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Raffaele Solferino on offering ‘Loving Hospitality’ at brand new Grand Park Kodhipparu

Published

8 years ago

December 14, 2017

When it comes to the Maldives tourism and hospitality industry, almost everything is in abundance. With the rapid expansion the industry has had in the recent years, there is an abundance of supply, abundance of world-class facilities and services, abundance of natural beauty, and certainly an abundance of global brands. It is almost impossible to see a major brand without any presence in the idyllic beach destination.

The latest international brand to enter the Maldives market is Park Hotel Group, Singapore’s premier hospitality company. Established in 1961, the company has grown from its first hotel in Hong Kong to its current portfolio of 16 properties across eight countries and 11 cities, with the latest being the Grand Park Kodhipparu in the Maldives.

As Park Hotel Group expands its portfolio with the official opening last week of its first property in the Maldives, Maldives Insider speaks to Raffaele Solferino, the General Manager at Grand Park Kodhipparu, about the new resort and extending the brand’s service philosophy of providing ‘Loving Hospitality’ to all guests, partners and associates.

Honorary Chairman of Chip Eng Seng Group Lim Tiam Seng sounds the gong at the grand opening ceremony of Grand Park Kodhipparu on Sunday. PHOTO/ KODHIPPARU

Maldives Insider: Can you tell us a little bit about your experience in the industry?

Raffaele Solferino: I started in one of the most exclusive and luxurious tourist places in Capri, Italy.

In 1996, I moved to Middle East where I spent nine years working in different managerial positions with Starwood Middle East, in locations, including Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Bahrain and Beirut.

I moved back to Europe in 2004, and served as the Vice President and Director of Operations at Domina Hotel Group in Italy. After that I was the in-project management of Palmerston Hotels and Resorts, followed by the next position as General Manager in Sardinia until the end of 2009.

I discovered the Maldives in 2010, and managed the first resort, Coco Palm Dhuni Kohlu for two years before taking over the management of all three resorts under the Coco Collection brand. The next venture took me to Azerbaijan for a year, before I was offered the General Manager post at Grand Aston Bali Beach Resort. Importantly, I’m now back in this wonderful destination.

The Beach Pool Villas at Grand Park Kodhipparu. PHOTO/ KODHIPPARU

MI: What are the key features of Grand Park Kodhipparu, Maldives?

RS: Grand Park Kodhipparu, Maldives enjoys a superior location, just 20 minutes away from the airport by speedboat.

The resort features a collection of 120 villas, comprising idyllic beachfront villas and breathtaking overwater villas. Out of the 120 villas, 18 are on land and the rest are overwater. Sixty-five of the villas come with their own private pools and the five two-bedroom residences, which are also overwater, feature extensive private terraces. In the Maldives, where one can bask in stunning unblocked views of the ocean or slip into its crystal-clear waters to explore house reef, water villas are very popular, and in many resorts in the Maldives they are a premium category. At Grand Park Kodhipparu, Maldives, we have the water villa as our lead-in category.

The two-bedroom Grand Residence at Grand Park Kodhipparu. PHOTO/ KODHIPPARU

In addition, the resort offers three restaurants and a pool bar, including the overwater Edge restaurant, which offers a wide selection of international culinary creations and fresh live cooking stations. Breeze poolside restaurant and bar serves lunch and light bites throughout the day, followed by inventive cocktails and fine wines in the night. The FireDOOR speciality restaurant is one of the few restaurants in the Maldives that offers contemporary fine-dining cuisine prepared by a culinary team trained in Michelin star restaurants using an impressive Josper grill and sous vide cooking.

The Breeze poolside restaurant and bar at Grand Park Kodhipparu. PHOTO/ KODHIPPARU

The recreational facilities that we offer are diverse: an outdoor infinity swimming pool, which is one of the largest in the Maldives with spectacular ocean views, a gymnasium, sunrise yoga deck, a wellness centre with world-renowned spa and salon treatments, a water sports and dive centre, and a children’s activity centre. The list of activities and experiences is also endless, from cooking classes to introductory spa classes.

MI: What sets Grand Park Kodhipparu, Maldives apart from others in the Maldives?

RS: For us, it is about location. Within this atoll near Male, we are the latest five-star luxury resort, and just 20 minutes by speedboat away from the international airport, allowing guests to save time getting to paradise.

There was also a lot of thought put behind the design of the resort; we want to provide a sense of place for our guests and had worked closely with Hirsch Bedner Associates to select materials and furnishings that are inspired by the Maldivian island life and its local traditions and crafts. Whether it’s the villas, restaurants, spa or public spaces, each of the location has been designed to make the most of its stunning surroundings, and in overall, we have created a tranquil and inviting sanctuary that exudes chic, comfort and authenticity.

The infinity pool at Grand Park Kodhipparu. PHOTO/ KODHIPPARU

Beyond this, as this is a one-island-one-resort destination with the guests on the island 24/7, there is a lot of interaction between our guests and team members. Hence, the quality of service provided at every service touchpoint is critical. Being part of the award-winning Park Hotel Group, we believe in the service philosophy of providing ‘Loving Hospitality’ by creating unique and memorable experiences that bring joy to our guests. To this end, our lifestyle hosts are fluent in close to 10 different languages so as to cater to the needs of our global guests. Our amenities and collateral have also been thoughtfully sourced and designed.

More than just an unforgettable experience, we hope our guests can also take away from their stay a deeper understanding and appreciation of the destination and local culture.

Private beach dining at Grand Park Kodhipparu. PHOTO/ KODHIPPARU

MI: What are the target source markets?

RS: Maldives has always been a popular destination amongst Asian and European travellers, and this is reflected in our guest demographics since our soft opening in June. While China remains a dominant market, we are seeing growth from other countries such as Malaysia, Japan and Korea, which mirror the overall tourism numbers. As for Europe, UK, Germany, Italy and France have always been the traditional source markets. We have also hosted many guests from Thailand and the Middle East in the last six months, which we believe will continue to increase in the future.

MI: What was the initial feedback from the market as well as the guests?

RS: To date, we had received wonderful feedback from our guests, tour operators and business partners. You may have read some of them on review sites such as TripAdvisor that talk about our impeccable services, stunning resort interiors, the nature around the island and snorkelling around their villa. These reviews have confirmed that we are moving in the right direction, and have provided us with further impetus to work harder and do better to ensure we exceed expectations with every stay.

We are entering the peak season very soon, and are very excited to welcome more guests to Grand Park Kodhipparu, Maldives.

In-villa breakfast experience at Grand Park Kodhipparu. PHOTO/ KODHIPPARU

MI: What are the plans for the future?

RS: With a brand-new resort, our focus is on the guest experience. Our guests are on the island throughout the stay and it is important that we continually refresh and provide a variety of experiences to fill their time.

Upcoming plans include collaborations with our partners and other hotels in the group to introduce guest chef programmes. In addition, Breeze has an intimate wine cellar that houses more than 135 labels from around the world and this is definitely a great opportunity to organise exclusive wine pairing events with international sommeliers. Also in the works are plans to launch an array of health and wellness packages together with spa journey and meditation activities for the body, mind and soul.

A treatment room of the spa at Grand Park Kodhipparu. PHOTO/ KODHIPPARU

MI: How do you see the competition, especially with the new resort developments taking place in and around the greater Male region?

RS: We are the last one to open in the Male region. As far as I know, there aren’t any plans to open up a resort in this region at least in the next two years. All the other developments are in outer atolls, which require guests to get there via a seaplane or domestic flight.

While we may have an advantage over location and enjoys proximity from the airport, a resort’s concept and offerings are also important booking considerations. I am confident that the beautiful villas, wide-ranging facilities and world-class experiences at Grand Park Kodhipparu, Maldives will stand us in good stead amidst the competition and provide an exceptional experience to all guests.

Related Topics:Grand Park Kodhipparu Interview Park Hotel Group

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From wellness to culture: Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts embodies new era of Maldivian travel

Published

6 days ago

October 23, 2025

m@ldives

The Maldives continues to strengthen its position as one of the world’s premier island destinations, achieving global acclaim while maintaining steady growth in visitor arrivals. The country was recently named Best Beach Destination at the World Tourism Awards 2025 in Brussels and ranked among the Top Ten Countries for Food in the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards 2025.

According to the Ministry of Tourism, the Maldives recorded over 1.7 million tourist arrivals as of 21 October 2025 — a 10% year-on-year increase. The destination is on course to meet its ambitious target of 2.3 million arrivals by year-end, with the final quarter expected to bring the highest influx of visitors as the nation enters its peak travel season.

Sustained demand from key markets including India, China, Russia, and the United Kingdom, alongside rising interest from the Middle East and Europe, continues to fuel this growth. The trend reflects a broader global shift towards experience-led travel, where visitors seek meaningful, immersive stays rather than conventional leisure holidays.

As arrival numbers climb, the focus within the Maldives tourism industry is evolving from volume to value. Hospitality brands are responding by offering experiences that highlight authenticity, sustainability, and cultural engagement. Among them, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts — which operates four properties across the Maldives — is redefining the concept of island travel through wellness, cuisine, and culture.

The brand’s approach extends beyond accommodation, curating distinctive experiences that deepen the guest journey. From spa rituals rooted in Asian wellness traditions at Mandara Spa and Chavana Spa to private beachfront dinners celebrating the region’s rich culinary heritage, each stay is designed to be both restorative and enriching. Guests who book directly also receive exclusive credits and tailored experiences, reinforcing the Maldives’ growing appeal as a destination for conscious and immersive travel.

This direction mirrors the Maldives’ evolving tourism strategy, which prioritises authenticity and quality over volume. As the nation edges closer to another record-breaking year, its success lies not only in the number of arrivals but in its ability to offer enduring, high-calibre experiences — a vision shared by Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts as it continues to shape the future of island hospitality across the region.

Featured

Centara Maldives unveils bespoke National Day escapes for UAE holidaymakers

Published

6 days ago

October 23, 2025

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As one of the most notable occasions in the GCC calendar, UAE National Day presents the perfect opportunity to plan a dream island getaway at one of Centara Hotels & Resorts’ Maldivian destinations. Travellers can discover their own piece of paradise across four distinctive properties: Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives, Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives, Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa Maldives, and Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa Maldives, The Centara Collection. Each resort offers a seamless blend of elegance, comfort, island activities, and rejuvenating spa experiences — the ideal way to celebrate the spirit of the occasion with a tropical touch.

Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives

Located a short speedboat ride from Malé International Airport, Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives provides an elegant island retreat ideal for celebrating special moments with family and friends. The resort features a range of overwater villas and beachfront residences, each complete with a private pool, jacuzzi, or both — offering guests an opportunity to truly unwind and disconnect from the outside world.

Set within The Atollia by Centara Hotels & Resorts, the resort offers an array of experiences, from exciting water sports and excursions to restorative wellness treatments at the tranquil SPA Cenvaree Retreat. Dining choices include international buffets at The Gallery, modern Mediterranean flavours at Bluefin, and light bites at Coco Drift’s swim-up bar. Guests can also toast to the occasion with a refreshing drink at Sunset Social.

In celebration of UAE National Day, Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives invites guests to reconnect with loved ones through an exclusive stay package. Guests booking before 15 December for stays until 20 December can enjoy four nights for the price of three or seven nights for the price of five, with complimentary round-trip transfers included.

Additional benefits include:

Upgrade to the Half Board Plus meal plan when booking a Room with Breakfast
Club access
Complimentary sparkling beverage at Sunset Social on the first evening
One complimentary couples’ treatment at SPA Cenvaree Retreat
A 15% discount and triple points for CentaraThe1 members

Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives

Nestled in the scenic North Malé Atoll, Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives offers a vibrant, underwater world-themed escape perfect for families. The resort combines play and relaxation through its lazy river, splash zones, and water playgrounds, alongside the acclaimed SPA Cenvaree, a Candy Spa for children, and a lively kids’ club. Accommodation includes oceanfront and overwater villas, complemented by diverse dining experiences.

Families can enjoy the ultimate island holiday where children stay, play, and dine for free on all stays before 15 December. Perfect for the UAE National Day long weekend, the offer includes:

Special room rates
Complimentary round-trip speedboat transfers
Free stays and meals for up to two children aged 11 and under
A 15% discount and triple points for CentaraThe1 members

Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa Maldives

For couples and solo travellers seeking tranquillity, Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa Maldives offers an adults-only sanctuary designed for relaxation and connection. Guests can wake to panoramic sea views from oceanfront or overwater villas with direct lagoon access. The resort features world-class dining, a yoga pavilion, award-winning SPA Cenvaree, and water sports including windsurfing, parasailing, and snorkelling.

To mark UAE National Day, guests can take advantage of 30% off all villas (and 45% off for CentaraThe1 members), along with 50% off transfers for stays of two to four nights. The package also includes:

Sparkling beverage and fresh fruit upon arrival in overwater villas
A three-course poolside dinner under the stars for Half Board Plus guests and above
Buy-one-get-one-free spa treatments
20% discount on food and beverages
10% off water sports and excursions
Complimentary snorkelling and kayaking equipment

Bookings and stays are valid until 10 January 2026.

Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa Maldives, The Centara Collection

Set amidst breathtaking ocean views and a UNESCO-protected marine reserve, Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa Maldives, The Centara Collection caters to adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts alike. Home to an award-winning house reef and several renowned dive sites, guests can spend their days exploring coral reefs or discovering a historic shipwreck, followed by spa treatments and gourmet dining.

Guests can enjoy 45% off flexible rates for CentaraThe1 members and 30% off for non-members, along with 30% off seaplane transfers for stays of two to six nights until 10 January 2026.

The offer includes:

Handmade chocolates and tropical fruit upon arrival in overwater or pool villas
A complimentary picnic lunch for families or a private beach dinner for couples (Half Board Plus and above)
Buy-one-get-one-free spa treatments
Complimentary stays and meals for children aged six and under
20% discount on à la carte dining and floating breakfasts (Club Pool Villas only)
10% discount on water sports and excursions
Complimentary snorkelling gear and kayak use

For more information or reservations, guests can visit Centara Hotels & Resorts and explore exclusive UAE National Day offers available across all Maldivian properties.

Featured

Holistic journeys at One&Only Reethi Rah: Year of global wellness expertise

Published

1 week ago

October 22, 2025

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One&Only Reethi Rah invites guests to continue their wellness journey at the renowned One&Only Spa, which has recently received a prestigious five-star rating from the Forbes Travel Guide — the first and only spa in the Maldives to earn this recognition. Surrounded by tropical greenery, the spa offers a tranquil retreat where ancient healing practices meet modern techniques, providing tailored treatments that promote lasting wellbeing.

Throughout the year, One&Only Reethi Rah has hosted leading international wellness practitioners, and the remainder of 2025 will feature an inspiring series of experiences guided by acclaimed experts. From holistic therapies and Ayurveda to Pilates, yoga, Barre, and CrossFit, each visiting specialist brings unique expertise and methodology to the island, delivering highly personalised sessions designed around each guest’s individual needs.

Beginning in October, Ayurveda specialist Dr Shreejit Ghadigaonkar will offer personalised consultations and treatments based on one of the world’s oldest healing systems, using herbal remedies, massage, and holistic therapies to restore balance. During the same period, Shannon Fenton, a Pilates and yoga instructor, will lead mindful movement sessions to enhance posture, body awareness, and overall wellbeing.

In November, bespoke fitness coach Nicky Holender will introduce tailored programmes focused on strength, endurance, and motivation, while holistic therapist Darya Gudkova will offer deeply restorative treatments combining Eastern traditions with a contemporary understanding of anatomy and psychology.

The season will continue into December and January with Sanam Heravi, a STOTT-certified Barre specialist, whose sessions use intelligent movement to support rehabilitation and life transitions. Guests seeking high-intensity training will be able to train with Zubaid Toefy, a CrossFit coach with a background in Muay Thai and Olympic weightlifting, known for his dynamic and disciplined approach.

Each visiting practitioner contributes distinct expertise to the spa’s offerings, enabling guests to explore individual paths towards vitality, clarity, and inner balance

Whether guests are beginning a new wellness journey or deepening established rituals, the One&Only Spa provides a setting for intentional transformation. From sunrise yoga sessions to deeply restorative treatments, every moment is designed to strengthen the connection between mind, body, and nature within the serene environment of the Maldives.

For guests seeking advanced skincare, the spa also presents a curated selection of facial treatments that combine cutting-edge technology with high-performance formulations. Through partnerships with globally renowned brands such as Augustinus Bader, the spa offers rejuvenating therapies that leave the skin feeling nourished, firm, and radiant.