Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu, Maldives

I rarely write reviews to be honest but there is something remarkable about this place and I would like to share it with you. My visit was a solo one, but I was keen to take a break from the Middle East and explore the southern region. I was advised by a Maldivian friend to try this place as it ticked all the boxes I was after. I absolutely loved the seaplane ride to the resort. It kind of transports you from one world of hustle and bustle to abject tranquillity and peace. The arrival (and departure) at the resort was a bit of a shock and this is when I started to realise what was going on here. The management and all the staff here are teammates (not co-workers). There is an adage “Teamwork makes the dream work”, this is very much on display all around. From the standards of service in the restaurants and bars to the friendliness of each single person I encountered, the General Manager Siraj to the helpful gardener who was delighted to show me the Chef’s garden and explain the sustainability principles of the island. The pride is clear is absolutely everything they do. Accommodation is broadly of two styles both of which I enjoyed immensely for different reasons. The beach villas are set slightly into the ‘jungle’ with a 10-metre distance to your sunlounges on the beach the beautiful turquoise waters. The layout of the entire island is very clever giving you maximum privacy. Then outdoor bath in the evening relaxing listening so the sounds of the Moldavan water hens and other birds is beautiful. The rainfall showers are refreshing after a dip in the sea. The rooms are maintained immaculately with well stocked fridge and snacks available. Wifi is available nearly everywhere on the island which is brilliant for sharing day to day activities with loved ones. The second type of accommodation is breathtaking if you have never stayed in one before – the lagoon villas out on a short walkway and set on ‘stilts’ in the water. Sunset viewed while sitting in your private outdoor pool overlooking the sea is a beautiful personal memory for me. The food and in particular presentation by some of the junior chefs was jaw dropping at the ‘live stations’ (for the starters especially) these people create art not food. It tasted as good as it looked. Under Head Chef Atash and his ever-capable sous Chef Danish you always know you were in for a special treat as each sitting which all would have different themes displaying their flair and creativity catering for Western, Asian palates and more adventurous Maldivian treats. The food and beverage manager Riyaz really has put together the ultimate performers. The Conch Bar is the main bar on the island and serves snacks and every drink and cocktail you can imagine. I have worked in Hotel Cocktail Bars for several years (in my youth!) and I was taken aback by the skills and talent on display under the leadership of Ajith with Sisira and Ram creating all kinds of magic. Again, if you watch you will see the kind of attention to detail in making these drinks with herbs and botanicals (from the Island Garden) treated, dried and used as ingredients. Ajith has even created their own flavoured gins which are a must try and again a unique selling point of this resort. The hosts and serving staff were truly multitalented with Lihansa, Shirmila, Mani and Sardar working during the days as bar/restaurant waiting staff, hosts and hostesses and then when it was their sections turn to have a bit of fun and entertain (each Friday) they were able to do a proud display of their culture via dance and musical instruments which was amazing to see. The island even has its own song created by a staff member which is quite a great little tune! Don’t forget to notice the wooden handicraft carried out by the magnificent carpenters on the Island, look around as they are responsible for most of your surroundings and even the furniture and some of the bowls and lighting in the bar areas. The guests were mostly made up of couples with young kids but single travellers looking a fabulous break are only too welcome, I loved it. There is lots of activities mostly water based as you would expect and enough to keep the young ones happy and content. The island has one of 3 turtle rescue sanctuaries in Maldives, and I recommend visiting them during their feeding time where the staff will discuss with you all they are doing. There is a full-size pool table & games in the main reception and my only improvement I could recommend here is to get some new pool cues, the current ones have been warped and damage by years of use and it’s a shame to have such a beautiful table wasted by having no so great cues. There is a massive return rate from visitors that come to the island, I believe one couple has returned 67 times so far! I for one can completely understand why having been. After telling my friends here about the ‘experience’ a few of them have already expressed interest in visiting too! How can you not 😉 Thank you all at Coco Palm for sharing a truly wonderful few days and evenings with me. Truly unforgettable, I will see you soon next time I will have Emma and Gabriel with me too.

A huge thank you to the entire Coco Palm team for making our holiday so unforgettable. It was our first time in the Maldives, and we spent the most wonderful honeymoon here with our 11-month-old baby. The hotel has the kindest staff we have ever met. Everyone was so warm, friendly, and genuinely caring, always going above and beyond to make sure we had everything we needed. The food was outstanding, with an incredible variety of delicious dishes to choose from. The island also has a beautiful garden where they grow a wide range of fruits, vegetables, and stunning flowers. The Maldives were exactly as I had always dreamed they would be. Leaving was incredibly difficult, and we already miss this magical place so much. We truly hope to return to Coco Palm as soon as possible. It is a truly special place that we will always remember with love.

Another visit and still as special From the seaplane to arriving at Coco Palm whether you are a repeater or first time visitor the service you receive is always above and beyond. Arrival is always a special experience as you are greeted by staff with the biggest smile and welcome. For us we just love the rustic style of the island, the quiet, all the lovely animals, the view and especially the wonderful staff who are always there to help with anything or just chat about your holiday and how you are getting on. We were lucky to experience one of the Lagoon Villas for our last two days which was another experience on a different level. We were amazed how quiet it was out on the water and just perfect waking up to the view of the sea. We'd like to give special thanks to so many of the staff to: Raazi - you went above and beyond to make our stay just perfect - thank you. Anees & Kausar - The reason we love the beach bar - thank you (we missed you this time Abul) Shardar, Mani, Sanjit & - We love our chilled lunches in the Conch Bar. Shardar your service is the best, it’s been great to get to know you better this year and seeing your confidence rise. It was great seeing you in the beach bar to. Hajiba and Naswan - for your kindness and warm welcome every time we saw you and also not to forget Hajibo The amazing Chef Danish and his very creative team couldn’t help enough with my dietary requirements as a vegetarian I was so looked after so well with many evenings in the 2nd week bringing out wonderful food for me to try. Thank You! Our pergola dinner was just awesome the sky was bright, the wind was subtle and the food – WOW! Just the perfect romantic evening. Adeel our waiter always there to greet us Our room was looked after by Noaman, who we had lovely conversations with and he kept our room so clean and tidy. So many more to mention. A special thanks to Angelfish Travel, your knowledge and experience is so personal to each of your clients. We wouldn't recommend anyone else but you. Google them you won't be disappointed... angelfish.travel The resort really does welcome everyone, whether it's your first time or you've been many times before. There is something very special about this island and we are so happy to be part of that experience.

This was a family trip for us with our grown up children to celebrate mine and my wife’s 60th birthday. Island lived up to our expectations, a real gem and protected paradise. Loved the relaxed atmosphere on the whole island and the focus on environment and sustainability. Loved the turtle rescue centre and we were lucky enough on one night to see some hatch on the beach. Food and all the staff were absolutely amazing. Two of our family are vegetarian and the restaurant staff would prepare anything for us although with the wide choice of food it was just wonderful. In all our visits to the Maldives over 30 years this has been our favourite. Certainly planning to return.

Excellent food with Many Live Cooking stations Starters, pasta, Grill, wok, Tandoori and Desserts are fresh made on request. Wow