Simply Abu Dhabi XXX

1 3 8 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu is one of the few resorts in the Maldives where guests can truly engage with and support the local community and be a part of ecological initiatives. Protecting Manta rays is one perfect example: in collaboration with the Manta Trust organisation, guests at the resort and associates can assist in maintaining up to date records of the current Manta Ray population by supplying details of sightings and identification pictures. The resort often has events and hosts workshops to raise awareness, and in May, Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu will host a one-week residency with the world-renowned wildlife photographer and videographer Patrick Dykstra, who recently finished filming for the BBC’s nature documentary Blue Planet 2, including capturing footage of manta rays in the Maldives. Patrick will lead a week-long course for guests at both Coco PalmDhuni Kolhu and sister resort Coco Bodu Hithi, 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 hands-on look at professional filming equipment, plus a unique guided dive to apply those tips to underwater filming. Patrick says, ‘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.’ He added, ‘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 Palm Dhuni Kolhu is also a nesting site for the endangered Green Turtle. The turtle nests are carefully monitored on the resort and the surrounding areas, preventing nest poaching activities and predators collecting eggs and hatchlings, and finally releasing the baby turtles into the open ocean to increase their survival chance. The Marine Turtle Rescue Centre in Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu celebrated its first anniversary in February. It was opened in partnership with the Olive Ridley Project and it’s the first fully- equipped Marine turtle centre in the Maldives. With a full-time veterinarian running the centre and dedicated help from guests, it has so far treated 35 turtles and released 15 healthy turtles back to the wild. Together with the Olive Ridley Project, the centre continues to fight the problem of ghost gear in the Indian Ocean through physical removal of nets, various education and outreach projects and by giving absolute care to injured turtles. Guests can get involved in many ways at the resort, from helping at the turtle centre through to learning about all the environmental initiatives and activities running, such as taking part in reef and island cleaning, tree planting and growing plants and vegetables. And when it’s time to relax there is a sensational spa and four world-class restaurants to indulge in. Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu is exemplary of environmental stewardship and eco awareness. This is barefoot luxury at its very best. Taking pride in its local heritage and supporting the community, this special place preserves its precious environment, so it can be enjoyed both today and tomorrow.