Heritance Aarah

There were some real highlights to our holiday, and a big part of that was the staff. Initially we were a bit disappointed with the food offerings, but after a meeting with Gilbert (acting GM) we were told we could have a greater variety including dishes made to order, which were superb. The set menu in Ambula was also outstanding, and the service was to match, especially from Mani and Dan, who we had great conversations with. All of the staff we met were lovely, but in particular we would like to mention our butler Arka who was always friendly and helpful, and very interesting and informative. Other notable people on the team were Gilbert, Deepak Sati, Anurag (great conversations and service from both), Deepsi the Indian chef, Bandu, Manoj, Sandeep, Naroja (chef) and Rao. The hotel facilities and setting were beautiful as was our ocean villa room which was kept spotlessly clean by housekeeping. All in, we had a fabulous holiday and thanks again to the great team of staff, especially Arka. Read less

We are just back from our fabulous holiday at the Heritance Aarah, 10 nights in paradise. For our trip to the Maldives, we were looking for an island that offered relaxation, beauty, a strong relationship with the environment and incorporating the Maldivian way of life. Plus a holiday that we would never forget. The Heritance Aarah offered this and more. From the moment we landed in Male, to arriving at the Heritance Aarah it was seamless. The staff at the airport were amazing, we were met at arrivals and taken to the Heritance private lounge to relax where we were able to help ourselves to cool drinks and food, we were even offered a massage whilst waiting for our seaplane. We were then collected taken to check in for the seaplane - that is service for you. The seaplane journey is an experience on its own, great fun, we loved it. On arrival at the Heritance Aarah island we were greeted with a welcoming song, lovely Maldivian music (Marhaba). Our Butler Hilmy introduced himself and took us to reception to check in and set us up with our personal WhatsApp group so we could keep in touch with him - a great idea (he sent information about events taking place during our stay, booked all our tours and restaurants). Hilmy then took us on a little tour of the island in an electric buggy explaining where things were before taking us to our Overwater Ocean Suite with infinity pool. It was more of a 2 story villa, lovely and spacious with a large outside deck area, sun beds etc., and a great pool. Inside was a spacious lounge, kitchen, and large downstairs bathroom which had a super bathtub with a view that opened out onto the decked area and the ocean beyond. Upstairs had a big bedroom with a fantastic super kingsize bed another large shower / bathroom, wardrobe etc, plus there was a Juliet balcony with seats overlooking the ocean, for a romantic nightcap - or two 🍷🍷 For the first 4 nights Hilmy (our Butler) had booked various restaurants for us perfect. The 1st night was Baani, (which has a Whiskey bar next to it) 👍 the food was a culinary experience, and if this was the standard, we were in for some real treats throughout our stay. Every restaurant we had a meal in, (and we ate in all of them) (some more than once/twice) the food just got better. We are food and wine fans and had read a lot about their culinary experiences on their Website, you will not be disappointed, I would go as far as to say 2 of the restaurants were on par with Michelin star standard and the others not far behind. The service (not just at the restaurants) was 1st class, the staff at all levels went above and beyond to make sure you were enjoying your stay and if there was anything they could do for you. The attention to detail was exceptional and something the Heritance Aarah should be very proud of, a big part of this is down to the people that work there and their hard work. We both found it humbling at times, the management were also very visible and great to chat to they were genuinely interested in you making sure that you had everything you needed during your stay. I could go on for a lot longer, but I would like to end by mentioning a few names, and I apologise if get them wrong or cannot remember names but just the location. Ralu, Deepak thank you, you made our visits special every time, including our two leaving dinners 👍😂. Deepak 2, always great to have a chat with you and thank you for looking after us, during our stay, it was nice to see you and chat before we left. Our cocktail guy at the rum bar and also the infinity pool bar, great cocktails and for making me late for dinner one night, one too many of your special concoctions 👍🥴🥃. All the staff at Baani thank you we miss you, that amazing Maldivian breakfast loved that 👍 and the fab lunches. Gilbert for our chats and telling us more about the island and the way it was built and maintained. Bandhi, beach bar and pool, a great place to enjoy a few cocktails a pizza and music in the evenings. Also the 2 guys (Saalam)and forgive me for not remembering the second name for looking after our villa, thank you. Finally but not least Hilmy our Butler, a great guy, who looked after us throughout our stay, he was there when needed but without being intrusive, chatted with us when we were out and about on our walks, making sure we had everything we needed. We enjoyed ourselves so much we are already looking at returning to you next year. J & M Read less

The worst part about our trip, we had to leave. From arrival to departure our stay was beyond our wildest dreams. Every staff member was kind and friendly. We stayed in the Ocean Villa for 6 nights and moved to Ocean Suites for 4 nights. Everything was perfection. Our villa and suite were impeccable and cleaned spotlessly everyday. The views, the endless cocktails and not forgetting the dining experiences which were absolutely delicious. Our butler Nafiu you are such a special man who made our stay a dream. You went above and beyond for us. Always so gracious, kind and friendly. We feel we are family. Till next time, we will cherish every moment and memory of our holiday. Thank you Heritance Aarah, all staff you are a dream team! Read less

We were delighted with our stay at Heritance Aarah, everything was top , the villa was extremely cozy, equipped with everything we needed (prosecco, white and red wine, soft drinks, Nespresso capsules, Lind chocolate and nuts). The villa had a great outdoor bathroom. All the restaurants in the resort offer incredibly delicious food, which we will remember, as we personally liked the two restaurants Ralu and Ranba the most. And last but not least, we want to express our big thanks to Arka, who was our personal assistant appointed by the resort , who was available 24/7 for anything we needed and fulfilled all our wishes. We would love to come back to Maldivi and stay at the Heritance Aarah again !!! Read less