Heritance Aarah is a Forbes-recognized premium all-inclusive resort located on a private island in Raa Atoll, just 40 minutes by seaplane from Malé International Airport. This award-winning luxury resort features 150 elegantly appointed villas ranging from beachfront pavilions to overwater suites with infinity pools. Recognized as the "Best Resort in the World - Indian Ocean" by Condé Nast Traveller 2024, Heritance Aarah combines Maldivian heritage with contemporary luxury, offering butler service for all guests, seven restaurants by culinary champions, and the first LEED Gold certified building in the Maldives.
Award-Winning Premium All-Inclusive Resort
Forbes Best Beachfront All-Inclusive Family Resort 2024 and Condé Nast Traveller's "Best Resort in the World - Indian Ocean" with butler service for every villa and sustainable luxury practices.
Location & Access
Private island resort in scenic Raa Atoll with crystal-clear turquoise lagoons and powder-white beaches.
40-minute scenic seaplane transfer from Malé International Airport with exclusive airport lounge access.
Alternative domestic flight plus speedboat combination available for convenient arrival options.
150 luxurious villas spread across tropical gardens and overwater locations with maximum privacy.
Resort Recognition
Forbes Best Beachfront All-Inclusive Family Resort 2024 with world-class service standards.
Condé Nast Traveller "Best Resort in the World - Indian Ocean" 2024 for exceptional guest experiences.
TripAdvisor "Best of the Best" recognition among top 25 hotels worldwide for premium all-inclusive.
First LEED Gold certified building in Maldives demonstrating commitment to environmental sustainability.
Heritance Aarah MaldivesRaa Atoll premium resortForbes Best Family ResortButler service all villas40-minute seaplane transferLEED Gold certified
Beach Villas
Beach Villas: Direct beach access with spacious verandas, private outdoor showers, and king-size beds for up to 3 guests.
Sunset Pool Beach Villas: Private plunge pools on sun decks positioned for spectacular Maldivian sunset views and ultimate serenity.
Two-Bedroom Family Beach Villas: Interconnecting rooms with shared living spaces, perfect for families seeking privacy and togetherness.
All beach accommodations feature direct white sand beach access, tropical garden courtyards, and premium Four Seasons amenities.
Family Accommodations
Two-Bedroom Family Pool Beach Villas: Expanded family spaces with private plunge pools and proximity to Koka Kids Club facilities.
Interconnecting Layout: Separate bedroom areas functioning as individual villas while maintaining family connectivity and shared amenities.
Family-Friendly Features: Special children's amenities, larger living areas, and easy access to kids' activities and dining venues.
Butler service tailored for families with activity planning, childcare coordination, and meal arrangement services.
Overwater Luxury
Ocean Suites with Infinity Pool: Adults-focused duplex suites featuring private infinity pools, wine cellars, and direct ocean access.
Ocean Residence with Infinity Lap Pool: Pinnacle luxury at 300 square meters with two bedrooms, separate nanny room, and personal butler.
Glass Floor Panels: Direct viewing of marine life beneath villas with ladder access to crystal-clear lagoon waters.
Exclusive overwater dining venues accessible only to Ocean Suite and Ocean Residence guests for ultimate privacy.
Villa Amenities
Flat-screen TV, Marshall Bluetooth speaker, high-speed Wi-Fi, and Nespresso coffee machines in all accommodations.
Mini-bar replenished twice daily, tea/coffee facilities, electronic safe, and complimentary snorkeling gear for spontaneous exploration.
Private outdoor showers in walled gardens, premium bath amenities, and 24-hour personalized butler service.
Air conditioning with ceiling fans, pillow menu options, and premium linens for optimal comfort and relaxation.
Design & Environment
Contemporary Maldivian architecture blending traditional materials with modern luxury and sustainable building practices.
Indigenous materials and local craftsmanship techniques creating authentic island ambiance with environmental consciousness.
Tropical landscaping with native vegetation, palm groves, and flowering gardens surrounding each villa location.
Indoor-outdoor living concept with seamless transitions to natural surroundings and private beach or lagoon access.
All villas include dedicated butler service and snorkeling gear. Ocean Suite and Ocean Residence guests enjoy exclusive access to select dining venues and premium amenities.
Signature Restaurants
Ranba Restaurant: Main buffet venue with international and Asian cuisine featuring hawker-style delicacies and live cooking stations.
Ralu Overwater Restaurant: All-day dining with Mediterranean and French-inspired gourmet cuisine in oceanfront overwater setting.
Ambula Overwater Restaurant: Contemporary Sri Lankan and Maldivian cuisine with inventive eight-course tasting menu by culinary champions.
Ginifathi Private Dining: Intimate seafood restaurant with separate bamboo-thatched pavilions for romantic oceanside dining experiences.
Specialty Dining
Pizza Shack: Poolside casual dining with infinity pool views, wood-fired pizzas, and relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere.
Hathaa Street Food: Pan-Asian street food experience featuring Tokyo and Bangkok flavors (supplement charges apply).
Baani Fine Dining: Exclusive overwater restaurant accessible only to Ocean Suite and Ocean Residence guests with fusion cuisine.
Private dining experiences including in-villa service, beach setups, and customized culinary celebrations for special occasions.
Bars & Lounges
Bandhi Pool Bar: Main hub featuring 30 signature cocktails, swim-up service, and lively atmosphere for daytime socializing.
Udaras Overwater Infinity Pool Bar: Exclusive to Ocean Suite guests with premium spirits and overwater seating areas.
Sky Overwater Bar: Perfect sunset venue above Ambula restaurant with stargazing opportunities and romantic atmosphere.
Ralu Lounge Bar: Largest rum selection in Maldives with tiki cocktails and traditional rum tastings included in premium packages.
Premium All-Inclusive Benefits
Dine-Around Access: Seven restaurants included with reservations recommended for specialty venues and tasting experiences.
Premium Beverages: Whiskey and wine tastings, signature cocktails, and premium spirits included in comprehensive packages.
Culinary Excellence: Menus crafted by Culinary Olympic and World Cup winners with international recognition for quality.
Special dietary accommodations including vegetarian, vegan, halal, and allergy-friendly options with advance notice.
IASO Medi Spa
First-of-its-kind holistic spa complex in Maldives with six overwater treatment rooms offering lagoon views.
Professional spa consultations, IASO face scans, and bespoke wellness plans curated by certified wellness coaches.
Steam room facilities, luxury health treatments, and specialized therapies for balancing body, mind, and soul.
Spa credits included in premium all-inclusive packages with skilled therapists providing world-class rejuvenation experiences.
Water Sports & Diving
PADI certified diving center with multilingual instructors offering courses for all experience levels from beginner to advanced.
Complimentary snorkeling gear in all villas, dive trips included in premium packages, and professional underwater photography services.
Marine conservation programs, turtle encounters, and educational experiences at on-site marine discovery center.
Complete diving equipment rental, underwater scooters, and guided night diving adventures for certified divers.
Recreation & Wellness
Multiple Swimming Pools: Main infinity pool, overwater infinity pool exclusive to suite guests, and dedicated children's swimming area.
Fitness & Sports: 24-hour ocean-view fitness center, tennis court, and professional coaching available for multiple sports.
Wellness Programs: Daily yoga classes, CrossFit sessions, Pilates, bootcamp workouts, and meditation in tropical settings.
High-speed Wi-Fi throughout resort with speeds suitable for business needs and social media sharing.
Water Sports Activities
Motorized Sports: Jet skiing, water skiing, banana boat rides, and fun tube experiences with safety equipment provided.
Wind-Powered Activities: Catamaran sailing, windsurfing, kitesurfing with professional instruction, and equipment rental services.
Adventure Experiences: X-Jetpacks, hydrofoil experiences, and high-adrenaline water activities for thrill-seeking guests.
All water sports equipment maintained to international safety standards with certified instructors available for lessons.
Koka Kids Club
Supervised Activities: Daily programs including cultural sessions, marine biology education, coral painting, and creative workshops.
Educational Experiences: Cooking classes, traditional Maldivian crafts, treasure hunts, and environmental awareness programs.
Family Spa Services: Specialized treatments for children over six years with parental supervision and gentle therapeutic options.
Professional childcare services, teen recreation rooms, and age-appropriate surfing and diving lessons for young adventurers.
Business & Services
24-hour front desk with multilingual staff, concierge services, and comprehensive guest relations support.
Business center facilities, conference capabilities for small corporate events, and meeting spaces with modern technology.
Daily housekeeping twice per day, laundry services, and contactless check-in/checkout options for convenience.
Butler service for all villa categories with activity planning, dining reservations, and personalized guest experience coordination.
Marine Adventures
Coral Reef Exploration: Guided snorkeling trips to pristine coral gardens with marine biologist guides and educational components.
Turtle Conservation Program: Educational experiences at marine discovery center with turtle feeding and conservation awareness activities.
Dolphin Encounters: Sunrise and sunset dolphin cruises to spot resident pods around Raa Atoll with photography opportunities.
Deep Sea Adventures: Diving expeditions to famous Maldivian sites including cleaning stations and underwater formations.
Island Excursions
Cultural Discovery: Visits to local island communities, traditional Maldivian fishing experiences, and cultural immersion programs.
Sandbank Picnics: Private beach setups on uninhabited sandbanks with gourmet dining and champagne service.
Seaplane Photography: Aerial tours of Raa Atoll with professional photography opportunities and island-hopping adventures.
Traditional Experiences: Local fishing trips with traditional dhoni boats, line fishing, and authentic Maldivian techniques.
Water Sports & Recreation
Kitesurfing School: Professional instruction from beginner to advanced levels with equipment provided and flat lagoon conditions.
Catamaran Adventures: Half-day and full-day sailing expeditions with experienced crew and refreshment service included.
Jet Ski Tours: Guided tours around Raa Atoll exploring hidden lagoons, coral formations, and scenic coastal areas.
Parasailing & Tubing: High-energy water activities with safety equipment and professional instruction for all skill levels.
Wellness & Leisure
Yoga & Meditation: Daily sessions in tropical settings with certified instructors and various styles from Hatha to Vinyasa.
Fitness Programs: Personal training sessions, beach volleyball, badminton, table tennis, and foosball tournaments.
Cultural Activities: Traditional Maldivian village visits, local craft workshops, and heritage education programs.
Photography Tours: Professional underwater and sunset photography sessions with equipment provided and expert guidance.
Many activities are included in the premium all-inclusive package. Weather-dependent excursions may require minimum participants or can be arranged as private charters.
Heritance Aarah offers two transfer options: a 40-minute scenic seaplane journey ($575 adult, $288 child 2-11 years) or domestic flight plus speedboat ($500 adult, $250 child). Both include exclusive airport lounge access. Flight details must be shared 72 hours before arrival for transfer coordination.
The premium all-inclusive includes seven restaurants by Culinary Olympic winners, whiskey and wine tastings, snorkel and dive trips, spa credits, IASO face scans, butler service for all villas, and mini-bar restocked twice daily. TripAdvisor recognizes it as "Best of the Best" among global resorts.
IASO Spa is the first holistic spa complex of its kind in the Maldives, featuring six overwater treatment rooms with lagoon views. It offers professional wellness consultations, IASO face scans, steam facilities, and spa credits included in premium packages with personalized wellness programs.
Absolutely. Forbes named it "Best Beachfront All-Inclusive Family Resort 2024." Features include Koka Kids Club, family villas with interconnecting rooms, children's spa treatments (6+ years), specialized kids' dining options, and marine education programs with professional childcare services.
Seven restaurants are included: Ranba (buffet), Ralu (Mediterranean), Ambula (Sri Lankan/Maldivian), Ginifathi (seafood), Pizza Shack, plus Hathaa (supplement) and Baani (Ocean Suite exclusive). Five bars serve premium beverages, signature cocktails, and include wine/whiskey tastings.
Included activities: snorkeling gear in villas, dive trips, turtle conservation programs, kayaking, windsurfing, catamaran sailing, fitness center, tennis court, yoga classes, and kids club activities. Motorized water sports, spa treatments, and some excursions available for additional charges.
Heritance Aarah is the first LEED Gold certified building in the Maldives, demonstrating advanced environmental standards. The resort participates in coral conservation, marine protection programs, and sustainable operations while offering educational experiences about Maldivian ecosystem preservation.
Marine Protected Areas
Raa Atoll Marine Protected Area - Pristine coral reefs and diverse marine ecosystems with protected status.
Hanifaru Bay (Baa Atoll) - UNESCO Biosphere Reserve famous for manta ray aggregations (39km from resort).
Coral Garden Sites - Multiple diving and snorkeling locations with vibrant coral formations and tropical fish.
Turtle Nesting Areas - Seasonal green turtle nesting sites accessible through conservation programs and guided visits.
Cultural & Urban Attractions
Malé Capital City - Historic mosques, presidential palace, National Museum, and traditional fish markets (40 minutes by seaplane).
Hukuru Miskiy (Friday Mosque) - Ancient coral stone mosque dating to 1658 with intricate Islamic architecture.
Local Island Communities - Traditional Maldivian villages in Raa Atoll offering cultural immersion and authentic experiences.
Sultan Park and National Museum - Maldivian history, artifacts, and cultural exhibits in the capital's historic district.
Transportation Hubs
Velana International Airport (MLE) - Main international gateway with customs, immigration, and resort transfer coordination.
Seaplane Terminal - Trans Maldivian Airways hub for scenic flights and resort transfers with exclusive lounge facilities.
Dharavandhoo Airport - Domestic airport serving Raa Atoll with speedboat connections to various resort destinations.
Private Aviation Services - VIP jet charter facilities and helicopter transfers available through resort concierge arrangements.
Natural Attractions & Excursions
Uninhabited Sandbanks - Private beach picnic destinations accessible by dhoni boat with pristine white sand beaches.
Mangrove Ecosystems - Educational tours through protected mangrove areas with bird watching and environmental learning opportunities.
Seasonal Wildlife Areas - Dolphin resident areas, whale migration routes, and bird nesting sites throughout Raa Atoll.
Traditional Fishing Grounds - Local fishing experiences with community fishermen using sustainable traditional methods.
Check-in & Reservations
Standard check-in time varies by transfer arrival, check-out by departure schedule with luggage storage available for early/late guests.
Flight details must be provided 72 hours before arrival for transfer coordination and seat reservation confirmation.
Credit card used for booking required at check-in for verification, and full payment due before arrival confirmation.
Cancellation and prepayment policies vary by season and room type - non-refundable rates incur 100% cancellation fees.
Special requests subject to availability with additional charges potentially applicable for premium services and room preferences.
Transfer & Transportation
Seaplane transfers operate daylight hours (7:00 AM - 3:00 PM) with weight restrictions of 25kg checked plus 5kg hand luggage.
Weather-dependent transfers may experience delays - flexible scheduling recommended for tight international connections.
Exclusive airport lounge access included with both transfer options featuring refreshments and spa treatment opportunities.
Private transfer arrangements available on request with premium pricing and dedicated aircraft scheduling.
Family & Age Policies
Children under 2 travel free on transfers, children 2-11 receive 50% transfer discount with family accommodation options.
Green Tax of $6 per child per night applies as government requirement for all Maldivian resort stays.
Spa treatments available for children over 6 years with parental supervision and specialized gentle therapy options.
Professional childcare and babysitting services available with advance booking and experienced certified staff.
Family villas with interconnecting rooms and child-friendly amenities designed for multi-generational travel experiences.
Environmental & Safety
Resort operates under LEED Gold certification with comprehensive environmental sustainability and conservation programs.
Unmanned aerial systems (drones) prohibited to protect guest privacy and comply with Maldivian aviation regulations.
Marine conservation guidelines enforced during diving, snorkeling, and wildlife interaction activities with educational components.
24-hour security, medical assistance on call, emergency evacuation procedures, and comprehensive safety protocols in place.
Photography restrictions in spa areas and private villa zones to respect guest privacy and maintain exclusive atmosphere.
All policies subject to change based on local regulations, seasonal requirements, and operational circumstances. Complete terms and conditions provided with booking confirmation.
Best Time to Visit
Dec-Apr: Dry season with calm seas, minimal rainfall, and ideal conditions for families and first-time Maldives visitors.
May-Nov: Green season with occasional rain showers, lush vegetation, and fewer crowds for romantic getaways.
Year-round: Constant 26-30°C temperatures with warm Indian Ocean waters perfect for swimming and water sports.
Manta Season: May-November for manta ray encounters at nearby Hanifaru Bay with guided diving and snorkeling excursions.
Ideal Duration
3-4 nights: Perfect introduction to Maldivian luxury with spa experiences, romantic dining, and essential water activities.
5-7 nights: Comprehensive family vacation allowing kids club activities, cultural excursions, and multiple dining experiences.
7-10 nights: Ultimate luxury escape with diving certifications, spa wellness programs, and deep cultural immersion.
Extended stays: Ideal for honeymoons, special celebrations, and guests seeking complete relaxation with personalized butler services.
Target Audience
Families: Forbes Best Family Resort 2024 with kids club, family villas, educational marine programs, and childcare services.
Wellness Seekers: IASO Medi Spa, yoga programs, wellness coaching, and holistic health experiences in tropical settings.
Signature Experiences & Itinerary Ideas
Sunrise yoga session followed by couples spa treatment at IASO Medi Spa with personalized wellness consultation.
Eight-course tasting menu at Ambula Restaurant with wine pairing and traditional Sri Lankan cultural performances.
Private sandbank picnic with champagne service, snorkeling, and traditional Maldivian fishing experience.
Turtle conservation program at marine discovery center with educational snorkeling and environmental awareness activities.
Overwater villa stay with private infinity pool, exclusive dining access, and personalized butler service coordination.
Packing & Travel Tips
Reef-safe sunscreen (mandatory), lightweight tropical clothing, elegant resort wear for dinner restaurants, and comfortable water shoes.
Underwater camera equipment, extra batteries, and waterproof storage for electronics and personal items during water activities.
Light luggage for seaplane transfers (25kg limit), or normal luggage allowance for domestic flight plus speedboat options.
Formal evening wear for fine dining restaurants, swimwear for multiple pool and beach activities, and sun protection accessories.
Personal snorkeling gear optional as complimentary equipment provided in all villas with daily cleaning and maintenance services.
Weddings & Honeymoons
Beach Ceremonies: Traditional Maldivian or Western-style weddings on pristine white sand beaches with tropical floral arrangements.
Overwater Celebrations: Intimate ceremonies on private overwater pavilions with lagoon views and professional photography services.
Sunset Pool Villa Receptions: Private villa celebrations with infinity pool settings and personalized catering by culinary champions.
Honeymoon Packages: Romantic experiences including couples spa, private dining, butler coordination, and champagne welcome amenities.
Wedding planning coordination with floral design, custom décor, traditional music, and legal ceremony arrangements.
Corporate Events & Incentives
Executive Retreats: Small group meetings with business center facilities, conference rooms, and private dining coordination.
Team Building: Water sports competitions, marine conservation activities, cultural workshops, and group dining experiences.
Incentive Programs: Luxury accommodation rewards, exclusive experiences, and premium all-inclusive packages for high-performing teams.
Product Launches: Unique tropical venue with professional event management, audio-visual equipment, and catering services.
Conference facilities with modern technology, high-speed internet, and dedicated event coordination for business success.
Special Celebrations
Anniversary Parties: Romantic celebrations with sunset dinners, spa experiences, and personalized villa decorations.
Birthday Celebrations: Custom cake creation, villa arrangements, private beach parties, and family-friendly entertainment coordination.
Family Reunions: Multi-villa bookings with interconnecting accommodations, group activities, and shared dining experiences.
Milestone Events: Graduations, retirements, and achievement celebrations in exclusive tropical settings with butler service.
Cultural performances, live entertainment, and traditional Maldivian experiences available for special event enhancement.
Signature Event Experiences
Private Villa Events: Ocean Residence exclusive use with infinity lap pool, personal butler, and gourmet catering services.
Culinary Celebrations: Chef's table experiences, wine pairing dinners, and cooking classes with Culinary Olympic winners.
Wellness Retreats: Group spa experiences, yoga instruction, wellness coaching, and holistic health programs.
Adventure Packages: Diving expeditions, marine conservation activities, and educational programs for corporate or family groups.
Event Planning Services
Dedicated event managers with comprehensive planning, coordination, and execution services for all celebration types.
Custom menu creation, beverage service, dietary accommodation, and wine selection with sommelier consultation services.
Photography and videography coordination, including aerial footage, underwater sessions, and professional event documentation.
Transportation logistics for group arrivals, activity coordination, and departure management with seamless guest experience.
All events require advance planning and coordination with resort event managers. Seasonal availability may affect certain services and experiences with additional costs for specialized arrangements.
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