Heritance Aarah, Maldives

Another new 5-star player in Raa atoll in what is quickly becoming a crowded market. We were pleased to see the vegetation has fleshed out nicely since our first visit during soft opening, so aesthetically it’s looking very nice for a new resort and the degree of privacy between villas is good and will get even better.

Heritance Hotels & Resorts has assembled an experienced team, covering every aspect of operations. As such, service levels and attention to details are impressive. The Premium All Inclusive plan includes 32 wines (we have suggested they consider adding a pouring champagne), selected branded spirits, and gives a dine-around option in 5 restaurants and 4 bars. For Ocean Suite guests there is an exclusive additional overwater restaurant (Baani) and bar (Falhu) which can be accessed by other guests for a supplement.

The beach accommodation is spacious and tastefully decorated, some with private plunge pools. We expect the two-bedroom family units to be very popular with interleading entrances – perhaps more suitable for parents with older children or friends travelling together. The resort has two overwater jetties – one is home to the duplex style Ocean Suites (with private pool). The Ocean Villas (no pool) are located on the second jetty also home to all-day dining restaurant Ralu, and the bar specialising in different rums.

The quality of F&B is very good in all the restaurants & bars on offer – for a light bite try the Oregano-marinated tuna with pink salt, tomato gazpacho and pomegranate at Ralu, and for dinner we recommend ‘Catch of the Day’ at beach grill Ginifati. The dine-around offering here will undoubtedly be a draw.

The spa at Heritance Aarah is a 'Medi Spa'. Medical spas combine the traditional range of pampering and wellness treatments with medical assessments, diet and nutritional guidance plus selected skin treatments carried out by medically qualified staff. Within 48 hours of arrival, all guests are entitled to a 30-minute massage and a complimentary face scan to determine the quality of your skin.

Snorkelling is very enjoyable and access to the house reef easy from the dive jetty. Fish life is plentiful, and we saw beautiful eagle rays and black tip reef sharks too. Often house reefs on a new resort can suffer from the effects of construction, but this was an encouraging snorkelling experience – better than expected. Snorkelling gear is complimentary, but must be returned each day so the maintenance and cleanliness of the equipment is assured.

There are a couple of remaining snagging points as a result of bad weather affecting shipments and work time. As such, the tennis and futsal courts should finally be finished by mid-December – guests wishing to play tennis in the meantime can use the tennis court on neighbouring property Adaaran Select Meedhupparu. The resort is also still waiting for a delivery of parasols for the pool areas – fortunately there are shaded bar areas next to each pool, but it’s something to be aware of if travelling imminently.

Overall, a very promising well-run resort with a quality all-inclusive package, and one that we’re sure will quickly grow in popularity.

The Resort is located on its own private island Aarah, in the Raa Atoll and can be reached by a 40 minute seaplane journey from Male International Airport.

The island resort of Heritance Aarah is perfectly suited for couples, families or groups of friends looking for a relaxing island hideaway where turquoise waters beckon from your choice of 82 intimate Luxury Duplex Ocean Suites and Sunset Ocean Villas as well as 75 land villas ranging from Beach Villas, Pool Beach Villas, Family Beach Villas and Family Pool Beach Villas.

If you are seeking a haven for pure relaxation or an active a holiday retreat for the whole family, the choices are endless. Offering a range “All Inclusive” options, friendly staff with a high commitment to service assures you a carefree holiday.

Heritance Aarah is a Premium All-Inclusive product with dine-around options and many other inclusions. Please ask us for full details.