Nestled amidst the turquoise waters of the Raa Atoll in the Maldives, Heritance Aarah shines as a shining example of sustainability within the idyllic archipelago. This luxurious resort goes beyond offering a tranquil escape, actively engaging in preserving the local culture and environment. At the heart of its operations lies a deep commitment to sustainable practices, ensuring that luxury and conservation go hand in hand.
Heritance Aarah invites guests to immerse themselves in the authentic Maldivian experience through its unique Maldivian Village, a cultural haven where visitors can partake in traditional activities and delve into the historical events that shaped the local way of life. The resort’s Maldivian village museum offers an enriching experience, blending education and aesthetic appeal.
The resort’s dedication to environmental stewardship is evident in its commitment to eliminating single-use plastics and implementing sophisticated energy management strategies. These efforts have earned Heritance Aarah a prestigious Green Globe certification, a globally recognized standard for sustainable tourism. The resort achieved an impressive initial compliance score of 87% based on 33 global standards, showcasing its unwavering dedication to responsible practices.
General Manager Upul Gedarakumbura emphasizes the resort’s commitment to protecting the delicate ecosystem: “We understand the importance of protecting our fragile ecosystem. We have taken steps to reduce our carbon footprint by utilizing renewable energy sources and implementing energy-efficient practices throughout our operations. We have also eliminated single-use plastics to the best of our ability and have promoted sustainable tourism practices.”
Heritance Aarah’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond its operational practices. Since opening its doors in 2019, the resort has actively engaged in numerous initiatives that promote environmental awareness and responsible tourism. These include educational programs reaching over 2,500 individuals, encompassing employees, guests, and members of the local community, fostering a shared understanding of environmental responsibility.
One of the resort’s flagship initiatives is the “Save the Lungs, Save the Ocean” coral planting campaign. This engaging program brings staff and guests together in the propagation of soft and finger corals within coral regeneration frames, rewarding participants with #TheTrueTraveller certificates for their contribution to marine conservation.
In its quest to minimize reliance on fossil fuels, Heritance Aarah has made a significant investment in renewable energy. The resort has installed 1125 solar panels, covering an impressive 1920 square meters, which play a vital role in powering the resort. Furthermore, Heritance Aarah embraces rainwater harvesting techniques to support its bountiful vegetable garden, Aarah Tharukaaree Dhandu. This garden thrives on sustainable practices, producing a variety of fresh produce, including long beans, papayas, radishes, and herbs. A wet-garbage digester completes the sustainability loop, transforming food and kitchen waste into valuable compost for the garden, minimizing waste and maximizing resource utilization.
“Our efforts have not only had positive impacts on the environment but also on our guests and the community at large. We have seen an increase in demand from travellers who prioritize sustainability and appreciate our commitment to reducing our environmental impact,” adds GM Gedarakumbura. Heritance Aarah’s dedication to sustainability goes beyond creating a luxurious escape; it paves the way for a responsible and enriching travel experience, showcasing the beauty of the Maldives while preserving its natural wonders for generations to come.
