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Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives witnesses first turtle nesting event
Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives has witnessed the very first sea turtle nesting event at the resort.
In the wee hours of Thursday, Grand Park Kodhipparu was visited by a very special guest; a female Hawksbill turtle looking for a suitable nesting site to lay her eggs.
After the turtle had left the resort’s beach, the nest was promptly secured with a protective fence and a sign was placed close by to remind all to not disturb the nesting ground.
Hawksbill turtles are located worldwide and are easily distinguished from other sea turtles by their sharp curving beak and serrated edge to the rear of their shell.
Like all sea turtles, they spend the first 20 or so years of their life in the open ocean feeding predominantly on jellyfish. Therefore, when they come to live in coral reef habitat, they change their diet and start feeding on sponges, algae, coral, and small crustaceans instead.
Hawksbill turtles play a key role in the coral reef ecosystem. There are few animals that eat the fast-growing sponges due to the toxins in their tissue; therefore they allow coral and other species to colonise and grow in the gaps they create. This maintains diversity throughout the reef ecosystem.
Hawksbill turtles are listed as Critically Endangered in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. This is partly due to their shell being used for thousands of years for decoration purposes, but in the 1900s their population was estimated to drop by 80 per cent.
As air breathing reptiles, turtles are at great risk of drowning in fishing gear. In addition to this, with jellyfish as their main food source in the open ocean, plastic pollution is a major problem.
In the present day, they are protected by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) but much is still needed to conserve populations.
Hawksbill turtles reach sexual maturity at around 30 years of age and lays an average of 160 eggs in each nest that take about 60 days to hatch.
Interestingly, every two to three years, female Hawksbill turtles return to the same location on the very same beaches where they themselves hatched, to lay their own eggs.
A female doesn’t reproduce every year, but will make two to five nests every two to four years, making it extra special for Grand Park Kodhipparu to be a sanctuary for a new generation of Hawksbill turtles in the North Male Atoll.
“We look forward to welcoming our first sea turtle hatchlings by the end of June at Grand Park Kodhipparu, Maldives. This event rewards the extraordinary efforts of our green team members who are daily processing environmental activities, keeping our reefs and shores safe and clean, as well promoting sustainable educational modules to both guests and staff,” Raffaele Solferino, General Manager of Grand Park Kodhipparu, was quoted in a statement, as saying.
Located in North Male Atoll and a 25-minute speedboat ride away from the main Velana International Airport, Grand Park Kodhipparu features a collection of 120 villas, including idyllic beachfront pool villas, breathtaking overwater villas and palatial two-bedroom villas. Sixty-five of the 120 villas come with their own private pools and the five two-bedroom suites feature extensive private terraces.
Designed by world-renowned hospitality design firm Hirsch Bedner Associates, the resort showcases sophisticated architecture, state-of-the-art interior, high ceiling of palm fringed roof, and contemporary exterior with Maldives’ traditional influence of wood and rattan, inventive rustic appeal and inviting peaceful atmosphere. Neutral tones, natural fundamentals and spacious social settings balance the unrivalled beauty of the cobalt sea and tranquility.
Grand Park Kodhipparu offers three restaurants and a pool bar, including the overwater Edge restaurant, which offers a wide selection of international culinary creations, Breeze poolside restaurant and bar, which serves lunch and light bites throughout the day followed by inventive cocktails and fine wines in the night, and the FireDOOR speciality restaurant, which offers grilled meats and fish coupled with the finest wines.
Recreational facilities at the resort include an outdoor swimming pool, gymnasium, sunrise yoga deck, wellness centre with spa and salon treatments, water sports and dive centre, children’s activity centre, and specialty shops.
Hard Rock Hotel Maldives has once again achieved Green Globe Certification, reaffirming its commitment to sustainability as an integral part of its operations. Rather than serving as a mere statement, sustainability at the resort is woven into every aspect of the guest experience, internal decision-making, and long-term strategy. The certification follows a comprehensive, independent audit evaluating the resort’s performance against more than 380 stringent compliance indicators — a demanding benchmark that the resort successfully met.
Significant strides have been made in reducing the property’s carbon footprint without compromising comfort or quality. Energy consumption is managed through the implementation of smart room controls and occupancy sensors, while 99 percent of lighting throughout the property utilizes high-efficiency LED technology. Hot water is supplied by a generator-powered heat exchanger system, complemented by steam-powered laundry machines and energy-efficient appliances in kitchens, guest rooms, and staff facilities. Digital systems have replaced paper-intensive processes, and a Green IT policy ensures all computers are powered down when not in use — reflecting the brand’s dedication to mindful, sustainable operations.
Water conservation remains a central focus of the resort’s environmental efforts. Operating independently from public water systems, the resort employs a sophisticated treatment plant that purifies seawater for use throughout the property. Efficiency is further enhanced by dual-flush toilets, low-flow fixtures, greywater recycling systems, and real-time monitoring technology. Preventative maintenance and regular checks help minimise waste before it occurs.
Situated in one of the world’s most climate-vulnerable regions, the resort embraces proactive environmental action as essential. Electric buggies reduce carbon emissions on the island, while local sourcing practices lower transportation-related impacts and support nearby communities. A green procurement policy and ongoing staff training ensure that all departments align with the resort’s long-term sustainability objectives.
Marine conservation plays a prominent role at the resort’s Marine Discovery Centre, where initiatives such as coral propagation, guided snorkelling tours, and educational reef programs encourage guest participation in ocean protection efforts. A collaboration with Parley for the Oceans ensures that plastic waste is recycled and that marine ecosystems remain safeguarded for future generations.
Sustainability is seamlessly integrated into the guest experience at Hard Rock Hotel Maldives. From the visible to the behind-the-scenes, it shapes every detail of a stay. The Maldives Discovery Centre offers visitors insights into local culture through exhibits, artisan displays, and live performances that celebrate Maldivian heritage. Interactive workshops with local craftspeople and educational exhibitions on maritime trade routes provide guests with a rich, immersive understanding of the destination—highlighting the connection between community, culture, and conservation.
This Green Globe recertification is not viewed as a conclusion but as part of a continuous journey. It reflects an enduring commitment to protecting the environment while delivering the unique rhythm, flavour, and hospitality that define the Hard Rock Hotel Maldives experience. Here, sustainability takes center stage as part of the headline act.
This Eid al-Adha, Alila Kothaifaru Maldives invites discerning travellers to experience an enchanting celebration set against the spellbinding beauty of the Maldives—a private island paradise where refined luxury harmonises with vibrant tradition.
On Sunday, 8 June, the resort will host a thoughtfully curated programme of festivities that honour the spirit of Eid. Guests will be taken on an immersive cultural journey featuring the rhythmic beats of live Boduberu drumming and a captivating Badhiya dance performance, offering a celebration of Maldivian heritage and spirit. Younger visitors can look forward to a lively schedule of children’s activities designed to spark joy and creativity in an inspiring island setting.
As the sun sets, the celebration continues with a cocktail party on the beach, where the golden hues of dusk are paired with live local music and specially crafted cocktails. This relaxed gathering invites guests to savour the island’s warm ambiance as day gives way to night.
Later in the evening, the resort’s signature Seasalt restaurant will present an indulgent Eid Special Buffet. Curated by the resort’s expert culinary team, the buffet showcases a fusion of Maldivian and Arabic gastronomy, featuring aromatic Arabic grills, traditional mezze, and beloved Maldivian classics—all prepared with fresh local ingredients and a contemporary twist.
In celebration of the occasion, Alila Kothaifaru Maldives is offering exclusive holiday savings through its Summer Getaway offer. This includes daily breakfast and dinner, 20% off spa treatments and dining experiences, as well as roundtrip seaplane transfers. Guests will also have access to a curated selection of complimentary scheduled weekly activities, providing a deeper connection to the natural beauty and cultural richness of the Maldives.
Whether in search of peaceful relaxation, quality family time, or meaningful cultural discovery, Eid at Alila Kothaifaru Maldives promises an unforgettable celebration in every sense.
Sirru Fen Fushi – Private Lagoon Resort, a secluded sanctuary nestled in the pristine Shaviyani Atoll of the Maldives, has been recognised in the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards 2025. This prestigious accolade places the resort among the top 10% of listings worldwide on Tripadvisor, honouring its consistent delivery of exceptional guest experiences.
Tripadvisor, the world’s largest travel guidance platform, bases this award on genuine feedback from travellers who share authentic, first-hand reviews over a 12-month period. The Travelllers’ Choice designation is widely regarded as a trustworthy indicator of quality and excellence in the global travel industry.
The year 2025 has proven to be a milestone for Sirru Fen Fushi, with numerous nominations and certifications reinforcing its standing in the global hospitality arena. These include:
- Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards 2025 – Top 10% of hospitality businesses globally
- LQA (Leading Quality Assurance) Certified – Recognising adherence to the highest standards of luxury service and operations
- Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards 2025 – Nominated
- Condé Nast Traveller India Readers’ Choice Awards 2025 – Nominated
- Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards 2025 – Nominated
- Green Globe™ Certified – Commending sustainable and eco-conscious practices
These accolades underscore the resort’s commitment to delivering exceptional service, curating immersive guest experiences, demonstrating sustainability leadership, and showcasing authentic Maldivian culture.
Lukasz Prendke, General Manager of Sirru Fen Fushi, expressed gratitude for the global recognition, noting that each nomination and award is a testament to the team’s dedication, creativity, and meticulous attention to detail. He acknowledged the continued trust and support of guests and the international community as key to the resort’s ongoing success.
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