Featured
Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu, Kind Traveler to help rescue injured sea turtles with Olive Ridley Project

Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu joins Kind Traveler, the first socially conscious Give + Get hotel booking platform that empowers travellers to positively impact the communities they visit. Travellers unlock special rates & perks with curated Kind Hotels upon a $10 donation to a local charity that positively impacts the community visited, or to charity of choice on Kind Traveler. 100 percent of the donation is given to charity creating a triple win amongst the traveller, charity, and hotel.
Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu has long been collaborating with the Olive Ridley Project to help rescue and rehabilitate injured sea turtles. Sea turtles often suffer devastating injuries from entanglement in marine debris, swallowing fishing hooks, boat strikes, or being kept inappropriately as a pet. Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu is home to the Olive Ridley Project Marine Turtle Rescue Centre, the first veterinarian-led turtle rescue centre in the Maldives to treat these injured creatures. Fully equipped with a laboratory, x-ray and ultrasound machines, an endoscope, and surgical facilities, the centre has rehabilitated and released over 107 turtles back into the wild since its opening in 2017.
By offering exclusive rates as a reward for donations, guests make a conscientious decision to stay at Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu and support the Olive Ridley Project.
A $10 donation to the Olive Ridley Project will help fund the charity’s core charitable objectives, which includes expanding their rescue and rehabilitation efforts and furthering the understanding of sea turtle veterinary care.
Nearly 70 percent of travellers polled in Booking’s 2021 Sustainable Travel Study want to know their travel dollars are benefitting the communities they visit.
The partnership between Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu, the Olive Ridley Project, and Kind Traveler aims to make it easy for travellers to make conscientious, sustainable travel decisions that support the local community.
In terms of the hotel profile, Kind Traveler highlights each property in a meaningful way by connecting the traveller with the local community impact opportunity and ‘Kind Factors’ – the term used to describe how the
hotel is advancing individual wellness, sustainability, and community impact. This unique way of telling the hotel’s story reinforces a commitment to social responsibility, at a time when transparency is expected from today’s travellers and consumers.
Some of Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu’s notable Kind Factors include an in-house water purification and glass bottling plant to reduce the use of single-use plastic, a Chef’s Garden where they grow their own fruits, herbs, and vegetables, a coral gardening project to replant and revive their coral reefs, and the use of local materials and craftwork such as traditional Maldivian lacquer work. Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu is also a nesting site for green sea turtles, with the onsite Marine Biologist working together with the Olive Ridley Project to protect and record these nests until hatching.
“We are thrilled to become a Kind Hotel by partnering with a like-minded platform that puts sustainable and eco-conscious tourism at the forefront,” said Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu General Manager Siraj Ali Waseem. “This partnership also allows us to further strengthen our support of the Olive Ridley Project and the Marine Turtle Rescue Centre on the resort, and it gives our guests more ways to engage with the charity and their amazing work.”
“Our win-win platform offers opportunities for meaningful community impact for everyone involved,” said Kind Traveler CEO & Co-Founder Jessica Blotter. “For travellers, they fulfil a desire to give back and create a more purpose-driven travel experience – while supporting hotels and charities that are making a positive impact in the world. For hotels, they cultivate new relationships with conscious, responsible travellers and take another step towards creating a more sustainable and regenerative travel experience. Charities receive 100% of donations and a new, sustainable channel for fundraising.”
For more information on how Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu has partnered with Kind Traveler to empower community impact, visit Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu on Kind Traveler.
Featured
Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives announces grand opening

Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand’s leading hotel operator, is preparing for the launch of Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives, a serene island retreat set to open on April 1st. To commemorate the opening, the resort is offering an exclusive introductory promotion, allowing guests to enjoy a luxurious escape with a range of benefits. The special offer includes Stay 4, Pay 3 and Stay 7, Pay 5 packages, along with exceptional upgrades available for a limited time.
Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives is the final addition to Centara’s collection of four distinctive properties in the Maldives, each tailored to different traveller preferences. The resort features 142 elegantly designed beachfront and overwater accommodations that harmonise with the surrounding natural beauty. This private island sanctuary seamlessly merges Thai-inspired hospitality with Maldivian charm, offering world-class dining across multiple restaurants and bars, as well as revitalising wellness experiences at the Spa Cenvaree Retreat.

The opening of this property also marks the completion of The Atollia by Centara Hotels & Resorts, a visionary project that aims to redefine experiential travel in the Maldives. As part of this exclusive multi-island destination, Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives offers refined tranquility combined with immersive experiences. Guests staying at the resort also have access to the exciting water attractions and vibrant amenities of the neighbouring Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives.
Andrew Jansson, Cluster General Manager of Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives & Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives, expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming opening, stating, “From our picturesque beachfront and overwater villas to our exquisite dining and holistic wellness journeys, our team has worked tirelessly to ensure every aspect of this magnificent property exceeds expectations. We look forward to offering travellers a truly distinctive experience that captures the essence of both Centara’s signature warm hospitality and the beauty of this Maldivian paradise.”
To celebrate the grand opening, Centara Hotels & Resorts is inviting guests to take advantage of the Grand Island Indulgence: Exclusive Introductory Offer. Bookings made before June 30th, 2025, for stays between April 1st and October 15th, 2025, will qualify for the Stay 4, Pay 3 or Stay 7, Pay 5 packages. The offer also includes meal plan upgrades, complimentary sparkling wine and couples’ massages, exclusive access to The Club, a choice of an ocean excursion, and additional perks for CentaraThe1 members.
Featured
Embrace Maldives’ hidden summer with Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts

Beyond the well-known winter appeal of the Maldives lies an underrated gem—summer. From May to October, the islands transform into a sanctuary of intimate escapes, breathtaking marine encounters, and uninterrupted tranquillity, offering a side of the Maldives that remains one of travel’s best-kept secrets. This year, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts invites travellers to rediscover summer in the Maldives through curated experiences across its four island resorts, each tailored to romance, diving, adventure, and relaxation.
Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives provides an ideal setting for couples seeking a romantic summer retreat. Overwater bungalows offer a tranquil atmosphere, where the gentle lapping of waves sets a soothing rhythm for the days ahead. For those desiring an exclusive adults-only escape, Platinum Island offers elevated privacy and sophistication, creating the perfect environment for seclusion. As the sun sets, private sandbank dinners and candlelit beachside feasts transform ordinary moments into unforgettable memories.
For diving enthusiasts, Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon offers an unparalleled underwater experience. Home to one of the Maldives’ most vibrant house reefs and in close proximity to iconic dive sites, Ellaidhoo provides exceptional opportunities for marine exploration. Divers can witness the Maldives’ marine life in its full splendour, and encounters with Tripod, the island’s beloved three-finned turtle, add a unique charm to every dive. Whether exploring the legendary house reef or venturing to sites such as Fish Head and Maaya Thila, every descent promises an awe-inspiring glimpse into the ocean’s wonders.
Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives serves as the ultimate summer playground for thrill-seekers, where the ocean’s energy meets endless opportunities for adventure. Home to the world-renowned surf break, Pasta Point, the island attracts seasoned surfers eager to ride its perfectly peeling waves. Beyond surfing, the resort offers an array of exhilarating water sports, including jet skiing, wakeboarding, paddleboarding, and windsurfing, ensuring every adrenaline-seeker finds an activity suited to their passion. Whether carving through the waves or speeding across crystal-clear waters, Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives encapsulates the thrill of ocean adventure.
Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives redefines summer living, blending stylish beachfront retreats with effortless indulgence. Days unfold at a leisurely pace, with sun-drenched afternoons by the infinity pool, gourmet dining that highlights the flavours of the sea, revitalising spa treatments, and sunrise yoga sessions designed to awaken the senses. Whether savouring exquisitely crafted dishes, indulging in personalised wellness experiences, or simply embracing the island’s serenity, Velifushi offers an escape where time slows down, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the art of island living.
Far from the winter crowds, summer in the Maldives reveals a season of untold beauty, where the rhythm of the waves sets the pace for unforgettable experiences. Whether diving into vibrant marine ecosystems, embracing barefoot luxury, or savoring moments of pure tranquillity, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives welcomes travellers to uncover one of the islands’ best-kept secrets
Cooking
Michelin magic in Maldives: Chef Wassim Hallal’s spring residency at Soneva Fushi

Danish chef Wassim Hallal will be hosting an exclusive residency at Soneva Fushi’s Flying Sauces from March 17 to May 12, 2025, bringing his two-Michelin-starred restaurant, Frederikshøj, to the world’s first fine dining zipline experience. As spring unfolds in the Maldives, guests will have the opportunity to soar along a 200-meter zipline route to reach an elevated dining platform, where breathtaking views, intuitive service, and Hallal’s masterful culinary creations await.
A pioneer of modern Nordic cuisine, Hallal’s passion for gastronomy has driven him to redefine fine dining in Denmark. His culinary journey began at a young age, leading him to refine his craft in some of Europe’s most prestigious kitchens. Under his leadership, Frederikshøj in Aarhus has earned two Michelin stars, recognized for its innovative approach, precision, and use of the finest seasonal ingredients.
During his highly anticipated spring residency at Soneva Fushi, Hallal will bring the essence of Frederikshøj to the Maldives, offering an unforgettable tasting experience that merges contemporary Nordic techniques with the island’s exceptional organic produce. His culinary philosophy pays tribute to the natural world, shaped by his environment and the evolving landscape of modern gastronomy. His style masterfully balances the refinement of French haute cuisine with the boundary-pushing creativity of New Nordic cooking, infused with global influences that drive his innovation.
At Frederikshøj, his commitment to excellence is evident in the meticulous selection of the finest local ingredients. A true culinary craftsman, he embraces experimentation, constantly redefining flavour, texture, and technique to create dishes that leave a lasting impression. Each plate serves as a canvas—an expression of creativity, refinement, and evolution—always seeking to push the boundaries of what is possible.
While in the Maldives, Hallal and his team will seamlessly blend Frederikshøj’s distinctive culinary ethos with Soneva Fushi’s organic seasonal produce, crafting a two-Michelin-starred dining experience designed to surprise, delight, and linger in the memories of guests long after the final course.
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