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Experience Maldivian traditions at Heritance Aarah

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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

Kuramathi Maldives announces private wellness programmes with Imron Zulfikar

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Kuramathi Maldives has announced the arrival of esteemed holistic wellness practitioner Imron Zulfikar, who will undertake an exclusive residency at the resort from 15 December 2025 to 3 January 2026. During this period, guests will have the opportunity to participate in bespoke wellness experiences crafted by a recognised expert in integrative health.

Throughout his residency, Imron will conduct a series of private wellness sessions designed to restore balance, promote renewal, and enhance long-term wellbeing. His practice brings together ancient therapeutic traditions and contemporary fitness science, resulting in personalised programmes that support harmony, mobility, and emotional resilience. Signature offerings include:

  • Watsu Water Healing Journey: A restorative treatment conducted in warm water, combining elements of shiatsu, massage, and gentle movement to release deep tension, soothe the nervous system, and foster a sense of tranquillity.
  • Chakra Balance Therapy: A holistic session that aligns mind and body through crystal healing, guided meditation, and calming massage techniques.
  • Meridian Deep Release Massage: A therapeutic blend of deep tissue massage and acupressure aimed at easing chronic tension, improving flexibility, and stimulating energy flow.
  • Accu Glow Facial: A rejuvenating facial incorporating acupuncture and customised skincare to activate collagen production, detoxify the skin, and enhance natural luminosity.
  • Oriental Slim Detox Massage: A treatment grounded in Traditional Chinese Medicine, combining acupuncture and massage to promote lymphatic drainage and support detoxification.

Imron is an accomplished wellness lifestyle coach and holistic fitness specialist with more than ten years of experience in acupuncture, tension release therapies, yoga, Pilates, and personal training. His integrative methodology nurtures physical alignment, emotional balance, and overall vitality.

He has worked with numerous luxury resorts and an impressive roster of high-profile clients, including Serena Williams, Emma Watson, Richard Branson, and members of the UAE Royal Family. Celebrated for his intuitive approach and refined technique, Richard Branson has previously referred to Imron as having “golden hands.”

Kuramathi Maldives looks forward to offering guests this exceptional opportunity to engage in transformative, individually tailored wellness experiences during Imron’s residency.

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Drink

Felice Capasso brings award-winning mixology to The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli this February

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The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort will host World Class Global Bartender of the Year 2025, Felice Capasso, for an exclusive Tastemaker Series collaboration from 4–5 February. The partnership further strengthens the resort’s position as a destination for discerning travellers seeking craftsmanship, cultural depth, and refined experiences.

Located on a private island in the Dhaalu Atoll, The St. Regis Maldives has established a contemporary interpretation of island glamour. Its signature villas include some of the most coveted accommodations in the Indian Ocean, notably the John Jacob Astor Estate—one of the Maldives’ largest overwater residences—and the tranquil, beachfront Caroline Astor Estate. Each estate offers generous living spaces, expansive pools, and panoramic views, reflecting the resort’s dedication to elevated, residential-style luxury.

Within this sophisticated environment, The Whale Bar—an iconic overwater structure—will serve as the setting for Capasso’s arrival. As evening falls, the venue will adopt a vibrant Latin-inspired ambience, where guests will enjoy family-style small plates, bespoke cocktails, and rare vintages on tap while the sunset illuminates the lagoon. In this atmospheric setting, Capasso will unveil an exclusive cocktail menu for his bar takeover, blending classical technique with modern creativity.

On the following day, the resort will host an intimate Masterclass led by Capasso, centred on rum. The session will explore the spirit’s history, its regional expressions, and the narrative approach that distinguishes exceptional mixology. His expertise—rooted in precision, intuition, and storytelling—offers guests a rare opportunity to engage with a leading figure in the global bar industry.

This collaboration forms part of the resort’s ongoing Tastemaker Series, which brings influential creators and innovators to the island. By welcoming talents such as Felice Capasso, The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort continues to craft immersive, evocative experiences that embody the distinctive spirit of St. Regis.

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Drink

Sun Siyam Olhuveli unveils Milano, Olive Bar and Crust & Flame on Dream Island

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Sun Siyam Olhuveli has introduced three new dining and social venues on its Dream Island — Milano, Olive Bar, and Crust & Flame — each conceptualised by the award-winning Studio Sixty7. Together, the venues bring a contemporary expression of coastal European style to the Maldives, blending refined design, effortless island living, and a sense of community that positions Dream Island as the resort’s newest lifestyle and entertainment hub.

Milano – An Italian Soul with a Front-Row Kitchen

Milano celebrates the warmth and generosity of Italian dining, presented through a coastal aesthetic that feels both relaxed and refined. The open kitchen serves as the heart of the restaurant, where guests can watch chefs craft handmade pasta, simmer traditional sauces, and prepare wood-fired dishes. The experience is intimate and engaging, reflecting the sincerity of Italian cooking.

Studio Sixty7 designed the space with an olive-green palette, arched features, textured off-white plaster, linen drapery, and sculpted timber furnishings. Deep green crittall-style glazing adds a quiet elegance, while patterned floors create a gentle visual rhythm. As evening falls, woven pendant lights warm the room, making Milano ideal for leisurely lunches and romantic dinners. Every design detail balances Italian flair with Maldivian tranquillity.

Olive Bar – The New Entertainment Pulse

At the centre of Dream Island’s social energy, Olive Bar offers a refreshed take on family entertainment, hosting nightly performances from acoustic musicians and cultural acts to lively DJ sets. By day, it provides a relaxed lounge environment; by night, it transforms into a vibrant social hub.

The bar’s design embraces coastal openness, featuring timber shutters, adaptable lounge seating, abundant greenery, and natural textures that reflect Studio Sixty7’s craftsmanship-driven approach. Gentle ambient lighting completes the atmosphere, creating a welcoming setting for conversation, laughter, and shared experiences.

Crust & Flame – Casual, Beachside, and Comfort-Driven

Crust & Flame offers a relaxed beachside dining experience centred around artisanal brick-oven pizzas and contemporary light dishes. Its striking emerald-and-sage terrazzo pizza oven serves as the visual anchor of the venue, glowing subtly in natural light as chefs prepare fresh creations throughout the day.

Muted olive and white tiles, moss-toned upholstery, and dark timber seating create a coastal trattoria feel, while maintaining a distinctly Maldivian beach ambience — toes in the sand, ocean breeze drifting through the space, and a focus on simple, well-crafted comfort food.

Reflecting on the creative direction, Lee McNichol, Co-founder of Studio Sixty7, noted that the aim was to craft spaces that feel like a gentle exhale — warm, textured, softly lit, and subtly inspired by European coastal landscapes. Co-founder Jose Rivero added that the intention was to build venues that feel lived-in and soulful, where guests naturally settle into the experience rather than simply dine or watch a performance.

Hassan Adil, General Manager of Sun Siyam Olhuveli, commented: “Our vision for Dream Island was to create a place where guests immediately feel the rhythm of island life — relaxed, social, and full of positive energy. Milano, Olive Bar, and Crust & Flame each offer something distinct, yet together they form a cohesive atmosphere that encourages connection and enjoyment. It is Olhuveli at its most effortless and playful.”

With the launch of these venues, Dream Island evolves into a dynamic culinary and social destination where design, flavour, and ambience come together seamlessly. This development reflects Sun Siyam Olhuveli’s continued journey toward contemporary lifestyle hospitality, grounded in the warmth and authenticity of Maldivian service.

Sun Siyam Olhuveli now offers more than twenty restaurants and bars across its islands, ensuring an ever-diverse dining landscape shaped by creativity, global influence, and the joy of island living.

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