As World Environment Day (June 5) and World Oceans Day (June 8) approach, there’s a growing shift in how we travel. People are looking beyond the typical beach break, drawn instead to experiences that feel meaningful-where relaxation meets purpose. And with Sir David Attenborough’s new film Ocean reigniting conversations around marine life, it’s clear that ocean conservation is on everyone’s mind.
In the Maldives, one resort is offering something different-something that blends barefoot luxury with a real commitment to the environment.
Welcome to Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu, a serene hideaway tucked within the UNESCO-listed Baa Atoll. It’s every bit the postcard-perfect island, but with something deeper going on beneath the surface.
Where Travel Has Impact
This isn’t just a place to unwind. It’s also a place where guests can be part of something bigger. Conservation is at the heart of everyday life here, and travelers are invited to get involved as much-or as little-as they like.
From coral restoration efforts to sea turtle rehabilitation, Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu puts sustainability front and center:
- Coral nurseries are maintained right off the island’s shores, helping damaged reefs slowly recover.
- A pioneering Turtle Rescue Centre, created in partnership with the Olive Ridley Project, gives injured sea turtles a second chance. Guests can visit, watch feedings, or even sign up to volunteer during their stay.
- During hatching season, staff monitor protected turtle nests, and lucky guests may witness hatchlings making their first journey to the sea.
- Snorkeling and diving trips reveal the Atoll’s rich underwater world-sea turtles, vibrant coral gardens, tropical fish, and manta rays all make regular appearances.
After celebrating World Turtle Day in May, the resort has entered turtle hatching season. Weekly marine talks and hands-on conservation activities give visitors a rare opportunity to deepen their connection with the ocean.
The numbers speak for themselves: in 2024, the Olive Ridley Project’s team recorded 168 new turtle nests, over 5,000 successful hatchings, and nearly 3,500 turtle sightings across the Maldives. Coco Collection associates were behind the highest number of sea turtle encounters recorded in the country.
More Than Just Marine Life
Of course, there’s more to island life than what’s beneath the waves. Guests can explore a wide range of activities—from water skiing and parasailing to paddleboarding and kayaking. The resort also celebrates local heritage through its Coco Experiences programme, which includes cultural events like Saifodhu, a traditional Maldivian tea ceremony paired with handmade local products.
Special events are planned around World Environment Day and World Oceans Day, from sustainability presentations to tree planting and a one-of-a-kind dining experience focused on locally sourced, eco-conscious cuisine.
A Place to Breathe, Reflect, and Reconnect
Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu is regularly named among the best resorts in the Indian Ocean. But what really sets it apart is how it makes you feel-connected to nature, inspired by purpose, and restored in every sense of the word.
Whether you’re passionate about the planet, curious about marine life, or just looking for a more thoughtful kind of holiday, this island offers the rare chance to be part of something that matters.
Ready to turn your next escape into something meaningful?
Book with Lets Go Maldives and experience Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu for yourself.
