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Coco Collection collaborates with University of Milano-Bicocca for marine conservation efforts
This Earth Day, Coco Collection announced collaboration with the University of Milano-Bicocca—one of the most prestigious universities in Italy, recognised globally for its research-oriented approach. This collaboration aims to promote and strengthen scientific teaching, protect the fragile environment and its biodiversity, and work to protect the coral gardens through supporting coral rehabilitation and conservation.
Coco Bodu Hithi recently welcomed Dr. Simone Montano, Assistant Professor at the University of Milano-Bicocca, Department of Earth and Environmental Science (DISAT) and Vice-Director of the university’s Marine Research and High Education Centre at Magoodhoo Island in the Maldives. He delivered a presentation which focused on Marine Biodiversity, Coral Reefs, Ecosystems, and the current health status of the coral garden.
“All my activities are aimed at understanding the dynamics that will drive this ecosystem under a climate change scenario in order to develop and propose environmental management plans. Also, I wish to promote and strengthen scientific and teaching cooperation in the field of Biodiversity and Ecology, Climate Change and Ecosystem Health, and Sustainable Use of Marine Resources through the implementation of an internship program with Coco Collection.” says Dr. Simone.
Coco Collection recognises the significance of the effects of climate change as well as the continuously fluctuating but progressive increasing in ocean heat content globally. This is particularly important as this year global scientists predict an extreme El Niño, which could lead to a mass bleaching event of our coral reefs. We are therefore taking further steps to proactively safeguard our house reef and Chiara Fumagalli, Sustainability Officer of Coco Collection believes this collaboration “is just the beginning of a long-term cooperation that can make Coco Collection a leader in coral rehabilitation and conservation”.
This partnership will soon be put into practice as our first Intern from the University of Milano-Bicocca, Piero Pagliantini, will begin his work with us at Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu in late April. According to Piero, “The sea world is one of the most exciting things for me since I was a kid. This is one of the reasons why I decided to study marine science in my master’s degree, and I’m really interested into understanding the complexity of the coral environment, which is affected especially recently by different bleaching episodes that constitute a real threat for the future of these ecosystems”.
To stay updated on Coral Rehabilitation and Conservation initiative and to find out about the hidden biodiversity of Maldivian coral reefs, coral rehabilitation activities and more, follow social media @cococaresmv.
Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives has been nominated in the Resorts category for the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 (UK) and the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 (US), marking a further development in the resort’s international recognition.
The Readers’ Choice Awards are based on traveller feedback and are considered a key benchmark within the global travel industry. The dual nomination reflects the resort’s presence across international markets and its engagement with guests from different regions.
The nomination follows a series of recognitions for the resort. In 2025, Kuda Villingili was ranked among the Top 5 Overseas Leisure Resorts Worldwide in the Condé Nast Traveller Middle East Readers’ Choice Awards, placing fifth globally. It was also listed among the Top Resorts in the Indian Ocean in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2025 (US). The resort was similarly recognised in the 2024 edition of the awards.
Located in North Malé Atoll, approximately 30 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives offers 75 villas and residences, each with private pools and views of the surrounding ocean.
The resort features eight restaurants and three bars, including Japanese-Peruvian dining at Mar-Umi and Teppanyaki by Mar-Umi. Other dining options include Asian cuisine at East and grill offerings at Fire. Additional facilities include a cigar lounge, a large swimming pool, a spa with overwater treatment villas, and a range of wellness and recreational activities such as yoga, sound therapy and surfing.
Amjad Thaufeeg, Commercial Director at Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives, stated that the nominations reflect feedback from guests across international markets and noted the importance of maintaining consistent service standards.
Voting for the Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 is open until 30 June 2026, with results scheduled to be announced in November 2026.
Baros Maldives is set to host a curated Earth Day experience titled Earth Day in Bloom on 22 April 2026, offering guests an evening programme centred on sustainability, nature and locally sourced ingredients.
The event will begin at 6:30pm at the resort’s Chef’s Garden, where guests will be welcomed with a Garden Spritz before taking part in a guided tour of the garden. The tour will introduce participants to local herbs and island-grown produce cultivated on the property.
As part of the programme, guests will be invited to plant their own herb, contributing to the garden while engaging in an activity aligned with environmental awareness. The experience will continue with a garden dinner starting at 7pm, featuring a menu designed around fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced from the island.
An optional pairing of organic wines will also be available, providing an additional element to the dining experience.
The event is priced at USD 175 per person, excluding applicable service charge and taxes. Reservations can be made through the resort’s butler service.
The initiative reflects Baros Maldives’ focus on sustainability-led guest experiences, integrating environmental awareness with culinary offerings and on-island activities.
Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives has been recognised as a Quality Winner at the TUI Global Hotel Awards 2026, an accolade based on guest feedback from travellers worldwide. The recognition reflects the resort’s delivery of guest experiences shaped by service standards, facilities and alignment with evolving traveller preferences.
Located in North Malé Atoll, Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives offers a range of accommodation options, with more than 140 units including overwater suites, beach bungalows and duplex garden bungalows. The resort is designed to accommodate couples, families and groups.
The resort features seven dining venues offering a mix of international and local cuisine. Tex Mex serves Mexican and Spanish-inspired dishes, while Dalchini offers an Indian à la carte menu available for lunch and dinner. Raalhu Bar provides a setting for evening refreshments, with views of the sunset.
Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives is also known for Pasta Point, a surf break recognised for its left-hand waves. The resort attracts surfers from international markets who travel to access the location. Surf operations at Pasta Point are managed by Atoll Adventures, with bookings handled through Atoll Travel to ensure a structured approach to surf access.
The TUI Global Hotel Awards are determined by guest reviews, making the recognition an indicator of guest satisfaction. The resort’s inclusion as a Quality Winner reflects its performance in meeting guest expectations within the Maldives tourism sector.
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