Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu, Maldives

Location

Surrounded by some of the finest white-sand beaches in the Maldives, this romantic retreat offers exceptional value in an amazing location, 124 kilometres from Male on the spectacular private island of Dhuni Kolhu. It's also a resort with more than an eye on local conservation, home as it is to the Marine Turtle Rescue Centre, which opened on the island in 2017 in association with the Oliver Ridley Project.

Accommodation

Coco Palm features 98 thatched villas, dotted amongst the island's palm trees or on stilts above the emerald waters of the lagoon. Beach Villas are spacious and airy with open-air garden bathrooms for showers at sunrise or under a canopy of Maldivian stars at night. Private terraces and outdoor seating areas offer the perfect spot for relaxing in privacy, just moments from the white sand beach. For something extra special, the resort's Lagoon Villas offer absolute indulgence with sunken freshwater splash pools, large sun decks and luxurious Jacuzzi bathrooms overlooking the lagoon and ocean beyond.

Dining

There are a number of dining options on the island, including the wonderful Cowrie Restaurant, which serves buffet-style international cuisine; Cornus Restaurant, which specialises in Maldivian, Thai, Indian and Asian dishes; and Cornus Grill, where freshly grilled seafood perfectly complements the beautiful beachfront setting. There's also a fabulous lagoon bar on stilts above the water, and the stylish yet casual Conch Bar, set in a wooden pavilion with sandy floors, which serves a wide selection of snacks and drinks.

Facilities

A wide range of activities and excursions are on offer at the resort, with water sports such as kayaking and sailing high on the agenda. There's also a superb spa offering a range of Ayurvedic treatments. The real highlight here, however, is the marine life, with the chance to dive on pristine reefs, go snorkelling with the in-house marine biologist and visit the Marine Turtle Rescue Centre to see how the Oliver Ridley Project is helping to protect and rehabilitate the region's sea turtle population.