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Experience Maldivian traditions at Heritance Aarah

Offering the perfect combination of exclusivity and comfort, Heritance Aarah offers luxury with a touch of Maldivian tradition.
Guests are greeted with a traditional Maldivian dance and one of the leading restaurants on the property offers a fusion of Maldivian and Sri Lankan cuisine.
The villas are designed and built using local Maldivian and modern architectural techniques and the resort even has a replica of a Maldivian village on the property to provide guests an overview of life in the Maldives.
The resort offers a premium all-inclusive holiday plan which is currently being offered at a 45 per cent discount and includes seaplane transfers from Male (that cost approximately $500 per person).
Opened in December 2018, Heritance Aarah is the first resort in Maldives from the Sri Lankan luxury brand Heritance by Aitken Spence Hotels and Resorts.
It offers an excellent choice of dining with six restaurants and four bars and top-notch facilities including the Maldives’ first medi-spa, making it ideal for honeymooners, families and group of friends.
Its range of accommodation consists of 150 villas including 26 intimate luxury duplex ocean suites, 56 sunset ocean villas and 68 land villas.
In 2019, Heritance Aarah became the first property in the Maldives to receive the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certification.
It is committed to sustainability and works diligently to reduce the environmental impact of the hotel. For instance, it is a plastic-free zone and even the toothbrushes in the bathroom are made of bamboo.
What makes the Heritance Aarah stand out is its service.
Each villa comes with its own personal butler who is responsible for your comfort during your stay. From driving you around the resort in a battery-powered buggy to making reservations at various restaurants to booking your excursions, your butler is your genie, with your every wish being his command.
The restaurant staff right from the maître de to the waiting staff to the team of chefs and bartenders is exceptional, making each visit to any of the six restaurants memorable.

Accommodation
The resort’s 150 villas are luxurious and super comfortable with beautiful ocean views, private sundecks and great facilities such as large bathrooms with deep tubs and L’Occitane toiletries, rainfall showers, well-stocked mini bars (replenished daily with two bottles of wine), king-size beds, Marshall speakers and flat screen TVs.
The décor is simple but striking, with timber and thatched roofs and a neutral palate.
The water villas have a small glass-covered section on the floor where you can sit for hours looking at the marine life below your villa. They also come with a sun terrace with direct access to the lagoon for house reef snorkelling.
The Grand Ocean Suite is the most luxurious. A 3400 sq feet two-bedroom duplex apartment with its own swimming pool.
Facilities
There is so much to do at Heritance Aarah – both above and below sea level. You can go diving, catamaran sailing, canoeing, snorkelling, kite surfing, jet skiing – the list runs long.
If you are not into adventure, go for an excursion that allows you to explore the archipelago, such as dolphin cruises or a sunset cruise.
The resort’s water sports centre is called Kaito and comprises of a team of highly skilled and experienced international and local diving instructors all of whom speak perfect English. They are PADI certified in case you wish to do a scuba diving course.
The resort has two swimming pools, a fully-equipped gymnasium with nutritionists and trainers, a dedicated playground for kids, futsal fields, tennis courts, beach volleyball and football.
Heritance Aarah has the only medi-spa in the Maldives that provides medical non-invasive procedures such as non-surgical facelifts, micro-and nano-needling and skin peels. The overwater spa with six treatment rooms also offers traditional spa and beauty therapies such as massages and manicures. The spa also has a hangover clinic with intravenous fluid, vitamin and mineral treatments.
Motorised sports and spa treatments are not included in the all-inclusive package. They have to be paid for separately.
Food and drink
This is where the Heritance Aarah really stands out. Each and every meal at any of its restaurants is exceptional. Whether it is the bubble iced tea offered as a welcome drink or the freshly baked bread basket, the 18-spiced butter served as an accompaniment to fresh grilled fish or the sinful seafood burger – each dish is made with utmost care and precision.
This is not surprising as the team in the kitchens is exceptional. It has won several awards including clinching the overall championship at the Culinary Art Expo in Sri Lanka in 2019 and 2020.
Of its six excellent restaurants, five are included in your all-inclusive package. The highlight is the nine-course Sri Lankan-Maldivian meal at Ambula.
Baani that serves authentic Middle Eastern and international cuisine is exclusively for Ocean Suite guests. Others can dine there by paying $100.
Starting from 7am in the morning, there are two family-friendly buffets at Ranba and Ranlu, which stretch to lunch and dinner with everything you can think of, from spicy curries to fresh sushi, pizzas, burgers and pastas.
For dinner, there’s the relaxed open-air and beach grill Ginifati where it’s all about fresh seafood and the catch of the day served with a range of salads and sides.
Do book a table in advance at Hathaa, which seats only 10 guests and rotates between Thai and Japanese set menus, and has a chef’s table vibe.
There are also four bars dotted around the island. There’s a sky bar with double-height views across the ocean, a poolside bar, and a rum bar. An array of exotic cocktails and a wide selection of wines are served at the bars, including the main pool bar, and the infinity pool bar. The bartenders are exceptional and you can trust them to surprise you with the most innovative cocktails.
An experience not to be missed is the floating breakfast that is served in the infinity pool. A floating breakfast is exactly that – a breakfast that floats. A large tray of food is made to float in the infinity pool and you have it while ensuring that you do not splash water and wet your food. At Heritance Aarah it’s priced at $90 for a couple.

In the given circumstances the resort is taking all precautions to ensure the safety of its guests.
Featured
Tiny flippers, big journey: sea turtles hatch at Alila Kothaifaru

A magical scene is unfolding at Alila Kothaifaru Maldives, as the island becomes a nurturing ground for the next generation of marine life — sea turtle hatchlings. With four active nests currently incubating, guests and marine enthusiasts alike are eagerly anticipating the emergence of these tiny creatures, expected to align with the next full moon.
Following a recent successful hatching, the remaining three nests have been identified as belonging to Green Sea Turtles — one of the largest sea turtle species inhabiting tropical and subtropical waters. Renowned for their smooth, heart-shaped carapaces and their herbivorous diet of seagrass and algae, these gentle marine giants play a vital role in sustaining healthy coral reefs and marine ecosystems. One additional nest is believed to belong to a Hawksbill turtle, although this has yet to be confirmed.
“Sea turtles are fascinating creatures. They lead largely solitary lives and migrate thousands of kilometres between their feeding and nesting grounds,” explains Fernanda Cortina Escalante, the resort’s resident Marine Biologist. “It’s incredibly special to witness this phase of their life cycle so closely here on our island.”
Turtle reproduction is an intricate and delicate process. These ancient mariners return to the very shores on which they were born to lay their eggs, usually under the cover of darkness. Female turtles dig nests in the sand, where the eggs incubate for 45 to 70 days before the hatchlings instinctively head towards the sea.
Green Sea Turtles can live between 60 and 80 years, grow up to 1.5 metres in length, and weigh as much as 300 kilograms. Their remarkable physiology allows them to hold their breath for up to five hours while resting, an impressive adaptation to life in the ocean.
“Hosting these nests provides us with a unique opportunity to educate guests about sea turtle conservation and promote greater awareness of marine biodiversity,” says Camille Berger, Euro-Divers Manager at Alila Kothaifaru Maldives. “We feel fortunate to share this meaningful experience with guests from across the globe.”
The resort places a strong emphasis on conservation, working closely with its in-house marine biologist to monitor and protect the nesting sites.
“A new generation of sea turtles has officially embarked on its journey into the ocean, with 61 tiny hatchlings recently making their way from nest to sea,” shares Thomas Weber, General Manager of Alila Kothaifaru Maldives.
“Moments like these remind us of both the beauty of nature and the responsibility we bear in preserving this extraordinary ecosystem. It is a true honour to be part of the journey of these magnificent creatures.”
Guests staying at the resort may have the rare opportunity to witness a live hatching — an unforgettable experience of nature at its most raw and awe-inspiring.
Featured
Island traditions shine at Nova Maldives’ Maldivian magic festive programme

This festive season, Nova Maldives is set to welcome travellers with ‘Maldivian Magic – A Festive Fusion,’ a curated programme running from 21 December 2025 to 7 January 2026. Rooted in over 2,500 years of Maldivian heritage, the soulful celebration draws inspiration from the nation’s seafaring past, storytelling traditions, and rituals centred on joy and connection.
The festive itinerary invites guests to immerse themselves in enriching experiences that blend the serenity of the sea with vibrant seasonal celebrations. Morning adventures include Ocean Glides with Koamas—a thrilling jet ski excursion to encounter dolphin pods in their natural habitat—and snorkelling trips to observe whale sharks and manta rays in their graceful element. Those seeking a more tranquil experience may embark on a Private Catamaran Sunset Cruise, ideal for couples or friends, offering unhurried sails across turquoise waters under golden skies.
Evenings present further marine exploration, with night snorkelling sessions offering glimpses of nocturnal marine life—baby reef sharks, crustaceans, and colourful reef fish—bringing the quiet enchantment of the ocean to life after dark.
Gastronomy plays a central role in the celebrations, with a culinary theme titled “Taste of the Atolls.” At Wink Bar each afternoon, guests may join Elixirs of the Isles—a creative mixology class using local fruits and botanicals. Mizu, the resort’s overwater teppanyaki venue, hosts an Ocean Umami dinner experience that combines Japanese precision with Maldivian flavours. Meanwhile, FLAMES offers a Maldivian Fishermen’s Feast—a beachside seafood extravaganza accompanied by bubbles and live island music.
Adding a cultural touch to the culinary journey is Malaafaiy Keyn, a seasonal dining experience showcasing traditional Maldivian cuisine. Served on a handcrafted malaafaiy platter, the dish includes fragrant rice, spiced curries, and heritage side dishes, all enjoyed in a bespoke Mauloodh Haruge dining hall—creating a bridge between the past and present.
For guests seeking serenity, the Private Finolhu Sandbank Escape provides an opportunity to retreat to a white-sand islet. Here, chilled Prosecco, curated canapés, and the gentle rhythm of waves set the tone for a tranquil afternoon, perfect for individuals, couples, or anyone wishing to recharge.
At EsKape Spa, seasonal wellness offerings include the Kaashi Naashi Ritual, a rejuvenating treatment using coconut oil and shells, concluding with a soothing head massage. Also available is the Soulful Healing through Dhivehi Beys—a restorative oil massage incorporating local herbs, spices, and virgin coconut oil, drawing on ancestral knowledge and therapeutic practices to harmonise body and spirit.
The celebration begins with the Grand Christmas Tree Lighting, a starlit gathering filled with carols and island traditions. On Christmas Eve, guests are treated to a fire show and beach party, followed by a Gala Dinner featuring both Maldivian specialities and festive classics. Christmas morning sees Santa Claus arriving at Wink Beach, met with handcrafted cocktails and sweet treats to delight guests of all ages.
The New Year’s Eve festivities conclude the season in spectacular fashion, with a fireworks display and an evening of live music, DJ performances, and festive cocktails. On New Year’s Day, guests are invited to ease into 2026 with the First Brunch of ’26—a leisurely affair featuring live cooking stations and flavourful dishes in a sunlit, relaxed setting.
“Our festive offerings go beyond seasonal cheer,” says Abdulla Aboobakuru, General Manager at Nova Maldives. “They embody the island’s rich cultural heritage, creating immersive moments of joy, tradition, and meaningful connection.”
Featured
NH Collection Maldives Havodda Resort celebrates two years of extraordinary hospitality

NH Collection Maldives Havodda Resort has marked its second anniversary since becoming part of the NH Collection brand by Minor Hotels. Operating under the upper-upscale NH Collection label since 1 August 2023, the resort has continued to offer immersive guest experiences shaped by the spirit of the Maldives and NH Collection’s commitment to premium service and genuine hospitality.
The anniversary offers a moment to reflect on the resort’s journey in elevating standards while preserving the elements that guests have always cherished: untouched natural surroundings, sincere service, and peaceful seclusion. Over the past two years, the resort has established itself as a sanctuary for couples, families, and solo travellers seeking comfort, exploration, and meaningful connection.
In line with the NH Collection’s ethos to ‘Feel the Extraordinary,’ the resort has embraced a philosophy of exceeding expectations. The team has prioritised delivering seamless stays enriched by thoughtful details, warm hospitality, and inspiring environments. Enhancements have included revitalised dining experiences and updated wellness offerings, all carefully curated to help guests savour every moment.
Key developments over the two-year period include the continued provision of five-star service in a premium setting, the addition of multilingual team members to cater to an international clientele, a strengthened commitment to eco-conscious practices in line with the brand’s sustainability goals, and a refreshed visual identity across both digital and physical touchpoints.
As NH Collection Maldives Havodda Resort enters its third year under the brand, it remains dedicated to refining its signature experience—a harmonious blend of natural beauty, understated elegance, and attentive care.
Reflecting on the occasion, General Manager Frans Westraadt remarked, “Every anniversary is a reminder of what we stand for. We are proud of how far we’ve come in delivering extraordinary stays while staying true to our values. The trust of our guests and the dedication of our team are what fuel us.”
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