​There are few images more synonymous with the Maldives than an overwater villa. 
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At Heritance Aarah the concept has been elevated into a much more luxurious and indulgent experience.  Located along a private jetty, the 25 Ocean Suites, plus the two-bedroom Ocean Residence, enjoy their own dedicated collection of facilities, including an overwater restaurant, bars and infinity pool. The overwater Ocean Suites have been designed as a private adults-only world within the wider resort.

It isn’t an exaggeration to say that my overwater Ocean Suite was one of the most beautiful accommodations I have ever stayed at. 


The Ocean Suites immediately distinguish themselves through their architecture. They are big and spacious with modern touches and traditional Maldivian design. Rather than following the usual single-storey villa format of most Maldives resorts, the Ocean Suites are arranged across two levels, with the living room, kitchenette, bathroom and deck on the ground floor, and the bedroom with en-suite occupying the upper floor.

The elevated bedroom gives absolutely stunning views across the ocean and I quickly found myself in a routine of laying in bed each morning, watching the changing colours of the Indian Ocean in the early morning light. The call of a delicious breakfast and an island to explore was the only motivation that dragged me away from my king-sized bed.

The large open-plan living room which leads out to the villa’s deck with Maldivian swing and private plunge pool ensures that the villa’s design creates a seamless connection between the accommodation and the impossibly blue Indian Ocean that they take their name from. The bathroom is equally impressive, centred around a freestanding bathtub positioned to make the most of the view.


At times, leaving my suite felt almost unnecessary.

I quite happily spent the mornings moving between relaxing on my private deck with my book, to swimming in my private pool to then swimming in the ocean and venturing below the surface with my snorkel to explore the underwater world just metres from my villa. I felt so privileged to have my own piece of the Indian Ocean for the week. 

Eventually, I decided to venture out from the serene cocoon of my villa. My destination? The Ocean Suites’ own exclusive infinity pool and bar, just a leisurely stroll along the jetty.
You know you are having a great day when the biggest decision you have to make is which infinity pool you are going to spend the next hour in.

From the moment I checked into my suite, I was made to feel special. The welcome bottle of Taittinger Champagne set the luxury tone for my stay, while handmade sweet treats arrived each evening. The expertly curated minibar is fully stocked and replenished twice daily, alongside a selection of soft drinks and sweet and savoury snacks.

Guests can also choose two bottles of premium spirits to enjoy, plus 16 bottles of sommelier-selected wine are included during the stay. This is such an unusually generous touch that reflects the resort’s emphasis on having experiences thoughtfully curated around you.

There are seven restaurants and five bars available across the island, with Ocean Suites guests having exclusive access to Baani, an overwater restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. The setting alone makes dining here an special occasion, with the ocean providing a constantly changing, beautiful backdrop from morning through to night. 
For drinks, the pool bar offers daytime refreshments, while the Falhu Bar stocks an impressive array of premium whisky and cognac alongside a curated selection of organic and biodynamic wines - perfect for a nightcap!


One of the reasons everything during my stay seemed to happen so effortlessly was staff member, Nafiu.

Ocean Suite guests are assigned their own point of contact for the duration of their stay, who will deal with everything from arranging buggy pick-ups and restaurant reservations to spa treatments, excursions and all those other little requests and queries that inevitably arise.

Nafiu seemed to have perfected the art of anticipating rather than simply responding. On more than one occasion, it felt as though he knew what we wanted before we had quite worked it out ourselves. Before long, I had become accustomed to seeing him appear in his golf buggy, perfectly timed and ready to whisk us away to our next activity.
There is something wonderfully indulgent about being looked after in this way. Not fussed over, not interrupted, just simply looked after.

And it is perhaps one of the best examples of what makes the service at Heritance Aarah so impressive. The luxury is not just in the villas, the restaurants or the setting; it is in the people who quietly make everything feel effortless.

A stay in one of the Ocean Suites is, undoubtedly, a special experience. There is the space and privacy, the extraordinary views and and the indulgence offered by the Heritance Aarah’s Premium All-Inclusive concept. But there is also the special feeling of being completely removed from the everyday, without ever feeling disconnected from the wider resort.

Luxury Travel Link: www.heritancehotels.com/aarah/