News
Coco Bodu Hithi and Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu join Preferred Boutique
Maldives Promotion Hour – In conjunction with the revamp of their corporate identity and the rebrand and re-launch of their five star resort, Coco Bodu Hithi, Coco Collection – one of the leading portfolios of luxury resorts in the Maldives – recently signed a deal with branding, distribution, sales and marketing leaders, Preferred Hotel Group.
The alignment with a likeminded association such as Preferred Hotel Group signifies Coco Collection’s commitment to being a premier ‘luxury holiday lifestyle’ resort brand, with focus on service excellence, quality product, residential design and sustainability. Preferred Hotel Group will represent two of Coco Collection’s luxurious properties, Coco Bodu Hithi and Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu, whilst also offering sales, marketing and technology support.
“We are very pleased to align the Coco Collection properties with a prestigious organization such as Preferred Hotel Group,” commented Patrick Heuzé, Chief Executive Officer of Coco Collection. “Preferred Hotel Group shares our own brand’s focus on customized service, and its superior distribution technology and sales & marketing expertise are the right fit to support the expanding portfolio of Coco Collection as we introduce the next generation of luxury hospitality into new destinations in the Middle East, Africa and Asian regions.”
The exotic 5 star resorts, Coco Bodu Hithi and Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu will be marketed under the Preferred Boutique brand. Launched in 2005, Preferred Boutique has rapidly emerged as the brand that defines the boutique hotel experience for travelers. Its members, each of which has 100 rooms or less, are categorized into four inspirational themes – Classic, Design, Adventure and Resort – that celebrate the art of travel and emphasize the palette of personal experiences that await each guest.
As commented by President of Preferred Hotel Group, Lindsey Ueberroth: “this new partnership with Coco Collection further strengthens our presence in Middle East, African & Asian markets, providing Preferred Hotel Group guests with exceptional new choices in leading resort destinations.
We look forward to a long, and mutually beneficial relationship as the companies continue to grow strategically and internationally.”
Coco Collection is a prestigious hotel group, and a subsidiary of Sunland Hotels. Since opening the flagship hotel in July 2007, the company has continued to grow and develop its reputation as a trailblazer in stylish, sophisticated yet sustainable hospitality.
Preferred Hotel Group is a global leader in the hospitality industry, representing the pinnacle of refined travel and gracious hospitality in an era in which travelers embrace the individuality of distinctive hotels and resorts, yet desire a commitment to excellence. Preferred Hotel Group’s family of brands encompasses six renowned brands of the finest hotels and resorts around the world: Preferred Hotels® & Resorts, Preferred Boutique™, Summit Hotels & Resorts™, Sterling Hotels™, Sterling Design, and Summit™ Serviced Residences. Preferred Hotel Group also offers Preferred Residences™, a collection of luxury shared ownership resorts that provides an exceptional level of service and amenities.
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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