Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu, part of the boutique island resort collective Coco Collection, is marking ten years of partnership with the Olive Ridley Project (ORP), celebrating a decade-long commitment to marine conservation in the Maldives.

The partnership reached a significant milestone in 2017 with the opening of the Maldives’ first veterinary-led Marine Turtle Rescue Centre at Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu, pioneering specialised sea turtle care in the country. Since its establishment, the centre has treated and released 152 injured turtles, achieving a rehabilitation success rate of nearly 60 per cent. The facility plays a critical role in caring for turtles impacted by human activities, including entanglement in marine debris and ghost nets.

Beyond rescue and rehabilitation, the Olive Ridley Project leads long-term sea turtle research across the Maldives, collecting data on nesting activity, population trends and threats to marine life. This work contributed to the country’s first National Red List Assessment of Threatened Species, published in 2022. Supported by a network of citizen scientists, ORP’s Maldives research team has documented more than 45,000 sea turtle encounters nationwide. Over the past decade, Coco Collection has been a major contributor to this effort, recording nearly 3,500 encounters and reinforcing its position as one of ORP’s most significant research partners.

Guests at Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu are invited to engage directly with these conservation initiatives through weekly marine talks, educational sessions led by the resort’s resident Marine Educator, and opportunities to witness rehabilitated sea turtles being released back into the ocean.

Commenting on the milestone, Siraj Waseem, General Manager of Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu, said that celebrating ten years of partnership with the Olive Ridley Project was a source of pride for Coco Collection. He noted that what began as a shared commitment to protecting marine life has evolved into a long-term collaboration rooted in education, conservation and meaningful guest engagement, adding that the Marine Turtle Rescue Centre continues to grow in strength with ORP’s support.

Dr Martin Stelfox, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Olive Ridley Project, said the decade-long partnership reflects a pioneering collaboration and significant progress in sea turtle conservation in the Maldives. He highlighted advances in conservation medicine and research achieved together, as well as the impact of inspiring guests and Maldivian interns to care for and protect the country’s marine environment.

Over the past ten years, the ORP Marine Turtle Rescue Centre at Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu has hosted ten veterinary surgeons, each contributing to the development of sea turtle conservation medicine in the Maldives. Through the Sea Turtle Veterinary Trainee Programme, the resort and ORP have trained 29 veterinary professionals from 12 countries, helping to strengthen a global network of sea turtle clinical care across the Indian Ocean and beyond.

Alongside its conservation work, Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu continues to offer a wide range of experiences for guests, from water sports such as water skiing, surfing and parasailing to sailing, paddle-boarding and kayaking in the surrounding lagoon. Visitors can also explore Maldivian culture through curated Coco Experiences that highlight local island life and heritage. As the resort marks ten years of collaboration with the Olive Ridley Project, Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu continues to demonstrate how meaningful conservation efforts can coexist with memorable guest experiences.

Fuvahmulah City Council participated in the Malaysia edition of the Diving, Resort & Travel (DRT) Expo held in Kuala Lumpur, promoting Fuvahmulah as a tourism and dive destination to international audiences.

The council took part in the expo through Discover Fuvahmulah, the official destination brand of Fuvahmulah City Council, which leads efforts to market the island to travellers and the global dive community. During the event, Fuvahmulah was recognised with the Tiger Shark Dive Award, highlighting the island’s global reputation for year-round tiger shark diving.

DRT Expo is one of Asia’s established dive and travel exhibitions, bringing together dive operators, tourism boards, resorts and travellers from across the region. The Kuala Lumpur edition attracts a large number of dive enthusiasts, travel professionals and specialised tourism operators, providing a platform for destinations to engage directly with key markets.

Through Discover Fuvahmulah, the City Council promotes the island as a distinct tourism destination via its official website, social media platforms and participation in international dive fairs. The branding focuses on Fuvahmulah’s unique positioning as a single-island destination, its marine biodiversity, and its growing appeal for niche tourism segments, particularly diving.

Fuvahmulah has gained international recognition in recent years for its consistent tiger shark encounters, which take place close to shore and throughout the year. The award received at DRT Expo KL reflects the destination’s standing within the global diving community and its continued efforts to strengthen visibility in international markets.

Angsana Velavaru invites guests to welcome the Lunar New Year with a vibrant two-day celebration inspired by togetherness, prosperity and new beginnings. Taking place from 16 to 17 February, the programme marks the Year of the Horse with cultural rituals, festive dining, ocean adventures and family-friendly experiences across the island.

Set within a private lagoon in the South Nilandhe Atoll, Angsana Velavaru provides a setting where tradition blends naturally with island life. The Lunar New Year programme is designed to balance meaningful cultural moments with relaxed celebration, encouraging guests of all ages to connect, explore and share in the spirit of renewal.

Festivities unfold throughout the island with a diverse line-up of experiences. Mornings begin with water aerobics at Kuredhi Pool Bar and gentle interactions with the island’s resident lovebirds, while afternoons invite creativity through dumpling-making workshops, kite flying along the shore and friendly beach volleyball matches. Ocean enthusiasts can enjoy snorkelling cruises, citizen-science reef explorations and discover scuba diving sessions, offering a closer look at the resort’s marine environment.

Evenings are dedicated to indulgence and celebration. Guests can take part in curated cocktail experiences, including tropical arrack, rum and mojito mixology, before gathering for festive dining that reflects abundance and togetherness. Highlights include a Lunar New Year beach BBQ with premium selections, a celebratory banquet featuring festive flavours, and a gala evening at Kuredhi Pool Bar with cultural performances, live entertainment and DJ sets continuing late into the night.

Families play a central role in the celebrations, with young guests welcomed at the Ranger’s Club for a dedicated children’s programme. Activities include festive crafts, nature walks, scavenger hunts and hands-on experiences inspired by Lunar New Year traditions, allowing children to engage with the celebrations while families enjoy the programme at their own pace.

Throughout the two days, the symbolism of the Year of the Horse—associated with vitality, movement and positive momentum—is reflected across the island. From shared meals and ocean adventures to quieter moments watching kites drift across the sky, the celebrations are designed to honour new beginnings in a festive yet effortless way.

This Lunar New Year, Angsana Velavaru invites guests to welcome the year ahead surrounded by natural beauty, cultural richness and warm island hospitality.