The way we travel has changed. Travellers are increasingly seeking authentic experiences that stay with them long after they’ve returned home. This rise in experiential travel includes a desire for more eco-minded encounters and cultural immersions that are rooted in sustainability and the destination itself. Leading the charge for meaningful travel in the Maldives is Heritance Aarah, a beautiful all-inclusive resort on the enchanting Raa Atoll that celebrates the culture and history of this captivating island nation.
Nestled among the lush tropical landscape of Heritance Aarah lies the resort’s authentic Live Maldivian Village Museum. This cultural experience invites guests to immerse themselves in the traditional way of life as they journey back 4000 years into the past, exploring 10 key moments that represent the essence of Maldivian culture.
From Sri Lankan hospitality company Aitken Spence Hotels, Heritance Aarah Maldives embraces the brand’s promise of ‘where tradition is alive’. An ode to the rich and vibrant history of the Maldives, the Village experience celebrates the colours, traditions, and unique lifestyle of the Maldivian people.
As you step into this immersive sustainability initiative, your senses come alive to the essence of a typical Maldivian household, an outdoor school, and the captivating furniture. The tropical breeze gently caresses your skin, carrying the salty scent of the sea and the delightful fragrance of lush vegetation.
Your eyes are immediately drawn to the vivid colours and intricate designs of local handicrafts; from the sparkle of jewellery to the detailed patterns of woven mats, it’s a visual feast. Your ears are serenaded by the rhythmic sounds of boat building and the melodic tapping of coral stone carving, a tribute to the island’s skilled craftsmen.
As you continue to explore, your senses remain engaged. The mouth-watering aroma of local cuisine emanates from a traditional open kitchen, tantalizing your taste buds and inviting you to savour the authentic flavours of the Maldives. Your fingers glide over the smooth surface of traditional writing instruments as you learn to write your name in the local language, Dhivehi.
Intriguing snapshots of the past come to life as you peruse the Village photo gallery, offering you a glimpse into the rich history of the Maldives through captivating imagery. Every step of the way, you are guided through this sensory journey by one of the resort’s knowledgeable Maldivian team members, who generously share their personal insights into a country where the sea dominates the land.
Guests are guided through the Village experience by one of the resort’s Maldivian team members, who share their personal insights into a unique country that has more sea than land. For a hands-on immersion in the crafts and culture of the Maldives, guests can take part in interactive sessions at the Village, such as sampling the delicious local cuisine in a traditional open kitchen and learning to write their name in the local language, Dhivehi. They can also take the time to marvel at fascinating snapshots of the past as they browse the Village photo gallery.
Other immersive experiences at Heritance Aarah include aquatic adventures above and below the waves, with everything from sailing and water skiing to scuba diving and snorkelling. Boasting one of the Maldives’ most generous all-inclusive packages, dining at Heritance Aarah is a multisensory experience, with an unrivalled collection of restaurants and bars, intimate private dining arrangements, and authentic cuisines from around the world, from Maldivian and Sri Lankan specialities to French and Japanese delicacies.
The first LEED certified resort in the Maldives, Heritance Aarah is committed to sustainable tourism. Key initiatives include the resort’s own organic herb and vegetable garden, a coral replanting project covering 800 square feet of ocean floor, and the use of use of biodegradable materials, paper straws and glass bottles.