Living in a tropical fantasy at the Heritance Aarah, Maldives
HerItance Aarah wraps Maldives's bursting assortment of romance In contemporary style In one delIghtful package. Here Is how to make the best of It.
It is difficult to believe that we are quite in the center of the sea. Overlooking intensely blue water boasting matchless views of swaying palm trees and talcum white sand, this extravagant resort brings along a fresh level of romance to this flourishing tourism capital of the world. I walk around the huge property and discover stunning natural landscapes, glistening the relation of life with the infinite on a patch of paradise ringed with coral reefs, pristine beaches, and azure waters.
As I make my way deeper into the property, it reveals its treasures, sprinkled with beautiful wooden bungalows with thatched roofs, blended perfectly with every tropical island fantasy. The Heritance Aarah Maldives is the epitome of uber-luxury on an island full of five-star resorts.
A WARM WELCOME
The boardwalk is a few steps from the bright blue ocean. The natives’ smile greets me at the entrance, playing local music and drum beats; Good first impressions? I would say they succeed. A quick check-in later as I am driven on a buggy, the poolside bar en route to my villa Immediately catches my attention and tells me to stop by for a drink before I actually head to my room.
I am absolutely refreshed after a Mojito and local goodies! The Maldives…now we are talking! Then I am escorted to my Ocean villa which looks beautiful, warm, and personal in a neutral palette of cream and white, with uninterrupted views of the Ocean and a roof that has a local touch in design. The villas are stocked with amenities such as a minibar, electronic safe, and more.
The comfortable couch on the balcony and different kinds of pillows make sure that I have a good rest whenever I want to. Everything is as it should be. My premium package includes complimentary beverages and all that I eat throughout the day which I am fervent to add a couple glasses of Champagne to.
THE FOOD
The highlight of my stay here apart from the ambiance, water sports, and the view is definitely the food. With Six different restaurants and four bars dotted across the resort, I am spoilt for choice! Lingering through a meal is one of the essential experiences here. Somehow we just dawdle longer over the same amount of food; waiters seem in no hurry to whisk us out.
Ranlu is my favorite haunt at breakfast every morning and it does not fail with its intriguing mix of local, traditional traveler’s fare and new-age cooking. The next few days bring some unforgettable experiences, the specialty restaurant Ambula offers Srilankan cuisine with a Maldivian touch.
I am in awe of the ambiance with its windswept outdoor space offering a tropical island feel right away! And the Sky Bar on the top floor raises mixology to fresh heights with extraordinary cocktails permeated with local fruit, spices, and herbs, and an ingenious Sri Lankan-Maldivian tapas menu. Adjacent is Haathi, which seats only 10 guests and rotates between Thai and Japanese set menus, and has a chef’s table vibe.
One of the many benefits you get as a revered guest of the Ocean Suite is admission to the superlative Baani, the restaurant in the middle of the water. The hotel also has a very classy Infinity pool bar; an ideal place to unwind and indulge in refreshing tropical drinks and a bite of freshly caught Fritto Misto! But Ambula has honestly ruined me for life.
Gini Fatu does come pretty close. Good music and conversations now pay an ode to life’s simple pleasures. The sand in your toes beach grill restaurant specializes in seafood and cooking with the freshest locally sourced ingredients. The emphasis here seems to be on lingering and lounging albeit elegantly so I feel free to recline on the hammock while taking in the stunning views and catching the sunset just before I start with my drinks!
SPA…AAH
It is impossible, to sum up, the Heritance Aarah experience and not mention the in-house and the first Medical Spa in resorts in the Maldives. So here is to justify staying away from stepping into the sand. Undeniably a must-try is Facial Rejuvenation. Take the first step to a younger, perkier complexion with a mild medical superficial peel. The trained medical staff will show you how to get results that will make you feel renewed by smoothing fine lines and removing sea skin, with medical-grade treatments.
The air is infused with calming scents; soft sounds of uplifting music permeate the spa. I start with the Jacuzzi allowing the mild heat to calm my mind and body. I go for the Iaso Signature Treatment. The soft and gentle strokes place me into a peaceful snooze, a reason why this massage is especially helpful for those that realize it difficult to shut their eyes especially after a day of travel and excitement.
Not only did this massage restore the shine on my skin but it also relieved mental and physical stress both as a result of soothing aromas and medium the pressure given on pressure points over the whole body. This is Maldives’ pit stop of relaxation, indulgence, and beautification. Go go go!
THE ROMANCE
Heritance Aarah Maldives serves as the perfect backdrop to a romantic getaway on the island. There are enough and more space and a superior nous of discretion, making it an ideal choice for some quality time together. The perfect combination of tropical and traditional Maldives elements in décor and architecture, it is elegant and tailored with up-to-date amenities for coziness.
Treasure all the small things, be it dips in the ocean or merely relaxing on your very own private sundeck. And yes, Heritance Aarah also offers butler services around the clock, adding to tailored touches that make your getaway all the more special, at the touch of a dial. Enjoy Maldives’ glorious sunsets, return to your personal homely villa with a bathtub full of rose petals, or a poolside dinner widespread with candles balanced on the water.
MOOD
The four days at Heritance Aarah Maldives merged into a blur of long, relaxing days. This is a space where you can make what you want, a hideaway or a party place… Either way, it is lovely! Personally, they have me with its opulent interiors, a perfect blend of contemporary and local design, blended in so beautifully! To sum up-you have yourself a luxurious stay with a local touch!