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Unlock unforgettable reasons to stay at Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu

Located in the Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu invites guests to experience the Maldives in its most natural state. An eco-luxury resort in the Maldives, which has been recognised as one of the top resorts in the Indian Ocean by the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2024, Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu is celebrated for its truly Maldivian heritage, breathtaking natural surroundings and deep commitment to sustainability.
From serene beaches and crystal-clear waters to the ideal setting for both relaxation and eco-friendly fun filled exploration, brace yourselves to discover the “Seven Wonders” of Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu.
Captivating Natural Beauty and Secluded Setting
Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu, surrounded by gorgeous white sand beaches and lush greenery, invites relaxation and exploration. Accessible by seaplane, the resort provides guests with a stunning bird’s-eye view of the vibrant landscape, revealing the deep blues of the ocean and the greenery of the islands. Below the water’s surface, a flourishing ecosystem bursts with marine life and colourful coral reefs.
Sustainable Luxury and Eco-Conscious Initiatives
The resort is deeply committed to sustainability, incorporating eco-friendly practices in the daily operations. Guests can also support the marine life and reef conservation efforts by joining the coral planting and reef cleanup.
At the heart of the island, chefs grow herbs and vegetables, produce fresh jams and coconut honey for the buffet, and craft coconut oil for the spa – each item a reflection of the resort’s commitment to local ingredients and self-sufficiency.
This dedication to sustainability and eco-consciousness has earned the resort numerous accolades, including the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Award in 2022, the Condé Nast Johansens Award for Excellence in 2023, and recognition as the Maldives’ Leading Green Resort at the World Travel Awards in both 2023 and 2024.
Culinary Adventure in the Heart of Nature
The resort offers a range of culinary delights, showcasing fresh, locally sourced ingredients and a fusion of Maldivian and international flavours, enhanced by herbs and vegetables grown on the island.
Guests can dine at Cowrie, known for its live cooking stations and themed buffets; Cornus, which specialises in Asian cuisine with a Maldivian twist; and the Beach Bar, offering refreshing drinks on the beach. Once a week, guests can experience a special Maldivian dinner, with chefs introducing each dish and sharing the inspiration behind the menu.
Private and Spacious Villas Inspired by Maldivian Architecture
For exceptional relaxation, choose from spacious beachfront or over-water villas, each beautifully crafted with traditional Maldivian architecture and modern amenities. These villas offer amazing views of the turquoise lagoon and direct access to the sandy beaches, ensuring a tranquil retreat. Each villa features elegant furnishings, private decks, and outdoor showers, ensuring guests experience comfort and relaxation.
Rich Marine Life and Underwater Discovery
Guests can discover the vibrant underwater ecosystem of the Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. They can join guided snorkelling and diving excursions to encounter colourful coral reefs, tropical fish, and magnificent sea turtles.
Hanifaru Bay, located just 20-25 minutes from Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu by speedboat, offers ocean enthusiasts the chance to witness manta ray sightings from May to November and whale shark encounters from August to November.
Stay with Purpose: Olive Ridley Project Marine Turtle Rescue Centre
Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu offers guests a unique opportunity to engage with the Olive Ridley Project (ORP), committed to rescuing and rehabilitating injured sea turtles. Home to the Maldives’ first fully equipped, veterinary-run rescue centre for sea turtles, it welcomes guests daily to visit and watch the turtle feeding.
To volunteer at the Marine Turtle Rescue Centre, guests must sign a consent form and register for the voluntary service in advance. Details are provided upon booking. More information about Coco Collection’s collaboration with the Olive Ridley Project is available on the resort’s website.
Personalised and Authentic Maldivian Experience
At the heart of the resort is a commitment to personalised service, ensuring every guest’s needs are met and lasting memories are made.
For those seeking adventure, Embudhoo Island offers a unique escape. Just 15 minutes from the resort, this private deserted island features a single traditional hut, providing a rustic and romantic retreat. Guests can enjoy picnics prepared by the chefs, as well as barbecues and group celebrations, making it an outstanding setting for an exclusive Maldivian experience.
Cooking
Savour July: Exceptional dining awaits at Barceló Nasandhura Male

Located in the vibrant heart of Malé, Barceló Nasandhura is fast becoming a sought-after destination for dining, casual coffee catchups, and laid-back city experiences. This July, guests are invited to indulge in a series of exclusive promotions across the hotel’s distinctive food and beverage outlets, the perfect opportunity to discover what’s on offer.
At Oivaru, the hotel’s signature all-day dining restaurant located on the 3rd Floor, guests can treat themselves to an irresistible Chocolate Dessert Station, available during dinner service from 4th to 7th July only. A decadent addition to the renowned international buffet, it promises to satisfy every sweet tooth. To complement the dining experience, enjoy live music on selected evenings, creating the perfect atmosphere for a relaxed, flavorful night out.
To mark World Chocolate Day on 7th July, a special Chocolate Indulgence Station will be set up in the Nasandhura Lobby from 4 PM to 8 PM. Featuring free tastings and handcrafted desserts by the hotel’s renowned pastry chef, the experience is open to all guests and walk-ins. Guests can also purchase limited-edition treats while enjoying a beautifully styled chocolate-themed setup designed for sweet moments and social sharing.
Alimas Coffee Lounge is the ideal spot to escape the city heat. From 20th to 26th July, enjoy 10% off all ice creams, making it the perfect excuse to cool down with a sweet treat in style.
For those seeking elevated views and an unforgettable ambience, B.Heaven, the hotel’s rooftop lounge, offers signature mocktails and light bites, best savored with panoramic sunset vistas. On selected evenings, the energy rises with live DJ performances, making it the perfect setting to unwind, socialize, or celebrate under the stars.
This July, Barceló Nasandhura invites you to experience a taste of Malé’s most exciting culinary and social destination.
Featured
Angsana Velavaru shines in T+L Luxury Awards 2025 with top pool and GM honours

Angsana Velavaru, part of the esteemed Banyan Group, has secured prestigious placements in the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2025, ranking #8 for Best Resort Pool and #3 for Best General Manager in the Maldives. These accolades underscore the resort’s dedication to outstanding service, thoughtfully crafted accommodations, and guest-centric innovation.
Located in the unspoiled South Nilandhe Atoll, Angsana Velavaru features 113 villas—79 of which are equipped with private infinity pools. Among them are the celebrated Beach Villas and the signature InOcean Pool Villas, which extend elegantly over the lagoon’s turquoise expanse. Each villa is designed to offer a harmonious blend of sophistication and comfort, enabling guests to immerse themselves in nature with both privacy and style.
Central to the resort’s social ambiance is the Kuredhi Pool Bar, a lively and inviting venue that offers more than just refreshments. It serves as a communal hub where guests can enjoy curated experiences such as DJ nights, aqua aerobics, and wellness sessions. This programming reflects the resort’s vision of merging serenity with social vibrancy.
Spearheading this success is General Manager Ahmed Zahir, who was recognised as the #3 Best General Manager in the Maldives. Zahir’s inspiring career began three decades ago as a Laundry Supervisor and has since evolved into a historic milestone—becoming the first Maldivian General Manager within the Banyan Group. His leadership is characterised by a deep understanding of local culture, empathy, and hands-on experience across resort operations.
“This recognition is not only an honour—it’s a reflection of how far we’ve come as a team and as an industry,” Zahir shared. “I’m proud to lead with values shaped by the Maldives itself: resilience, hospitality, and heart. At Angsana Velavaru, we aim to deliver something genuine and lasting—for our guests, our people, and our community.”
Under Zahir’s stewardship, Angsana Velavaru has fostered a culture rooted in authenticity, local empowerment, and purposeful guest engagement. The resort remains committed to evolving as a destination that honours tradition while embracing forward-thinking experiences.
Featured
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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