Featured
Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives: Guarding its precious island treasure
Grand Park Kodhipparu, Maldives is Park Hotel Group’s first luxury resort nestled in North Male Atoll, Maldives. The resort island is part of a sensitive coral reef ecosystem with an abundance of marine life – including nationally protected species such as corals, turtles, sharks, dolphins, and lobsters. The terrestrial island ecosystem also includes protected fauna such as several bird species.
Grand Park Kodhipparu, Maldives is committed to achieving environmental and socio-cultural sustainability. Recently recertified by Green Globe for its second year the resort aims to be a Sustainability Champion in the future by seeking to be a leader in sustainable and responsible tourism.
Raffaele Solferino, General Manager Grand Park Kodhipparu, Maldives says, “Receiving Green Globe certification has been extremely encouraging for the team as we continue our journey towards operating more sustainably. I am very proud of the entire Green Team and the leaders around me, my job was only to inspire them, and support them in their initiatives and practices. Overall, it was a team effort.”
“The recognition has also been important for all stakeholders involved, including the Maldives as a destination. I hope that our achievement can serve as an example to other resorts to invest in sustainable tourism and encourage their own environmentally friendly practices,.”
The resort’s Green Team has the responsibility and skills to ensure effective ongoing environmental and sociocultural measures are in place and performance monitored. In addition, Grand Park Kodhipparu employs a Sustainability Manager who engages guests and staff on the resort’s natural ecosystems and carries out underwater conservation and restoration of the surrounding coral reef ecosystem.
In the first two years of its Green Globe certification, Grand Park Kodhipparu, Maldives has achieved an enviable collection of environmental and social achievements, which can be found at their dedicated sustainability web page.
Just over a year ago on Earth Day 2021, the resort launched its solar power system which produces 478,080 Kwh of clean energy annually. This initiative has significantly reduced the island resort’s carbon emissions, saving up to 150,000 litres of diesel fuel and approximately 172 tons of CO2e
On a small island surrounded by ocean, water management is also a priority and Grand Park Kodhipparu has installed an on-site bottling plant to provide drinking water in glass bottles to team members and guests. Drinking water is sourced via the island’s desalination plant and so far 150,000 litres of have been served without plastic. This initiative has also brought an economic benefit, saving USD $29,000 by not purchasing single use plastic bottles; approximately 10,000 plastic bottles per month.
Grand Park Kodhipparu, Maldives places importance in creating a culture of belonging, embracing diversity and building an environment where all team members feel welcome, respected and given the opportunity to grow to their fullest potential.
The resort team consist of members from 20 countries, including the Maldives, Asia (East Asia, Southeast Asia, South Asia), Europe and Africa. Local hire is a priority, bringing economic advantages to Maldivians who make up the majority of staff, at 52% of all employees. The female workforce in the Maldives is recorded to be 20.2% (based on World Bank data, 2021.) The resort’s female team members account of 12% of the total out of which, 5 team members are holding managerial positions.
Grand Park Kodhipparu’s Green Team are responsible for implementing the resort’s Sustainability Management Plan through a variety of hand-on actions. International Environmental Awareness Days such as Earth Hour, Earth Day, World Environment and World Oceans Day are celebrated with activities such as tree-planting and reef cleaning. An estimated 100kg of litter have been removed in reef-cleaning and island cleaning activities so far.
Since its opening in 2017, the resort has established several coral gardening projects, where coral pieces from the House Reef are attached to purposely built underwater structures. One of the first sights guests see when arriving at the resort is an artificial reef installed below the reception deck, which attracts marine life including many juvenile reef fish species.
The goal of the resort’s Coral Reef Restoration program is to regrow corals in areas where populations have diminished or been lost. This is mostly required in areas which have been impacted by bleaching and sedimentation. This is achieved through methods such as collecting and rehabilitating naturally broken coral fragments on coral trees, which are nurseries for branching coral.
Grand Park Kodhipparu GM Raffaele Solferino is convinced the resort is on the right course: “Being sustainable in our operations makes absolute business sense as travel and tourism relies heavily on the wellness of our environment to thrive. This is especially so for any resort in the Maldives.”
“Leading more sustainable lives is a non-negotiable attitude we must adopt. The sustainability efforts and eco-initiatives we practice at GPK are simply us doing our part for the Maldives as a destination, well-being of our tourists and local community, and the planet. Going completely green is a long-term goal we will continue striving for, while always keeping an open mind to new initiatives we can adopt for a better future.”
Amilla Maldives is inviting guests to mark Eid al-Fitr with a series of island celebrations under the theme Eid in Harmony, bringing together cultural experiences, family activities and festive dining.
Eid, which marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan, is widely celebrated across the Maldives as a time of gathering and shared moments. At Amilla Maldives, the occasion will be observed through a programme of relaxed events designed to reflect the atmosphere of island life and community.
During the celebrations, guests will be able to take part in cultural performances, family-friendly activities and island gatherings highlighting Maldivian traditions. These will include performances of Bodu Beru, interactive island games and creative workshops that offer visitors insight into local culture.
The resort will also present a range of culinary experiences for the occasion. Chefs will prepare festive dishes inspired by both regional and Maldivian flavours, with dining experiences ranging from relaxed daytime offerings by the beach to evening dinners served under the stars.
Set within the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the celebrations are designed to offer guests an opportunity to experience the traditions and atmosphere of Eid in a natural island setting.
Guests interested in the full programme of celebrations can access the resort’s Eid 2026 brochure online.
SO/ Maldives has announced a three-day Easter programme taking place from 3 to 5 April 2026, featuring dining experiences, sunset gatherings, beach cinema and family activities across the island.
Set against the backdrop of the Maldives’ lagoon waters, the programme is designed to combine culinary events, music and leisure activities, offering guests a variety of experiences over the Easter long weekend.
The celebrations begin on Good Friday, 3 April, with the Ocean Harvest & Wine Soirée at Citronelle Club. The event features a five-course seafood dinner inspired by South African cuisine, accompanied by a curated wine pairing hosted by a master sommelier. The experience will be limited to 20 guests.
Later in the evening, entertainment will continue at Lazuli Beach Club, where the Vintage Nights at Lazuli event will feature curated wines and DJ music in a beachfront setting.
On Saturday, 4 April, guests will be invited to a Golden Hour Sundowner at the Pavilion Bar, where cocktails will be served during sunset overlooking the lagoon.
The evening will continue with the Starlit Holy Saturday Feast at Lazuli Beach Club, featuring a three-course dinner served outdoors. The programme will conclude with an open-air beach cinema experience, where guests can watch a film on the beach accompanied by popcorn and refreshments.
The programme concludes on Easter Sunday, 5 April, with a series of events along the island’s shoreline. The evening begins with Easter Bloom Cocktail Hours, offering floral-inspired drinks prepared with fruit and botanical ingredients.
The highlight of the celebrations will be the Easter Grand Beach Barbecue at Citronelle Club, featuring grilled dishes served in a seaside setting. The event will also include live saxophone performances and music.
Throughout the weekend, children will have access to a dedicated programme at The Nest, where activities will include Easter crafts, egg decorating, dance sessions and an Easter egg hunt. Additional activities such as face painting, piñata games and creative workshops will also be available.
Through its Easter programme, SO/ Maldives aims to provide a mix of dining, entertainment and family-friendly activities, offering guests the opportunity to mark the holiday while enjoying the island setting.
Kula Kula Festival will return for its fourth edition at Oaga Art Resort from 20 to 25 March, bringing together cultural influences from the Maldives, Brazil and India in a programme centred on art, music and community.
The festival combines the traditions of Eid al-Fitr, the vibrant spirit of Brazilian Carnaval, and the colours of Holi, creating a multi-cultural celebration that highlights performance, heritage and shared experiences.
The programme begins with Eid-related traditions, inviting guests to take part in cultural rituals and performances inspired by Maldivian heritage. The festival continues its collaboration with Kiyavahi Culture Studio, which will present workshops, demonstrations and interactive installations showcasing traditional Maldivian crafts and storytelling.
Guests will have opportunities to explore cultural practices such as Fangi Viyun (thatch weaving), Roanu Veshun (coir rope making), Kasabu Gethun (lacquer work) and Thundu Kunaa Viyun (mat weaving). Through these sessions, participants will also learn about the history and cultural significance of these crafts.
The festival begins with Eid Malhi, a bonfire lit by Oaga’s Rahvehin on 19 March to mark the sighting of the new moon. This is followed by Eid prayers and Eid Sai, a traditional breakfast at Kaa Kada. Throughout the day, guests can take part in activities such as Eid Kulhivaru beach games and Fen Kulhi, which combines water and colour play. The Maali Parade, inspired by Maldivian folklore, will lead guests to a high tea gathering at Raa Baa Beach featuring live performances and traditional attire experiences.
Live entertainment forms a central part of the festival programme, with performances from local and international artists. Guests will experience Boduberu fusion performances by Nuff and Ciam, storytelling rhythms by the Harunulaa Boduberu Group, and electronic music performances by Digital Flock during the Kula Kula Rave.
Dhivehi music will also be featured through performances by solo artist Naffah, while storyteller Amney will share Maldivian folklore through music sessions at O’Fire.
Indian classical music will be represented by sitar player Kalyan, who will perform across multiple sessions during the festival. Brazilian performer Alikko will introduce elements of Brazilian culture through fire shows and performances accompanying dining experiences at Kaa Kada.
Dining experiences will also highlight cultural diversity, with lunch and dinner services featuring themed presentations such as Eid Jaafaiy and Indian-inspired cuisine prepared in collaboration with Kalyan.
Evening programmes will include live music, fire performances, communal barbecues and a collaborative live art and music showcase titled Unethical Projection, featuring both resident and guest artists.
For the first time at the festival, Brazilian Carnaval will be incorporated into the programme. The segment will feature a Brazilian-inspired buffet at Kaa Kada, performances by Alikko and a Kula Kula Rave hosted by Digital Flock.
The final days of the festival will bring together Maldivian, Indian and Brazilian cultural influences under the theme Made of Many, Felt as One. Activities will include music sessions, collaborative performances featuring the Rav drum with Nuff, and storytelling by Amney.
The festival will conclude with a Deserted Day Picnic at Hastheem Sandbank, where guests can enjoy watersports, snacks and DJ sets by Afruh.
Through its programme of performances, cultural workshops and shared experiences, the Kula Kula Festival continues to position itself as a platform for artistic expression and cultural exchange, reflecting the creative identity of Oaga Art Resort.
-
Drink1 week agoGerman winemaker Patrick Heitlinger to headline exclusive dinner at SO/ Maldives
-
News1 week agoNiva Dhigali Maldives to host wellness week with Gemma Merna this June
-
Cooking1 week agoChef Giorgio Servetto brings Michelin-starred dining to Atmosphere Core’s underwater restaurants
-
News1 week agoInterContinental Maldives celebrates Women’s Day through creative expression
-
Family1 week agoRoyal Island introduces Easter escape with up to 25% savings
-
Cooking1 week agoBa’theli by the Reef at Milaidhoo Maldives introduces family-style Maldivian fine dining
-
Family1 week agoGrand Park Kodhipparu transforms into an Easter island wonderland
-
Drink6 days agoGerman winemaker Patrick Jacklin to host exclusive tasting at Constance Moofushi