Style: Barefoot Luxury
Scene: Picture Perfect Paradise
Seen in the Lobby: The unmistakable look of relaxed guests who have already forgotten about what real life feels like.

The Maldives are always a good idea. Of course they are!

With their white sandy beaches, turquoise waters and stunning sunsets, we already know it’s paradise. The Maldives isn’t short of beautiful resorts and that’s why a resort needs something special to stand out from the crowd. 

After a week staying at the beautiful Heritance Aarah, I realised that this is a special resort and I was quickly trying to find ways to extend my stay and officially take up residence in my overwater Ocean Suite.

From the moment I landed in the Maldives, I was looked after by Heritance Hotels. We were quickly whisked away from the busy airport to Heritance Aarah’s private lounge to await our transfer. With just enough time to have a quick snack and indulge in a massage, everyone was very eager to board our seaplane and start the holiday. 


Located in the Raa Atoll, around a 40-minute seaplane journey from Malé, Heritance Aarah feels wonderfully removed from the real world and the noise of Malé airport was soon a distant memory as I was warmly greeted and quickly checked in. Before I knew it I was in my overwater Ocean Suite and excitedly exploring it and discovering how much space, luxury and amenities it had to offer. With a glass of champagne to toast the start of my stay, I was ready to surrender to island life and indulge in all that Heritance Aarah has to offer. 

There is plenty happening here to keep even the most energetic guest occupied. Equally, however, it is remarkably easy to disappear into your own private world and do absolutely nothing apart from lying by your pool.

The resort's Premium All-Inclusive concept is designed around freedom of choice, which includes seven restaurants and five bars, activities and excursions, engaging masterclasses, non-motorised watersports, sports and wellness experiences all included. 

Guests can take part in a diverse range of activities such as creating bespoke cocktails alongside the resort’s mixologists, an informative rum masterclass or learn how to take home the flavours of Sri Lankan and Maldivian cuisine during a cookery class.


One of the most memorable excursions I took was a dolphin watching trip on a traditional Maldivian dhoni boat. Our captain and guides expertly took us to the best locations for spotting dolphins, and they really did deliver. I have never seen so many dolphins at once, there must have been hundreds. From a respectful distance we watched in awe as the dolphins swam and played near our boat before they took it up a level and started to show off with jumps and flips to entertain and impress us. 

To truly elevate the relaxation a visit (or two, or three…) to the IASO Medi Spa is essential. The wide selection of treatments that combine wellness, luxury and science will impress even the most experienced and discerning spa connoisseur.

At the centre of the island is a hidden gem and The Luxury Travel Bible would highly encourage all guests to visit the traditional Maldivian village. As we were guided through the Maldivian Village our little group was shown traditional homes and learned a great deal about Maldivian lifestyle and history before ending our highly engaging visit by tucking into a delicious selection of traditional dishes. These tours form part of the Heritance brand’s sustainability initiative to ensure that the local culture is preserved for future generations. It was fascinating to see a side of the Maldives that exists beyond the polished luxury of the resort.

Where Heritance Aarah truly shines is in its dining options. 

The resort’s seven restaurants and five bars each serve a different style of dining and cuisine; ranging from a vast and extensive breakfast buffet to set you up for the day to casual pasta lunches and, when the mood calls for something rather more decadent, lobster served by candlelight on the beach with the sand between your toes.

A favourite with guests is the rooftop Sky Bar, where the elevated vantage point makes it the perfect place to settle in with a sundowner and watch the sunset. Then it is time to head down to Ambula Overwater Restaurant, the world’s first Maldivian-Sri Lankan fusion restaurant, for the spectacular 8-course tasting menu.


The greatest strength of Heritance Aarah’s Premium All-Inclusive philosophy is that it gives guests the opportunity to do as much, or as little, as they want. By creating a day suited to their own individual needs and wants, guests are curating their own perfect holiday.

Heritance Aarah offers enough restaurants, experiences and activities to fill a month long stay. However, The Luxury Travel Bible would recommend that guests shouldn’t attempt to do and try everything. Pick a few must-dos and leave plenty of time for the most important activity of every Maldives holiday: doing absolutely nothing.

From the moment I arrived in Malé to the rather sad moment I had to board the seaplane to return home, I was looked after and encouraged to get the most out of my stay.  
That, to me, is where Heritance Aarah gets luxury right.

It is generous luxury. It is amazing food and cocktails, creative and memorable experiences, fantastic service, the obligatory sunshine and spectacular scenery - all wrapped up into one beautiful resort.

Sarah Bryans, 01/09/2026