The islandchief

Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu Celebrates 20 Year Anniversary

Maldives

PUBLISHED December 08, 2018

Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu celebrated its 20 year anniversary on Friday, 7th December 2018.

"We are thrilled to be celebrating our 20th birthday, and with it, 20 years of sustainable hospitality, excellent service, and a heritage we can be proud of," Reads a statement by the resort.

"Our story began with four brothers, but over time the story of Coco Palm has grown, and with it, so has our Coco Family."

Twenty years ago, four Maldivian brothers set out to open the first locally owned luxury resort in the country. They envisioned a tropical hideaway of timeless elegance; an understated gem which would act as a mirror, reflecting Maldivian heritage, culture, and values throughout the years.

On the 7th of December 1998, the brothers stood together on the brand-new jetty of Dhuni Kolhu Island to welcome the first guests to Coco Palm.

The inspiration behind Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu has always been the Maldives. During construction, local materials, as well as traditional lacquer work, were utilised throughout the resort. Design concepts for the interiors came from the wonders of the ocean, and the flora of the island.

For twenty years, the resort has continuously highlighted local art and culture, from having Maldivian musicians perform for its guests, inviting lacquer craftsmen from neighbouring Thulhaadhoo Island to come to practice their craft every week and to sell their work directly to guests. Traditional Bodu Beru performances take place every Friday, and local dancers come to perform on special occasions.

Dhuni Kolhu's commitment to the preservation of Maldivian heritage extends beyond art and culture, and into the natural world around the resort. It has always been crucial for the resort to protect and preserve it's fragile environment at every stage, from construction to operation.

The resort built one of the first drinkable water and glass bottling plants, and for many years have had a ban on plastic bags on the island. Dhuni Kolhu has always implemented sustainable fishing practices, and as a popular nesting site for green sea turtles and strives to protect these nests from damage.

Dhuni Kolhu has been able to maintain it's ethos of environmental and social responsibility throughout the years. The soul of the island is embodied by it's dedicated staff and their outstanding service, many of whom have been with the resort from the very beginning. It is this level of commitment that has seen the return of so many guests, time and time again.

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