Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives Is A Small-But-Mighty Tropical Island Waiting To Be Discovered | The Escape
Flawless hospitality on a luxurious five-star private island awaits…
A sun-drenched island with slow-luxury at its core, Nina Catt discovers the allure of Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives’ soul-soothing pleasures. Spoiler alert: once you check in you won’t want to check out.
The illustrious Maldives. Eye-piercing Tiffany-Blue lagoons; palm-fringed white- sandy beaches; candle-lit culinary experiences for two; dolphin-watching cruises at sunset. The list goes on. It’s no wonder the iconic atoll-strewn island nation attracts honeymooners in droves, securing its picture-perfect playground a spot on the bucket lists of newlyweds, almost as a rite of passage.
Located nearby mainland Malé, Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives is a small-but-mighty tropical island waiting to be discovered. Getting to the resort is an effortless 20-minute speedboat ride, and upon being gleefully greeted by a ceremonious welcome committee, the profound sense of first-class personalised service continues in spades. Not to mention the feeling of complete and utter relaxation that ensues when stepping onto the arrival jetty, cool drink in hand. It is here, in the North Malé Atoll, that paradise truly reveals itself.
A standout for sustainability initiatives, the free-spirited island boasts a dedicated Green Team to oversee and implement mindful practices, including a high-tech solar-powered system to harness solar energy to reduce carbon emissions, and the cultivation of its own herb and vegetable garden, which creates an abundance of produce that is used at the resort’s restaurants, organically farmed at the heart of the island’s luscious landscape.
The resort has also eliminated plastic bottles by installing its own drinking water plant, and switched to reusable glass. Underwater, a coral restoration program is afoot under the watchful eye of the resident marine biologist.
Speaking of water, dining on the island is best enjoyed in or beside a pool or the ocean. This is easily achieved thanks to three restaurants designed with marine life watching in mind, and several private dining experiences curated with romance as their muse.
Highlights include beachfront Breeze Poolside Dining & Bar, with its blissed-out beats, Mediterranean-inspired menu and inventive bartenders, and Firedoor, serving up a gastronomic feast in sophisticated surroundings, set on stilts with an impressive show kitchen.
Just when you thought your honeymoon experience couldn’t possibly deliver any more ‘wow’ moments, a floating breakfast served in your swimming pool, or a private dinner under the stars complete with personal chef and bespoke menu, will ensure a once-in-a-lifetime experience at the hands of distinguished Chef, Vincenzo Emma.
Whether you wish to spend your days basking in the sun on the deck of an overwater villa, or surrounded by the seclusion of a lush tropical garden with direct beach access, the resort is home to 120 luxurious abodes, each characterised by Maldivian-influenced décor, in a blissfully neutral colour palette.
There is of course, plenty to do when you stray from your luxurious accommodation, from guided reef snorkelling tours and speciality diving adventures, to sailing lessons and watersports galore. For those looking to reach heightened levels of zen, hatha and aerial yoga overlooking the turquoise lagoon should hit the spot.
And of course, what would paradise be without an award-winning spa? Set over the water offering a wide selection of holistic treatments designed to bring a sense of calm to the mind, body and spirit, opt for the signature tranquillity treatment.
There are resorts that claim to treat guests as family and there are those that truly make guests feel like a part of the home team. Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives is the latter, with its flawlessly warm Maldivian charm coupled with a luxe boutique-vibe that’s often lost on larger islands.
Here, it is all about the experience – and an impeccable experience is exactly what you’ll receive.
Villas from Dhs2,600 per night including breakfast and speedboat transfers; Parkhotelgroup.com
Images courtesy of Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives