Travellers are increasingly seeking authentic experiences that stay with them long after they’ve returned home. This rise in experiential travel includes a desire for more eco-minded encounters and cultural immersions that are rooted in sustainability and the destination itself. Leading this trend in the Maldives is Heritance Aarah, a beautiful all-inclusive resort on the enchanting Raa Atoll.
Nestled among the lush tropical landscape of Heritance Aarah lies the resort’s authentic Live Maldivian Village Museum. An ode to the rich and vibrant history of the Maldives, the village experience celebrates the colours, traditions, and unique lifestyle of the Maldivian people. This cultural experience invites guests to immerse themselves in the traditional way of life as they journey back 4000 years into the past, exploring 10 key moments that represent the essence of Maldivian culture.
As one steps into the village, the senses come alive to the essence of a typical Maldivian household, an outdoor school, and the captivating furniture. The tropical breeze gently caresses the skin, as the salty scent of the sea competes with the delightful fragrance of the lush vegetation.
The eyes are drawn to the vivid colours and intricate designs of local handicrafts; from the sparkle of jewellery to the detailed patterns of woven mats. The ears are serenaded by the rhythmic sounds of boat building and the melodic tapping of coral stone carving, a tribute to the island’s skilled craftsmen.
The mouth-watering aroma of local cuisine emanates from a traditional open kitchen, tantalizing the taste buds and inviting one to savour the authentic flavours of the Maldives. The fingers glide over the smooth surface of traditional writing instruments as one learns to write in the local language, Dhivehi.
Intriguing snapshots of the past come to life at the Village photo gallery, offering a glimpse into the rich history of the Maldives through captivating imagery. One of the resort’s knowledgeable Maldivian team members accompanies the guests through this sensory journey, who also generously share their personal insights into a country where the sea dominates the land.
Other immersive experiences at Heritance Aarah include aquatic adventures above and below the waves, with everything from sailing and water skiing to scuba diving and snorkelling. Boasting one of the Maldives’ most generous all-inclusive packages, dining at Heritance Aarah is a multisensory experience, with an unrivalled collection of restaurants and bars, intimate private dining arrangements, and authentic cuisines from around the world, from Maldivian and Sri Lankan specialities to French and Japanese delicacies.
The first LEED-certified resort in the Maldives, Heritance Aarah has a stated commitment to sustainable tourism. Key initiatives include the resort’s own organic herb and vegetable garden, a coral replanting project covering 800 square feet of the ocean floor, and the use of biodegradable materials, paper straws and glass bottles.
Heritance Aarah Maldives is managed by the Sri Lankan hospitality company Aitken Spence Hotels, which owns and operates 17 hotels and resorts across Sri Lanka, Maldives, Oman and India.