Isheeta and Shrey from Travelicious Couple celebrated their dream honeymoon in the Maldives, an unforgettable experience they shared in their full review below.
The Maldives had always been a dream. Crystal-clear turquoise waters, white-sand beaches, and private overwater villas felt like scenes from travel magazines – too far from reality for us.
But when we began planning our honeymoon, we knew this was our chance to make that dream come true.
After a lot of research and excited scrolling through endless resorts, we landed on Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives, a luxurious hideaway that exceeded every expectation.
It was our first time staying at a luxury resort, and let me tell you – it set the bar sky-high.
Arriving in Paradise
Grand Park Kodhipparu is just a 20-minute speedboat ride from Malé International Airport, which made our arrival incredibly easy and stress-free.
After a long flight, the last thing we wanted was a complicated transfer. The resort staff greeted us at the airport with warm smiles and took care of getting our luggage on the speedboat and later to our room.
As the boat neared the island, the view was phenomenal. The water was clearer than we could ever have imagined, a shade of blue we thought was impossible.
As we stepped onto the island, we were welcomed with a cold, juicy drink and fresh flower garlands. We checked in right there on the beautiful overwater platform while we breathed in the fresh air.
After a few minutes, we were on a golf cart being chauffeured through the resort’s winding, palm-lined pathways to our villa. If the checking-in experience was so great, we couldn’t wait for the rest of our trip.
Our Overwater Pool Villa: Where Luxury Meets Serenity
Grand Park Kodhipparu will spoil you with options regarding the types of rooms available. From beach villas to overwater villas and luxury residences, they have everything under the sun. Each has a private pool.
We stayed in a stunning Overwater Villa with a Private Infinity Plunge Pool, which was hands-down the most luxurious room we’ve ever stayed in.
The villa was perched over a tranquil stretch of the turquoise lagoon, with a wraparound deck offering panoramic ocean views.
At the far end of the deck sat a private infinity plunge pool, where we spent countless hours soaking in the scenery with drinks in hand, watching the sun shift the colors of the sea.
What really took it to another level was the private stair access directly from our deck into the ocean.
We could literally wake up, walk outside, and go for a swim or snorkel with vibrant marine life just a few feet below us. Talk about door-to-ocean service.
Inside, the interiors were elegant and calming. Polished wood, coastal tones, and soft lighting made the space feel romantic and serene.
But the crown jewel? The bathtub with a full ocean view. Taking a long soak in that tub, watching the water shimmer through the open glass panels—it felt like the Maldives was wrapping us in a hug.
The Surprise Sunset Dinner
One of the most unforgettable moments of our stay came on our very first night. As we were getting ready for what I thought was just another romantic dinner, my husband told me we were going somewhere “a bit special.”
I was stunned when we arrived at a private beach tent, decorated with fairy lights, candles, rose petals, and white flowing curtains.
Right in front of the ocean, with the sun dipping below the horizon, we were treated to a private sunset date dinner curated just for us.
From the soft sand under our feet to the gentle Maldivian breeze and the personalized three-course meal, it was like something out of a dream.
This wasn’t just dinner, it was an experience, a celebration of love and the beginning of our journey together. I later found out my husband had arranged the whole thing in advance as a surprise, which honestly brought tears to my eyes.
Dining Delights
Aside from the private dinner, every meal at the resort was a treat. The main restaurant, The Edge, offers buffet-style dining with a wide selection of international dishes.
As mostly vegetarians, we were worried we’d be limited, but the chefs went above and beyond to ensure we had delicious meal options. Fresh tropical fruits, curries, pasta, and grilled vegetables – it was a feast every time.
This restaurant was also where we enjoyed breakfast every morning, which was extensive and delicious.
We also dined at Breeze Poolside Dining & Bar, perfect for a casual lunch, an evening cocktail, or even shisha.
The drinks were divine, and the vibe was always relaxed and romantic. You could swim in the massive infinity pool and then just pop out for a drink.
And if you’re looking for a more intimate experience, Firedoor, the resort’s specialty restaurant, serves up a fine-dining tasting menu in an ambient, candle-lit setting right on the water.
Imagine a huge overwater restaurant, with nets all around so you can lounge right on top of the water after dinner.
Spa & Slow Living
What we loved most about Grand Park Kodhipparu is that you can be as relaxed or active as you like.
For us, the goal was pure relaxation. We spent hours swimming in the warm lagoon or pool, reading on our sun loungers, and walking hand-in-hand on the beach.
However, one experience that stood out was the couples massage at the award-winning spa, nestled over the water with glass floors that let you watch the marine life below while being pampered.
It was incredibly serene, adding to the sense that we were in a world far away from the ordinary.
What to Do: Snorkeling, Spa Time & Ocean Adventures
For those craving adventure, the resort offers a variety of water sports and activities, including snorkeling, diving, kayaking, and sunset cruises.
You can also join a marine biology session, go dolphin-watching, or participate in a sandbank picnic. You could also just walk on one of the island’s many beautiful white sand beaches and dip in the ocean.
Even though we mostly relaxed, we couldn’t resist a bit of snorkeling just outside our villa.
The reef teemed with colorful fish, and we even spotted a stingray gliding beneath us. It’s the kind of place where the ocean is your playground.
And speaking of water, one of the absolute highlights was the massive resort infinity pool.
Set right against the ocean, it blurs the line between pool and sea, giving you the surreal feeling of floating into the horizon. It’s the perfect place to sip a mocktail, read a book, or watch the sky turn pink at sunset.
Final Thoughts: Why This Was the Perfect First Luxury Stay
Grand Park Kodhipparu was our first experience staying at a luxury resort, and it completely redefined what travel could be for us.
The resort has won multiple awards and remains one of the most coveted hotels in the Maldives.
From the thoughtful welcomes with flower garlands and golf cart service to the infinity pool views, personalized dining, and private plunge pool, every detail was a celebration of beauty, comfort, and care.
It was the perfect start to our married life.
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