The Maldives took home plenty of silverware at the South Asian Travel Awards 2026, and one island resort stood out with a double win. Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu, part of the Coco Collection group, picked up two honours: General Manager Siraj Ali Waseem was named South Asia's Best GM – Maldives, while the resort itself took Silver in the Leading Eco-Friendly Resort category.

For travellers, the sustainability prize is the more interesting half of the story. Dhuni Kolhu sits inside the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, one of the Maldives' richest marine environments, and the resort has built its operations around that setting. Much of the produce served in its restaurants comes from its own Coco Farm, and the island runs ongoing marine conservation programmes alongside everyday measures to reduce its footprint.

Its flagship project is a long-running partnership with the Olive Ridley Project, which marks its tenth anniversary in 2026. The resort hosts the Marine Turtle Rescue Centre, where injured turtles — often entangled in ghost fishing nets — receive specialist treatment and rehabilitation before being released. Guests can visit the centre, join educational sessions and learn how the rescue work fits into the wider health of the reef. It's a rare chance to see hands-on conservation up close rather than reading about it on a sign by the beach.

The leadership award, meanwhile, reflects what guests tend to notice most on a small island: the team. Siraj has built his approach around staff development and personalised service, and his win is essentially a nod to the people who greet you at the jetty, run your dive boat and remember how you take your coffee.

Some context on the awards themselves: the South Asian Travel Awards were established in 2016 and have just held their tenth edition, covering hospitality businesses across six countries — the Maldives, Sri Lanka, India, Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh. This year's event also saw Sun Travels named Best Inbound Travel Agency for its tech-driven B2B booking platform, while Fushifaru Maldives and The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli ranked No. 4 and No. 2 respectively in the Condé Nast Traveler US Readers' Choice Awards for the Indian Ocean — a strong showing for the destination overall.

If you're weighing up the Maldives and sustainability is more than a box-tick for you, Dhuni Kolhu is worth a look. It suits couples and divers as much as families who want their kids to come home knowing what a ghost net is and why it matters. The resort is currently promoting its Sun and Fun package, with details via the Coco Collection website. Baa Atoll also puts you within easy reach of Hanifaru Bay, where manta rays and whale sharks gather seasonally — pair a stay here with a snorkel trip and you'll understand why this atoll earned UNESCO status in the first place.

Maldives Insider