Located in the southwest of Sri Lanka and India, in the Indian Ocean. Consists of 26 atolls which made up of 1,192 islands, only 83 of which are inhabited. Comprising a territory spanning roughly 298 square kilometres and a population of 427,756 inhabitants, the Maldives is one of the world's most geographically dispersed countries, as well as the smallest Asian country.
North Male Atoll consists of two separate atolls: North Male Atoll and South Male Atoll, with over 100 islands of inhabited islands and resort islands. The resort is located at the Kodhipparu island in the North Male Atoll, just a mere 20 minutes speedboat ride from the Velana International airport.
Weather
Tropical and sunny, with temperatures range from mid 20°C to 30°C (77° to 95° F) all year round. Two main seasons, dry season from November to April, and wet season on May to October with occasional brief rain showers followed by sunshine.
Currency
The local currency is the Maldivian Rufiyaa. All billings in the resort are in US Dollars, but we accept payment in GBP, Euro and Maldivian Rufiyaa.
Language
The local language is Dhivehi, but English is widely used in The Maldives. The resort has multi-language staff as well.
Timezone
We are five (5) hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT + 5)
Electricity
Electricity is supplied at 220 to 240 volts. All of our villas are installed with the universal power plug.
Visa
No pre-arrival visa is required. A 30-day visitor permit will be issued to all travellers upon arrival at the airport, by presenting the passport with at least 6 months validity, and a valid return ticket.
Airport
Velana International Airport, located in Hulhumale island. Only 20 minutes speedboat ride from the resort.
Transfer
Speedboat transfers provided by the resort are mandatory. We do not accept third party boat transfers to and from the resort, for both arrival and departure. Private transfer is available upon request.
Stay hydrated
Sun, sea and sitting on the beach for days are great when you sweat it out. But remember to stay hydrated with water all day long.
Leave these at home
The Maldives is a Muslim country. There are specific bans on certain things such as pork products and alcohol from your connecting flights. Alcohol is available at the resort.
Tipping
It is not a must to tip but it is common to tip waiters or villa staff at the resort and at your discretion for appreciating the hospitality extended.
Beware of sun
This beautiful tropical island is close to the equator. Hence, sun and rays might be strong for your delicate skin. Protect them with rash guard vest, umbrellas or sunblocks all the time.
House Reef
Boasting one of the best house reefs in the Maldives, Grand Park Kodhipparu offers you the opportunity to get up close and personal with the beautiful house reef, a variety of turtles, stingrays, black-tip shark and hundreds of colourful fish species directly from your water villa.
Sandbank
Sandbank near Grand Park Kodhipparu is one of the hundreds of beautiful sandbanks in the Maldives. This amazing small white sand island in the middle of crystal clear blue water is only 2 minutes speedboat ride from the resort.
Malé City
The capital city, Malé, traditionally called the "King's Island" is located at the southern edge of the North Male Atoll, it is one of the most densely populated cities in the world. The island is adjacent with Hulhule island where Velana International Airport of the Maldives is located only 20 minutes speedboat ride from the resort.
Malé Fish Market
The hub of commercial activities of the second largest industry in the Maldives, the market sells daily catch from the entire country, with tuna as the most popular fish for sale. The local adjoining local market also offers a colourful variety of tropical fruits and spices.
Old Friday Mosque
Build in 1658, is the oldest and most ornate mosques in the Maldives. The mosque is made almost entirely of carved coral stone with beautiful lacquer work and woodcarvings interior. A peaceful garden and 17th-century cemetery encircle the mosque.
Maldives National Museum
The first national museum of the country, located in the heart of Malé city, the National Museum has a diverse collection of historical artifacts, ranging from stone objects to fragments of royal antiquities from the Buddhist era to the rule of Islamic monarchs.