Few destinations conjure up visions of paradise quite like the Maldives. With its turquoise lagoons, powdery white sands, bungalows perched above vibrant coral reefs or wreathed by tropical jungle, and ever-smiling staff, it’s a destination that’s long been associated with peace, seclusion and romance. However, many of the archipelago’s leading luxury resorts have moved on from catering exclusively to lovers and today also offer families plenty of fun under the Indian Ocean sun.
All-inclusive Heritance Aarah Maldives, part of the Sri Lankan Aitken Spence hotel group, is one blissful example. Located in the acclaimed Raa Atoll, an exhilarating 45-minute seaplane flight from the international airport at Male (and only a few minutes by speed boat trip from sister property Adaaran Select Meedhupparu), this modern retreat offers spaces and amenities for all travellers, from couples looking for seclusion and indulgence, to multi-generational groups looking to reconnect.
With a captivating house reef, luxurious accommodations (including a series of lavish villas dedicated to couples), breathtaking beaches and a raft of activities on offer, Heritance Aarah, which I just returned from, captures the elegance and energy of the contemporary Maldivian holiday to perfection.
In this review, I show why Heritance Aarah is one of my new favourite resorts in the Maldives, detail what’s in store for Maldives-bound travellers in terms of accommodation, dining, wellness and activities, and offer which travellers I think will enjoy this remote island haven the most.
What to Expect on Day One – Airport Lounge to Resort Welcome
Like with many luxury resorts in the Maldives, your adventure begins when you arrive at Velana International Airport in Malé, the tiny capital of the Maldives. The Maldives has long been a popular travel destination, especially with European and Asian travellers, so the airport is a major hub for air travel in the Indian Ocean, connecting the archipelago with major cities worldwide, with carriers like Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Singapore Airlines offering seamless routes.
Once you pass through immigration and collect your luggage, you’ll be met by representatives from the resort, who will guide you to the seaplane check-in counters, where your luggage will be weighed (it’s good to pay attention to luggage allowances for the seaplane operators, which include Trans-Maldivian Airways and Manta Air, as they may differ from those on your in-bound airline) and transported around the runway to the dedicated seaplane terminal.
Here, staff will guide you to Aitken Spence’s own luxurious departure lounge, which offers inbound guests comfortable seating, complimentary massages, shower suites, a hot and cold buffet, and a terrace from which you can watch the seaplanes arrive and depart. When it’s time for your own departure, you’ll be led down to a smaller staging lounge and then out onto the piers and the ranks of buzzing seaplanes, to your designated aircraft.
The flight time varies depending on the time of year, but is usually around 40-45 minutes, during which time you’ll be able to gaze down at the idyllic resorts, community islands and uninhabited atolls ringed by azure seas as they glide past far below.
After a seamless transfer process from international flight to resort respite, you’ll soon be touching down on the lagoon and being greeted by resort staff (usually with a song and traditional drums) before being whisked to your accommodation for check-in formalities.
If seaplanes aren’t your thing, or if you’re planning a longer stay with additional luggage, a great alternative is a domestic flight to the Raa Atoll’s Ifuru Airport. Upon arrival, you’ll be guided to the pier for your quick speedboat transfer to the resort. It’s important to be mindful of the arrival time of your international flight; Maldives seaplanes don’t fly at night, which means that a domestic flight and speedboat is a convenient alternative to spending a night in an airport hotel in Male.
However you arrive, you’ll be able to quickly settle in as staff introduce the resort’s dining outlets and various amenities as they whisk you down sandy paths in resort golf buggies, bound for your accommodation.
Raa Atoll’s Quiet Luxury: Inside the Resort’s 35-Acre Layout
Nestled in the heart of the acclaimed Raa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve famed for its vibrant marine ecosystems and untouched beauty, Heritance Aarah is a thoroughly modern resort laced with authentic Maldivian charm, located in the north of the archipelago. The Raa Atoll is one of the more secluded of the Maldives’ many atolls, with only 15 of its 88 islands inhabited. This gives the region a more secluded vibe compared to busier resort regions in the south.
The resort is located on an oval-shaped island that, like most resort islands in the Maldives, is tiny (it weighs in at only 35 acres and can be walked around in 25 minutes) and encrusted with palm trees, around which Heritance Aarah was developed.
First impressions of the resort are of a tranquil and lush retreat that’s superbly well-maintained and organised. Manicured paths link the resort’s various facilities (some modern spaces like the reception and its intimate library, and some more rustic like the beachfront seafood grill – more on that in a minute), bars, restaurants and 150 villas – with some designated adults only and others catering to families – while powdery white sand beaches frame the resort and look out to one of the largest lagoons in the country.
The ambiance is that of barefoot luxury, with no crowds, little in the way of noise (other than the constant hush of the ocean and the wind through the palm trees), and a sense of order that’s lost on some Maldives resort islands but which lulls new arrivals as they transition into island mode.
Choosing the Right Villa: Options for Couples, Families, and Groups
The accommodation options at Heritage Aarah are split into two styles – beach villas and ocean villas, but there are distinctive sub-categories that will make either appeal more to couples and families.
Beach Villas and Family Options
The island’s 150 villas and suites are made up of 124 villas and 26 suites, all of which have been designed with contemporary flair that honours local architectural heritage with the use of thatched roofs, wooden accents, and open-air layouts.
The resort’s 93 sqm Beach Villas are a great option for single-child families and offer direct access to those stunning beaches. Each boasts a king-size bed, an outdoor rain shower, and indoor living spaces that open onto sun-kissed private decks.
No matter which villa or suite you’re staying in, you’ll enjoy personalised butler service, ensuring every whim is catered to, from in-villa dining to activity bookings. Complimentary snorkelling gear is provided in all units, encouraging guests to explore the house reef at their leisure.
For a touch of indulgence, Heritance Aarah’s 143 sqm Sunset Pool Beach Villas add private plunge pools and sun loungers, alfresco dining spaces, and stunning westward views (perfect for those sundown sessions), while the 186 sqm Two-Bedroom Family Beach Villas and two Two-Bedroom Family Pool Beach Villas are great for larger families or couples travelling together and combine interconnecting rooms and kid-friendly amenities like extra bedding and high chairs.
Classic Overwater Ocean Villas
Of course, this is the Maldives, a destination famed for its overwater bungalows, and at Heritance Aarah, that comes in the form of elegant 88 sqm Ocean Villas that feature mesmerizing glass-bottom floors, elegant living areas, and private decks with stairs leading directly into the sea, perfect for spontaneous swims or stargazing from your hammock.
Premium Overwater Suites and Residences
I travelled to Heritance Aarah with my wife, so we opted for one of the 153 sqm Overwater Ocean Suites with Infinity Pool, which are located in an area designated as adults-only, ensuring peace and privacy galore. These elevated villas also come with a host of additional perks; our villa features a large living room with a glass floor, a flatscreen television and a workspace that opens to a semi-shaded sundeck with a private swimming pool and direct lagoon access.
In addition, a pantry featured a coffee machine, a refrigerator filled with complimentary snacks and drinks, a wine fridge stocked with complimentary wines, and, on the other side of the living room, a large bathroom with a rain shower and a deep soak tub. French doors opened the bathroom to the sundeck, making for magical bathtime experiences.
The bedroom is one floor up, and includes a king-size bed, a small balcony overlooking the pool, and another bathroom and wardrobe space. The effect is of a home-away-from-away, with everything a couple could want for (and anything else was only a call away to our butler, who was always on standby to book spa treatments, dinner reservations, or activities.
The pinnacle of the island’s accommodation offering is the 310 sqm Ocean Residence with Infinity Lap Pool, a sublime two-bedroom masterpiece, designed for families or groups of friends seeking refined exclusivity. The residence features an expansive living area, a pair of spacious bedrooms with panoramic views, a private 12-metre infinity lap pool, and direct lagoon access for those early morning dips. In addition, this coveted accommodation also boasts an outdoor jacuzzi, a fully equipped kitchenette, a Bose entertainment system, while guests enjoy complimentary spa treatments, the option of a personal chef, and priority reservations throughout the resort.
Smart Tech, Spacious Storage, and Butler Support
While there are plenty of options to choose from, all villas and suites at Heritance Aarah are modern and spacious, with modern décor, plenty of storage space for luggage, and modern tech amenities like smart televisions, climate control and high-speed internet. In addition, the all-inclusive positioning of Heritance Aarah means your butler is always at hand to restock the minibar or wine fridge, organise impromptu massages or activities.
Guests of both the Ocean Suites and the Ocean Residence also have exclusive access to a dedicated restaurant (more on that in a moment), an intimate cocktail bar, and a heavenly infinity pool that juts out over the lagoon and has to be one of the most Instagrammable spots in the Maldives.
As I mentioned, beach villas tend to be more popular with families with little ones, with one- or two-bedroom options allowing for a little more flexibility, while couples might like to opt for the adults-only Ocean Suites to ensure plenty of privacy and seclusion. The Ocean Residence is purpose-built for multi-generational travel and offers a resort-within-a-resort vibe that families will love.
Six Restaurants, Multiple Bars – The All-Inclusive Dining Landscape
Gone are the days when Maldives resorts only had a single all-day restaurant; Heritage Aarah has an array of innovative dining experiences that cater to all guests, from romantic interludes to family feasts, and the resort’s all-inclusive package ensures unlimited indulgence, from buffets to fine dining to elegant cocktail bars.
The heart of the culinary action can be found at Ranba Restaurant, a beachfront all-day dining destination that serves as the main buffet venue, offering international favourites with live cooking stations and themed nights (be sure to keep a keen eye out for the Maldivian seafood extravaganza). The restaurant is also a great spot for leisurely breakfasts as families come together to plan their day’s activities.
For something a little more casual, head to the resort’s main swimming pool, where the Pizza Shack serves up crowd-friendly wood-fired pizzas and snacks that the kids can enjoy without having to leave the excitement of the pool.
A short walk away, Ralu is an elegant spot perched over the lagoon. Inspired by Riviera brasseries, the restaurant serves à la carte meals complemented by semi-buffets of small bites so you can graze to your heart’s content in the main dining room.
Nestled on white sand, Ginifati is a rustic-chic seafood grill that’s popular with both families and lovers and which showcases the best of Maldivian seafood (don’t miss the lobster thermidor), while Ambula Overwater Restaurant offers insightful eight-course degustation-style Maldivian and Sri Lankan menus, where dishes can be paired with selected wines by the resident sommelier. Next door, the resort’s only surcharge restaurant, Hatha, is an intimate teppanyaki counter that specialises in interactive cooking displays and innovative street food from across Asia.
As I mentioned, one of the perks of staying in the Ocean Suites or Ocean Residence is access to a series of exclusive restaurants and bars. These include Baani, a sophisticated dining venue that serves à la carte breakfasts, lunch and dinners, with both indoor and alfresco seating steps from the Ocean Suites.
Cocktails, Wines, and Premium Spirits Covered
Heritance Aarah’s all-inclusive cocktail and wine offering is also second to none, with a wide range of venues catering to all cocktail aficionados. One of the most popular spots (so be sure to get there early) is the elegant Sky Overwater Bar, an alfresco rooftop lounge that serves classic cocktails and features comfortable couches and spectacular views across the resort and the Indian Ocean.
However, my favourite spot for sunset sipping has to be the Ralu Lounge’s outdoor terrace, which is home to one of the largest rum collections in the Maldives. Be quick to grab a pair of rattan chairs on the broad sundeck and mark the end of another day in paradise in style.
Another fun spot that’s popular with both couples and families is the Bandhi Bar, located at the main pool and specialising in frozen and tropical cocktails (be sure to try their frozen pina coladas, made with fresh pineapple and coconut cream from the island’s own coconuts).
Guests of the Ocean Suites and Ocean Residence also have their own spots when it comes to cocktails and fine spirits. Undaras is a chic little tiki-style bar located at that mesmerising adults-only infinity pool, while elegant Falhu Overwater Bar is a clubby space of gleaming dark wood, where the martinis are sublime and the whisky menu extensive (there’s more than 48!).
The All-Inclusive Edge
One of the best things about a stay at Heritance Aarah is its very generous all-inclusive packages, which mean that travellers can make the most of the resort’s great bars and dining outlets, as well as in-room dining, minibars and wine fridge selections without worrying about a hefty bill at the end of their stay.
While it’s always best to have your butler book ahead for dining reservations (especially at spots like Ralu and Ginifati), the staff will always do their best to accommodate last minute bookings – during our stay, even with the resort running at 80% capacity, we never found it hard to get a booking and if we had to wait for a little while, there was always a bartender ready to mix up a martini steps away!
In addition, the selection of included spirits and wines is very comprehensive, meaning that you’ll always find a spirit, cocktail or wine that suits your palate without having to pay anything additional. However, if you’re really looking to splurge, the resort does have a super-premium selection that comes with a surcharge, and that’s perfect for marking special occasions.
Land, Water, and Wellness: How the Resort Keeps Everyone Busy
Heritance Aarah is a playground for the adventurous soul, with a plethora of activities that harness the Maldives’ natural bounty, both on and off the water.
Dolphin Watching, Sandbank BBQs, and Local Island Visits
Of course, you’re probably most interested in hitting the resort’s house reef for a spot of snorkelling, or diving deeper on a guided dive with the team from the PADI-certified dive centre. The house reef is easily navigable solo (you’ll find snorkelling gear in your villa), or you can join the resort’s experience team on guided swims in search of soft and fan corals, moray eels, reef sharps and hundreds of reef fish species, while the dive centre offers both certification dives and access to a wide range of dive sites that offer guests the chance to encounter everything from reef sharks and eagle rays to turtles, dolphins and even manta rays.
There is also a wide range of exciting complementary water sports available, from kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding to hobbie cat sailing (solo or with an instructor), while motorised activities like jet skis, water skiing and exhilarating kite surfing come with a moderate surcharge.
Of course, there’s also plenty to do on land, too. Resorts like Heritance Aarah have invested in land activities to keep guests entertained, and facilities include a modern fitness centre, art classes, padel, tennis and badminton courts, art workshops that delve into traditional Maldivian motifs, and a regular roster of events, including beach volleyball tournaments and group football games.
Parents can also drop their little ones off at the kids club, where they will be supervised by experienced staff and have the time of their lives with cooking classes, treasure hunts.
Of course, the resort team (and your ever-diligent butler) can also arrange a wide selection of excursions that couples and families alike will love. These range from romantic sunset cruises aboard a traditional dhoni (or a luxury yacht if you prefer a few creature comforts), and dolphin cruises that seek out the Raa Atoll’s resident spinner dolphin pods, through to adventures to sandbanks and uninhabited islands for a beach BBQ or a spot of catch-and-release fishing.
You can also visit local community islands to soak up the rich trading heritage of the islands, embark on a fascinating cooking class, conducted by the resort’s award-winning team, that delves into the Maldives’ unique fusion cuisine, or do your bit on an eco-focused tour that plants coral or participates in beach clean-ups, aligning with the resort’s LEED Gold certification. While Heritance Aarah offers many included excursions, some also come with an additional cost.
Of course, there’s also a range of wellness activities to keep mums and dads sane through their holiday. The IASO Medi Spa offers a seductive menu of treatments (we love the 90-minute Island Indulgence, which melts away tension with a refreshing facial or an invigorating body scrub. Guests can receive a 30-minute consultation and then embark on a wellness journey that could include yoga, meditation, Reiki, or modern treatments using state-of-the-art equipment.
How Heritance Aarah Keeps Couples Relaxed and Kids Entertained
As I mentioned earlier, Heritance Aarah really has perfected the balance for families with kids and lovers looking for romance.
The kid-friendly facilities, as well as the many sports courts, are all clustered at the centre of the island, ensuring the villas stay quiet and serene, while designated snorkelling areas mean plenty of fun in the water without disturbing other guests. This leaves the coastline for accommodation and restaurants. During our stay, while the resort was running at 80% capacity, there was never a sense of it being busy.
In fact, the only place we encountered families with little ones was at the main pool and on excursions and it was great to see families having so much fun together.
Best Time to Visit: Dry Season, Shoulder Months, and Peak Rates
I’ve visited more than 15 resorts in the Maldives, and I found Heritance Aarah to be serene, refined and welcoming. There’s definitely a sense of luxury, with staff in immaculate white uniforms and service crisp and professional. Even during busy meal times, because of the way restaurants are laid out, often towards the beach, that tranquillity is maintained throughout.
While the majority of guests during our stay were from Europe (especially the families), there were also guests from Singapore, plenty of couples from Korea and others from Australia, Hong Kong, and Indonesia. The average age, I’d say, would be late 30s (the couples tended to be a little older).
The best time to visit Heritance Aarah is during the dry season from November to April, when the weather and the seas are calm. The island’s peak months are January to April, but expect rates to be at their highest. The shoulder season of November to December is a nice alternative, with great weather but fewer crowds. I’d suggest avoiding July to August, when the rain can sometimes be relentless.
The Verdict: Outstanding Staff, Generous Packages, and Perfect Couple-Family Balance
Heritance Aarah has achieved a perfect balance for couples and families, ensuring both are catered to without the other feeling left out.
The resort’s all-inclusive packages are very generous and comprehensive and ensure a carefree vacation without worrying about the bill at check-out.
I also found the staff to be very professional (especially our butler, Abilash) and genuinely interested in making sure guests have the time of their lives.
One Clear Gap: Better Explanation of What’s Truly Included
I think an explanation of what’s included in the all-inclusive packages could help guests ensure they get the most value.
There’s little in the way of concise, detailed explanation, so it’s always a case of having to ask (or make risky assumptions).
Breathtaking Overwater Suites, Professional Service, and Real Value
When we think of all-inclusive resorts, we tend to think of three-star package deals in over-visited destinations. However, Heritance Aarah delivers an iconic all-inclusive Maldivian experience with finesse and professionalism.
Its breathtaking setting, the functionality of those Ocean Suites, and the attitude of the staff, who just want you to have the time of your life, have made the resort one of my new favourites in the Indian Ocean, and I know that couples and families alike will find their dream Maldivian escape here in the Raa Atoll.