Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu sits within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, a 30-minute seaplane journey from Male International Airport. This eco-luxury resort occupies a crescent-shaped private island with 98 villas spread across pristine beaches and over the lagoon. Recognized by Condé Nast Traveler's 2024 Readers' Choice Awards, the resort has championed sustainable tourism in the Maldives since 1998.
The island measures approximately 600 meters in length and houses the Maldives' first fully-equipped veterinary-run Marine Turtle Rescue Center, operated in partnership with the Olive Ridley Project. This barefoot luxury resort combines traditional Maldivian design with environmental conservation, featuring thatched-roof villas crafted from sustainable materials and maintaining a strict no-plastic policy across the property.
Rooms
Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu offers 98 villas across six categories, all featuring traditional Maldivian architecture with thatched roofs, natural wood furnishings, and white coral stone walls. Each villa includes air conditioning, ceiling fans, minibar, Wi-Fi, and private outdoor spaces.
Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu features four dining venues and bars, with meal plans ranging from half-board to all-inclusive. The resort grows herbs and vegetables in its organic garden and sources seafood locally from Baa Atoll fishermen.
Restaurants
Cowrie Restaurant
Main restaurant with high palm-thatched roof
Buffet breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Live cooking stations and theme nights
International cuisine with local specialties
Maldivian night every Tuesday
Seafood BBQ on Saturdays
Cornus Restaurant
À la carte Asian fusion dining
Chinese, Thai, Indian, Indonesian cuisines
Ocean views from elevated position
Dinner only, reservation required
Specialty seafood and grilled dishes
Bars
Beach Bar
Sunset viewing location
Cocktails and mocktails
Light lunch menu
Evening entertainment
Conch Bar
Traditional pavilion with sandy floor
Afternoon tea 3-6pm
Snacks and refreshments
Casual atmosphere
Special Dining
Private beach dinner under pergola
Maldivian dinner in herb garden
Champagne breakfast on beach
In-villa dining available 24 hours
Sandbank picnic experiences
All-Inclusive includes: All meals at Cowrie, selected beverages with meals, afternoon tea, two dinners at Cornus per 5-night stay ($15 credit), daily Coco water in villa, snorkeling equipment, sunset cruise.
Facilities
Marine Turtle Rescue Center
First veterinary-run turtle hospital in Maldives
Operated with Olive Ridley Project
Daily feeding sessions at 10:30am and 4pm
Educational presentations by marine biologists
Visitor hours 9am-5pm daily
Turtle release ceremonies when patients recover
Coco Spa
5 treatment rooms in tropical garden setting
Indonesian, Thai, Ayurvedic treatments
Jacuzzi pool and sauna
Edible spa menu using natural ingredients
In-villa treatments available
Signature 'Journey to Maldives' therapy
Dive & Water Sports Center
PADI 5-star dive center
House reef accessible from shore
30+ dive sites within Baa Atoll
Nitrox available
Snorkeling equipment included
Kayaks, paddleboards, catamarans
Jet skiing and parasailing
Recreation Facilities
Fully equipped gym with ocean views
Yoga pavilion with daily classes
Tennis court with equipment
Beach volleyball and badminton
Billiards table
Outdoor cinema screenings
Library and reading lounge
Other Services
Free Wi-Fi throughout resort
Boutique and gift shop
Photo services
24-hour room service
Laundry service
Medical assistance on call
Excursion desk
Sustainability features: On-site water bottling plant, plastic-free island, recycling center, organic herb garden, solar panels, coral propagation program, ghost net removal initiatives.
Activities
Water Activities
House reef snorkeling with rays and sharks
Guided snorkeling with marine biologist
Night snorkeling experiences
Coral planting sessions
Stand-up paddleboarding
Catamaran sailing
Windsurfing lessons
Water skiing and wakeboarding
Fly boarding adventures
Diving
Hanifaru Bay manta ray snorkeling (seasonal)
Dhonfanu Thila shark point
Nelivaru Haa house reef
PADI courses from beginner to Divemaster
Underwater photography courses
Wreck diving experiences
Excursions
Dolphin watching cruises
Local island visit to Thulhaadhoo (10 minutes)
Uninhabited island exploration
Traditional fishing trips
Big game fishing
Sunset dhoni cruises
Overnight camping on deserted island
Sandbank picnics
Cultural & Wellness
Turtle center educational tours
Marine biology presentations
Maldivian cooking classes
Traditional bodu beru drumming
Yoga and meditation sessions
Star gazing evenings
Movie nights under stars
Unique experience: Witness turtle nest hatchings (seasonal) and participate in baby turtle releases with the marine biology team - a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get to Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu?+
30-minute seaplane transfer from Male Airport. The resort team meets you at arrivals. Seaplanes operate 6am-3:30pm only. Late arrivals need overnight stay in Male. Round-trip transfers cost approximately $600/adult, $300/child. Must share flight details 72 hours before arrival. Alternative: domestic flight plus 45-minute speedboat if arriving outside seaplane hours.
Is the Marine Turtle Rescue Center open to guests?+
Yes, open daily 9am-5pm. Free guided tours with feeding sessions at 10:30am and 4pm. Learn about turtle rehabilitation and conservation. Guests can purchase ghost net bracelets to support the center. Sometimes participate in turtle releases.
What's included in All-Inclusive?+
Buffet meals at Cowrie, selected drinks with meals, afternoon tea, two Cornus dinners per 5 nights ($15 credit), daily Coco water, snorkeling gear, one sunset cruise per stay, non-motorized water sports, gym access. Spa, diving, motorized sports extra.
Is Wi-Fi free?+
Yes, free Wi-Fi throughout the resort. Complimentary for Lagoon Villa guests. Beach villa guests get free Wi-Fi with certain packages. Speed adequate for browsing and video calls.
What are check-in and check-out times?+
Check-in 2:00 PM, check-out 12:00 noon. Early/late options subject to availability. Day-use rates available. Remember seaplane schedule when planning.
Is this resort eco-friendly?+
Yes, certified Green Globe resort. No plastic bottles/bags, water bottling plant on-site, recycling center, organic garden, solar power, coral restoration, turtle conservation. Part of UNESCO Biosphere Reserve with strict environmental protocols.
Is it suitable for families?+
Yes, though no kids' club. Family-friendly villas available. Children love turtle center, snorkeling, beach activities. Babysitting available. Two children under 12 stay free with certain packages. Educational marine programs great for older kids.
Nearby Landmarks
Within Baa Atoll
Hanifaru Bay (20 min by speedboat): UNESCO site famous for manta ray feeding, June-November best, snorkeling only
Thulhaadhoo Island (10 min): Local island famous for lacquerwork handicrafts, authentic cafes
Dharavandhoo (30 min): Domestic airport island, local markets
Embudhoo Island (15 min): Uninhabited island for picnics and overnight camping
Dive Sites
Dhonfanu Thila: Overhangs with grey reef sharks, eagle rays
Nelivaru Haa: Cleaning station for mantas
Horubadhoo Thila: Coral gardens with macro life
Kakani Thila: Strong currents, big fish action
Milaidhoo Reef: Gentle slopes, perfect for beginners
Natural Attractions
Multiple sandbanks: Within 20 minutes for private experiences
Dolphin watching areas: Spinner dolphins common at dawn/dusk
Turtle nesting beaches: Green and hawksbill turtles nest on nearby islands
UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Features
1,200 coral reef species
250 species of hard and soft corals
Whale shark aggregation sites
Important turtle nesting grounds
Hotel Policies
General Policies
Check-in: 14:00, Check-out: 12:00
Minimum age for check-in: 18 years
Photo ID and credit card required
All rates subject to 10% service charge + 12% GST
Green tax $6 per person per night
No pets allowed
Transfer Policy
Seaplane operates 6:00 AM - 3:30 PM only
Flight details required 72 hours in advance
Late arrivals require Male overnight stay
Domestic flight + speedboat for late arrivals
20% discount on seaplane May-September 2025
Children Policy
Children 13+ charged as adults
Two children under 12 stay free (select packages)
Extra beds and cribs available (charges apply)
Babysitting services on request
Cancellation
Varies by season and rate type
Peak season may be non-refundable
Travel insurance recommended
Check specific booking conditions
Environmental Policies
No plastic bags or bottles allowed
Reusable water bottles provided
Drone usage prohibited
Respect marine life - no touching coral
Participate in conservation activities
Special offers 2025: 40% off stays + free meal upgrade (May-Dec), 45% off villas + 20% off seaplane (select dates), honeymoon benefits, long stay discounts. Contact resort for current promotions.
Holiday Trip Recommendations
Best Time to Visit
Dec-Apr (Dry Season)
Sunny days, calm seas
Best diving visibility
Peak rates apply
Book 3-6 months ahead
May-Nov (Wet Season)
Manta ray season in Hanifaru
Turtle nesting period
Better deals available
Occasional rain showers
Ideal Duration
4-5 nights: Experience highlights - turtle center, house reef, local island
10+ nights: Complete immersion, visit Hanifaru Bay, island hopping
Target Audience
Perfect for: Eco-conscious travelers, marine life enthusiasts, couples, families with older children, divers, wellness seekers
May not suit: Luxury seekers wanting ultra-modern facilities, party crowds, those needing extensive kids' facilities
Suggested Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival, turtle center tour, sunset at Beach Bar
Day 2: House reef snorkeling, spa treatment, Maldivian dinner
Day 3: Thulhaadhoo island visit, dolphin cruise
Day 4: Two-tank diving, beach relaxation
Day 5: Hanifaru Bay excursion (seasonal), farewell dinner
Packing Tips
Reef-safe sunscreen (no chemicals harmful to coral)
Reusable water bottle (plastic-free island)
Light cotton clothing
Underwater camera for turtle encounters
Insect repellent for evening
Events & Special Occasions
Weddings & Honeymoons
Wedding Ceremonies
Beach ceremonies under decorated pavilion
Sunset or sunrise timing options
Traditional Maldivian blessings
Floral decorations with tropical blooms
Photography and videography
Wedding cake and champagne
Private dinner reception on beach
Honeymoon Benefits
Room decoration with flowers
Champagne and tropical fruit platter
Romantic beach dinner setup
Couples' spa treatment discount
Sunset dolphin cruise
Special turndown amenities
Special Celebrations
Anniversary packages with private dining
Birthday surprises with decorated villa
Vow renewal ceremonies
Proposal setups on sandbank
Customized cake and decorations
Group Events
Small corporate retreats
Yoga and wellness retreats
Marine conservation workshops
Photography groups
Family reunions
Seasonal Events
Earth Hour: Special conservation activities
World Turtle Day: Educational programs and releases
Eid celebrations: Traditional festivities
New Year: Gala dinner and entertainment
Unique venue: Host your event at the Marine Turtle Rescue Center for an educational and memorable experience. Perfect for conservation-minded celebrations with presentations by marine biologists.
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