in-villa daily
Music in Paradise Traveller Care Guarantee

Additional early-bird packages start from A$3,490 per person. Full details, please visit the event website.

News

JOALI BEING partners with Munich’s LVATE to launch science-led skin longevity facials

Published

6 hours ago

November 28, 2025

m@ldives

JOALI BEING, the transformative Well-Living island in the Maldives, has announced an exclusive partnership with Munich’s boutique dermatology and aesthetics clinic, LVATE, bringing together expertise in skin health with sensory wellbeing. From 2026, guests will be able to experience bespoke LVATE Signature Facials, created by renowned physicians PD Dr med. Anne Gürtler (dermatologist) and Dr med. Lukas Kohler (plastic surgeon).

Founded in Munich by Dr Anne Gürtler and Dr Lukas Kohler, LVATE combines cutting-edge technology with science-backed expertise to deliver exceptional, personalised facial treatments. Led by a team of specialists in dermatology, aesthetics and cosmetics, LVATE is dedicated to enhancing natural beauty with precision, safety and lasting results.

Guided by a holistic philosophy that engages all the senses, LVATE creates more than treatments — it creates meaningful experiences. Time is taken to listen, to care and to restore. The focus is on optimisation, not transformation, welcoming everyone — whether seeking subtle enhancement or addressing specific skin concerns — and helping each guest feel at ease in their own skin.

“We bring together the best of two worlds: science-based dermatology and the transformative calm of JOALI BEING,” says PD Dr. med. Anne Gürtler. “Our goal is not perfection, but long-term skin health and natural balance.”

The new LVATE Facials combine Bavarian herbal tradition, advanced technology, and the restorative atmosphere of the island. Each treatment follows a clear philosophy: optimisation instead of transformation.

“We want to emphasise the natural beauty of our guests, not change them,” says Dr. med. Lukas Kohler. “It’s about trust, precision, and a noticeable sense of well-being – inside and out.”

During select periods such as Christmas, New Year, and Easter, PD Dr med. Anne Gürtler and Dr med. Lukas Kohler will be personally present at JOALI BEING to offer expert consultations focused on skin health and longevity.

These 60-minute sessions combine dermatological diagnostics, nutritional guidance, and holistic aesthetic insight to create a personalised Skin Longevity Plan — including recommendations on lifestyle, mindfulness, and nutrition.

This collaboration reflects the shared philosophy of JOALI BEING and LVATE — a commitment to holistic wellbeing that unites science, mindfulness, and sensory immersion. Together, they invite guests on a transformative journey of renewal, where vibrant energy, balance, and natural beauty come together in harmony. Rooted in the Joy of Well-Living, this partnership embodies the island’s vision of helping guests feel better, lighter, and more connected — body, mind, and skin.

JOALI BEING offers villas from USD 2,326 per night, based on two persons sharing an Ocean Pool Villa on a B&B basis. For bookings and further information, please contact reservations.being@joali.com