Made up of 26 atolls spanning 1,190 different islands (of these, less than a third are inhabited), the Maldives are like one giant jigsaw puzzle of sandbars and lagoons. An impressive number of marine species have made their homes in the surrounding reefs and, as a result, a Maldives vacation is particularly popular among scuba divers. The Maldives are where people come to experience island life at its most relaxed — and most beautiful. It is also home to a host of resorts catering to your every desire – from family-friendly resorts that boast endless activities and kids' clubs to an adults-only nirvana featuring private plunge pools, overwater villas, and romantic dinners on the beach. No matter what is the purpose of your trip, Maldives will pamper you in the best way possible.
Set in a ring of coral islands just north of Malé, Park Hotel Group's first luxury resort – Grand Park Kodhipparu – is a mere 20 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport. Kodhipparu brags a colourful reef for snorkelling and some great dive sites nearby, including wrecks. Designed by award-winning hospitality firm, Hirsch Bedner Associates, the resort showcases sophisticated architecture and contemporary exterior with Maldives' traditional influence of wood and rattan, inventive rustic appeal and inviting peaceful atmosphere. An oasis of tranquillity with its collection of beach and water villas, sophisticated dining venues, water sports, recreational spaces and overwater spa, Grand Park Kodhipparu, Maldives is perfect for any traveller.
Spacious villas, luxe-vibes
Most of the resort’s 120 villas stretch down long wooden jetties suspended over the sea. Choose from the ocean or the lagoon side, with or without private plunge pool. The Grand Residences (at the far end of jetties) come with two bedrooms, two bathrooms and ample living spaces – ideal for families or small groups. In addition, there are 18 villas along Kodhipparu’s north beach, each graced with private plunge pool. With floor-to-ceiling windows and glass sliding doors leading onto a deck, the villas are flooded with light and edged by the boundless sea. The interiors have a contemporary, boho-luxe vibe: white walls decked with hand-woven baskets and straw hats, sunny orange and sky-blue fabrics, artisan-painted wardrobes, polished tree-trunk tables and macramé curtains. The sleek en-suites have a free-standing bath, indoor and outdoor showers and sea views. Complimentary extras include flip-flops, sunhats, life jackets, an iron and board and twice-a-day cleaning.
Gourmet dining
The resort’s main restaurant, The Edge, is a contemporary, open-plan space overlooking the ocean. The breakfast and dinner buffets feature live cooking stations where chefs steam, fry, grill and sizzle a range of options: Asian seafood stir-fries, Arabic meze, Chinese noodles, Indian tandoori, and even English breakfast stalwarts like bacon, beans and eggs. For informal dining, trendy poolside bar-restaurant The Breeze serves drinks, snacks and à la carte dishes (salads, pasta, burgers, and Asian classics) against percussive fusion muzak. For a splurge, the resort’s more exclusive restaurant, FireDoor, offers refined European cuisine, including fish and meat cooked in a charcoal-fired Josper grill, inside an intimate over-water setting. There are also romantic destination dining options, such as breakfast with champagne on a sandbank, an afternoon picnic at a private beach, an intimate gourmet meal on beaches and sandbanks, or in your own villa.
Activities, rejuvenation, and other facilities
The Diving & Water Sports Centre offers PADI courses, excursions to dive sites, cruises on traditional Maldivian fishing boats, and various aquatic sports including banana boat riding, kayaking, windsurfing, jet- and water-skiing, catamaran trips and parasailing. There’s a coral reef for snorkelling to the north of the island and swimming areas to the south. One can splash around in the infinity pool, which comes with sunken sunbeds for water-drenched lounging. Little Explorers Kids Club offers a spacious recreation area for young ones, filled with engaging activities, games and entertainment. Babysitting service is available upon request for children from 3 to 12 years old. If you enjoy reading, browse through the collections of book about marine life, islands and the sea with illustrated editions on wildlife, lifestyle and luxury living, curated specially for the resort by Ultimate Library. There’s a beach club and fitness centre, while the over-water spa pampers guests with Balinese or Ayurvedic treatments, massages, wellness experiences and yoga. Next time you plan your holiday in the Maldives, check-out Grand Park Kodhipparu, Maldives and enjoy sophisticated facilities and personalized services during your stay.