A quarter-century of island magic: The lifelong love affair of Mike and Janice Cook

The story of Mike and Janice Cook’s relationship with the Maldives is a rare tale where a single travel brochure, kept by the side of their bed for twelve months, led to a lifelong odyssey of devotion. What began as a dream for Janice’s 40th birthday in the year 2000 has evolved into a remarkable legacy of visits to the archipelago. For Mike and Janice, that first glimpse from a seaplane of the crescent shaped island of Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu was the moment a brochure shot became a dream come true. Mike vividly recalls the stunningly white sand and the blue sea, noting they had never seen anything like it.

During their early years, the couple fell madly in love with the authentic spirit of the resort, physically rooting their connection in 2002 by planting their first coconut palm in their villa garden. Over the subsequent twenty six years, they have witnessed the intimate cycles of island life, from Green sea turtles laying eggs to the magic of baby hatchlings crawling toward the lagoon. Janice beautifully personifies the island’s enduring charm, noting that while the resort may be a little older now, she still sparkles and glitters whenever the sun comes out.

One of their most cherished highlights is the deserted island of Embudhoo, which belongs to Coco Palm. Mike describes it as a place of untouched beauty where the Robinson Crusoe feel still exists 25 years later. It was the site of their 20th wedding anniversary blessing and remains a place of starlit adventures where they have enjoyed countless private barbecues and picnics. Mike believes a visit to this island is essential, stating that a desert island picnic or a dinner under the stars should be mandatory for any first trip to the resort.

Mike and Janice have become such a staple of the island family that they remain the only guests to have a signature cocktail created in their honor. Developed by former General Manager Philippe F. Frugère to celebrate their loyalty, the Magic Moments cocktail, a blend of melon liqueur, vodka, and lime, is a permanent tribute to their decades of sandbank serenades and starlit adventures. This name was inspired by the resort's own ‘uniquely Coco’ philosophy of creating magic for its guests.

While the Maldives has transformed since their first arrival at the little shack airport where travelers famously crossed the runway via traffic lights, Mike and Janice’s love for the islands remains unchanged. The resort’s enduring charm is a testament to a succession of leaders who have fiercely protected its soul, following in the footsteps of his predecessors, General Manager Siraj Waseem continues this legacy of ensuring the property remains an island sanctuary rather than a concrete jungle of endless water villas. This commitment is evident in the large trees that tower over the walking paths which meander through the island’s center, some of which have remained untouched since the inception of the property.  For Mike and Janice, the genuine hospitality of long term associates makes the island feel like a true home with all of life’s luxuries. They look forward to being greeted by Raj, a familiar and friendly face at the Conch Bar who meets them at their favorite morning spot near the beach. Central to their experience is Raazi, the Coco Ambassador who has been part of the family for over 22 years. Having dined at Cornus restaurant many times, they always look forward to a chat with Razi, who understands Mike and Janice like no one else.

Reflecting on their last visit in December 2025, Mike and Janice’s advice to new visitors is to open your heart, enjoy walking barefoot in the sand, and, most importantly, leave your mobile phone behind. As they departed, their next trips for January and March 2026 were already secured, proving that the magic of their dream destination only grows stronger with time.