How Raffaele Solferino transformed Grand Park Kodhipparu into resort icon

The path to success in the hospitality industry often takes unexpected turns, and no one knows this better than Raffaele Solferino, the General Manager of Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives. Born on Italy’s picturesque Amalfi Coast, Raffaele was immersed in tourism from an early age, but his career would span continents and cultures in ways he hadn’t anticipated.

Raffaele’s passion for hospitality was sparked in the heart of one of the world’s most renowned tourist destinations, the Amalfi Coast. “I wanted to be in this industry since day one,” he recalls. After completing hotel school in Italy, he set out to explore the world, never imagining that he would spend the majority of his career far from home.

“I wanted to travel a bit, learn languages, and eventually return to Italy for a top job. But I got lost around the world, which I have been travelling for 41 years now” Raffaele says with a smile. He started his professional journey in Switzerland, then he moved to Germany, where he gained practical, operational experience that shaped his work ethic. “Germany was where I learned to be more concrete, pragmatic and focused on getting things done.”

From Germany, his career took him to the UK, France, Monte-Carlo Monaco, and several Asian destinations, including Indonesia, Singapore, and Hong Kong. Raffaele also spent nearly a decade in the Middle East, working in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Beirut and Bahrain. His impressive résumé includes time in Central Europe and senior roles in luxury resorts around the globe, building a reputation for excellence wherever he went.

Raffaele first arrived in the Maldives in 2010, amid a global financial crisis, and was struck by the resilience of the island nation. “Maldives was different from other places,” he notes. “It’s a destination that doesn’t get hit by global crises- whether it’s financial downturns, wars, terrorist attacks, or like we learned recently, pandemics. The Maldives always remain open and appealing, and the best luxury leisure destination in the world, in time it has become my second home.”

He admires the country’s neutrality, safety, and consistent allure, especially as a destination for romance and relaxation. “The Maldives has an unbeatable beauty, and I hope it never loses its identity by becoming a party or nightlife destination like Bali or Ibiza. Its charm lies in its tranquillity, natural ecosystem, and unique marine life.

Raffaele’s tenure at Grand Park Kodhipparu, Maldives has been a period of growth and achievement. He joined the resort in its early days, overseeing its pre-opening activities starting from December 2016, the soft opening in June 2017 and its grand opening in December of the same year. His leadership and vision helped establish the resort’s position in the competitive luxury market.

“I was fortunate to work with a dynamic, young corporate team and to have the support of the management company leaders and investors,” he says. “This place is where I feel I’ve truly expressed myself. Yes, we have established strong ties with the management company and investors and applied the brand’s guidelines, but we’ve also created something unique here, with a strong operating team and a clear market positioning.”

Under his leadership, the resort quickly became profitable, achieving high business returns. Even through the challenges of 2020, Raffaele and his team continued to drive success. “We were successful in 2021 and 2022, but 2023 was a bit slow for everyone in Maldives, as other destinations like Mauritius, Seychelles, Bali and Thailand saw a tourism boom.”

Raffaele sees significant potential for the Maldives but also notes challenges that need to be addressed. He emphasises that the future of the industry is not solely about luxury resorts anymore. “It’s about the number of beds,” he says, pointing to the rise of guesthouses and more affordable accommodations.

While this diversification opens the Maldives to a broader range of tourists, Raffaele is confident that the demand for holidaymakers for budget resorts and unique, high-end experiences will continue to grow, while those who are in the middle of those two categories will suffer. “The new resorts will have to compete by offering something more spectacular, whether it’s eco-friendly, design-driven, or offering unique wellness and underwater experiences. The Maldives will always be a top destination for luxury travel, while increasing its numbers with mass tourism.”

Raffaele also discusses some of the logistical challenges the Maldives faces, particularly around transportation. “In places like Bali, Mauritius or Thailand, you don’t pay for transportation from the airport to the hotel, but in the Maldives, guests have to pay for speedboats or seaplanes. This adds to the cost, and it’s something the authorities need to address to remain competitive, by creating new transfer options more affordable for the resort’s bottom line.”

He also highlights the importance of sustainability, noting that resorts need to invest in renewable energy sources to reduce costs and environmental impact. “The government should encourage sustainability by requiring resorts to source at least 50% of their energy from sustainable resources like solar or wind,” he suggests.

Perhaps most pressing, however, is the need to protect the Maldives’ most valuable asset, its coral reefs. “The reefs are dying, and if they disappear, the tourists will too,” Raffaele warns. He calls for a global effort to preserve the reefs, involving large organizations and government investment.

Raffaele Solferino’s journey through the hospitality industry has been one of adventure, learning, and success. His story is a testament to the power of passion, adaptability, and the pursuit of excellence. As he continues to lead Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives, Raffaele remains optimistic about the future of the Maldivian tourism industry, while also recognising the challenges ahead.

“Maldives will always be a special place,” he says, “but we need to make sure we’re prepared for the future- whether that’s through innovative experiences, sustainable practices, or protecting the natural beauty that makes this destination truly unique.”