Coco Collection has partnered with renowned wildlife photographer and videographer Patrick Dykstra, as part of the group’s commitment to raising awareness about marine life conservation.

This May, Patrick will lead a week-long residency at both Coco Bodu Hithi (on May 11 and 14) and Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu (on May 18 and 21), with each session broken into three masterclasses that provide guests with insight into the processes and techniques that go into capturing images and video of marine wildlife, a fun hands-on look at professional filming equipment, plus a unique guided dive to apply those tips to underwater filming.

“There is incredible marine life in the ocean that surrounds Coco Bodu Hithi and Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu and my residency with Coco Collection will help immerse guests in the surrounding Indian Ocean, exploring the reefs with a different lens,” Patrick was quoted in a statement, as saying.

“I’m working with Coco Collection to create an incredible experience for avid underwater photographers and divers that will give guests an unparalleled insight into stunning reefs, crystal blue waters and marine life in the Maldives. There is nothing more awe-inspiring than seeing ocean inhabitants in their natural habitat but being able to capture stunning video and images comes a close second, and I want guests to walk away from the sessions with new knowledge, fun memories and stunning content.”

Coco Collection has launched a special offer for avid divers and photographers who are interested in joining Patrick for the programme. The offer is for two adults, and includes:

• A bottle of Champagne upon arrival
• A masterclass with Patrick where he will explain the fascinating processes and techniques that go into capturing dazzling images and video of marine wildlife
• A hands-on look at the professional filming equipment used by Patrick
• A unique guided dive with Patrick and our resident dive master to a secret location. Make sure to bring your underwater camera, as you will have a high chance of swimming alongside a plethora of extraordinary creatures such as eagle rays, reef sharks, Hawksbill turtles, stingrays and shoals of bright fusilier fish
• A post-dive session with Patrick, to review photos taken on the dive
• A sumptuous In-Villa BBQ for two
• A 50-minute Balinese massage to soothe and relax your body

Known for his willingness to take his camera into areas where others would prefer not to go, Patrick has captured fascinating images in Yemeni tribal areas, the heart of the Congo, Somaliland, and underneath Antarctic icebergs to name a few. He recently finished filming for the BBC’s Blue Planet 2, including capturing footage of manta rays in the Maldives, and his work has been featured numerous times in National Geographic.

Patrick was at the forefront of the exploration and documentation of the blue whales of Sri Lanka and the killer whale migration to Iceland and Norway. He is an avid skydiver, scuba diver, hang glider pilot, and caver, and possesses an enthusiastic willingness to explore and document any location. Patrick was born in Denver, Colorado, USA.

He studied at Florida State University and graduated summa cum laude with a degree in communications. He also attended law school at New York University, where he graduated with a juris doctorate degree after serving on the school’s prestigious law review publication.

Three islands — Coco Bodu Hithi, Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu and Coco Privé — comprise the Coco Collection brand.

Coco Bodu Hithi, the flagship property in Coco Collection’s portfolio, is a chic retreat where you reconnect with yourself, your loved ones and the wonder of the natural world. Translating island life into contemporary sophistication, the resort, which is accessible by a 40-minute speedboat ride from the main Velana International Airport, offers 100 villas that are surrounded by the calm view of the lagoon and the soothing sound of the waves.

With seven restaurants and bars, Coco Bodu Hithi celebrates and offers a variety of exquisite cuisines, taking inspiration from the Maldives and further afield.

An award-winning wellness zone on stilts over the clear water, Coco Spa is a sanctuary for the soul. Mindful of the healing properties of nature and the ocean, the spa is designed to retreat for an escape, whether a massage in one of the eight treatment rooms or yoga on the pavilion overlooking the ocean and beach. With a range of products from the Paris label Thémaé combining the healing properties of tea, therapists at Coco Spa are trained in techniques to treat the mind, body and soul. An overwater gym within the zone inspires guests to keep up with their regime of active well ness when away on a holiday.

Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu is dedicated to the inspiring beauty and natural wonder of the Maldives. Here, environmentally-conscious touches are woven into luxurious natural surroundings and initiatives contribute to the environmental and social sustainability of Maldives.

At USD 45,000 a night, Coco Privé is the first private island for exclusive hire in the Maldives. Secluded and utterly discrete, the island is perfectly designed for guests to escape to an entirely private paradise.

With a master residence and five guest villas all with breathtaking views, a lavish dining room, purpose-built kitchen, cocktail bar, wine cellar, library, indoor and outdoor gym areas, sauna, and a 40-metre pool, this 1.4 hectare island is the perfect space to indulge in anything you can imagine.

A dedicated team of personal staff including private chefs, butlers and spa therapists ensure a level of service that is unparalleled. Every guest is given a completely personalised experience, and this is what makes stays on the island so exceptional.