We had the privilege of speaking with Upul Gedarakumbura, General Manager of Heritance Aarah, who recounted his modest start in the hospitality industry and his journey to leading the resort since its pre-opening.
During the interview, he discussed the unique premium all-inclusive experiences the resort offers its guests, unveiled new concepts set to be introduced in the culinary space at Heritance Aarah, and outlined his vision for the resort in the coming years.
After graduating in 1997, I joined Taj Samudra Colombo and advanced through various roles, eventually becoming F&B Manager. My career then took me to Browns Beach Negombo, and I seized a unique chance to work as Chief Steward on Mr Kerry Packer’s yacht in Australia, where I hosted a formal dinner for Bill Gates and his family.
After a few stints in Sri Lanka and Dubai, I rejoined Aitken Spence Hotels in 2015 as the General Manager at Earl’s Regency in Kandy, Sri Lanka. In 2018, I was given the opportunity to move to the Maldives as General Manager at Aitken Spence’s Adaaran Select Huduran Fushi. In 2019, I was honoured to join the flagship Heritance resort in the Maldives as the pre-opening General Manager for Heritance Aarah.
It is safe to say that my career has been a journey of continuous learning, growth, and remarkable experiences.
At our resort, we offer an exceptionally generous holiday experience through our Premium All-Inclusive offering, which elevates the traditional all-inclusive concept to new heights with bespoke journeys of discovery. From the moment you arrive in Malé, your journey to Heritance Aarah is curated every step of the way. From the time spent at our luxurious Heritance Lounge at the airport to the picturesque seaplane ride to Raa Atoll, admiring the stunning atoll formation – every moment is an experience unlike any other.
What sets us apart is our homage to Maldivian culture. Guests are welcome with traditional bodu beru performance, as is our farewell with a blessing recital.
Guests can enjoy a culinary adventure with our award-winning chefs and mixologists at 12 outlets—seven different restaurants and five bars—meeting all their food and beverage needs. This extensive dine-around offering is among the most extensive culinary experiences in the Maldives and features everything from fine dining to street food, fusion and classics.
Our resort is also home to the Maldives’ first overwater Medi Spa, which provides a unique wellness experience,
We cater to both couples and families with diverse needs in our five-star, premium all-inclusive resort. Every guest benefits from round-the-clock butler service, ensuring that any request is promptly attended to, and the kid’s club and nanny facilities keep our junior guests thoroughly entertained.
Overall, we are committed to crafting unforgettable experiences for every guest, regardless of their background, age, or travel purpose. Our exceptional team goes above and beyond to cater to individual needs, ensuring that every stay is truly extraordinary.
Guests staying in an Ocean Suite can anticipate an extraordinary experience marked by a blend of privacy, luxury, and exceptional service in the adults-only wing.
Ideal for couples, guests will be pampered with unparalleled service, featuring a dedicated butler available around the clock to cater to your every need. Culinary delights await you with exquisite dining options from the island’s exclusive restaurant, Baani, and the option for private, in-villa dining.
Direct access to the crystal-clear ocean is just a step away from your private terrace, allowing you to immerse yourself in vibrant marine life. Unwind in your private plunge pool or soak in the bathtub, both offering spectacular ocean views.
The suite’s luxurious amenities include an oversized daybed for ultimate relaxation, high-end bath products, and modern entertainment options such as a TV, Bluetooth speaker, and Wi-Fi. Comfort is further enhanced by a private sundeck with a swing, an attached pantry with a refrigerator, and a minibar replenished twice daily. Additionally, guests can enjoy a personal wine cellar featuring 16 bottles of wine and a bottle of champagne.
Additional personalised touches, such as a pillow menu and a wine cabinet, ensure your stay is tailored to your preferences. Overall, an Ocean Suite provides an unforgettable Maldivian experience, combining indulgence, comfort, and breathtaking ocean access.
Heritance Aarah is proud to be the Maldives’ first property to achieve LEED Gold certification, as well as the first resort to hold certifications from LEED, Travelife, and Green Globe. We are also recognised as the first Green-Rated resort by the Green Building Council of Sri Lanka and have been Travelife Gold certified from 2022 to 2023.
Our sustainability efforts include a 30% improvement in energy efficiency compared to conventional hotels of the same scale. We use wet garbage composting, biodegradable chemicals, and garbage bags and generate all hot water through a heat recovery process from our generators. Our resort features 1,125 solar panels covering 1920 sqm, and all electrical items, including lights and air conditioning, are energy-efficient.
Rainwater harvesting is employed for island agriculture and gardening, and we recycle 100% of wastewater for gardening and W/C flushing. Our lighting system uses photocell controls and timers, and we produce our own 100% eco-friendly soil additive. We also make local purchases whenever possible and use native and adapted plants in our landscaping to protect biodiversity.
Our sustainability practices extend to the local community, providing gainful employment and supporting local initiatives. We have our own vegetable and herbal garden and organise regular coral planting, tree planting, and coastal clean-up activities.
Additionally, we operate a homemade sparkling and still water bottle plant and continuously educate guests, local communities, and associates about flora, fauna, and sustainability practices.
Our talented chefs have brought great honour to both Heritnace Aarah and the Maldives at recent world-renowned culinary competitions like the Culinary Olympics and Culinary World Cup.
Our curated fusion menu at “Ambula”, the world’s only Sri Lankan and Maldivian contemporary fusion restaurant, has been a popular favourite among guests. It truly celebrates the flavours and dishes from the friendly neighbouring islands. The eight-course tasting menu features unique dishes and is presented with its own narrative, adding a storytelling element to dining.
We are currently revamping the menu at Ambula to enhance the experience and we are excited to launch this soon.
The heart of our success lies with our incredible team. Their dedication creates a haven for all our guests. At Aitken Spence Maldives Resorts, we prioritise fostering a culture of continuous development. This commitment extends beyond our team members, encompassing the local community as well. Recently, we offered five scholarships (valued at over USD 10,000) to Maldivian female candidates for our renowned ’True Art of Service’ 10-day in-house butler training program.
Adaaran and Heritance weave a tapestry of experiences unlike any other. We meticulously integrate the rich traditions, culture, and heritage of the Maldives (the destination we operate in), blended with the world-renowned Sri Lankan hospitality, creating an emotion that transcends words. It’s a feeling you’ll encounter not just from our dedicated team members but from every encounter within our havens.
Our vision for the resort’s future is centred around three key areas: enhancing our associates’ development, evolving our culinary offerings, and strengthening our sustainability efforts.
We will focus on the continuous development of our associates, introducing innovative training programs and pursuing LQA (Leading Quality Assurance) certification for all team members. This pledge extends to the local community, ensuring everyone benefits from our growth.
In the culinary aspect, we aim to integrate the latest global food trends and technologies with the rich flavours of Maldivian cuisine. This will create a dining experience that is both unique and memorable for our guests.
We are also dedicated to environmental stewardship. Pending ministerial approval, we will resume our coral planting initiative to support preserving the Maldivian ecosystem. Additionally, we plan to increase our reliance on solar energy, further reducing our environmental footprint.
Overall, our goal is to offer a blend of modern luxury and Maldivian heritage, crafting exceptional experiences that exceed expectations and create lasting memories.
