HERITANCE HOTELS & RESORTS – PIONEERING SUSTAINABLE TOURISM IN SRI LANKA & THE MALDIVES
In a world where environmental sustainability is at the forefront of global consciousness, Heritance Hotels and Resorts, part of the Aitken Spence Hotels chain are making a significant commitment to sustainability in both Sri Lanka and the Maldives. At the heart of Heritance Hotels and Resorts lies a holistic dedication to sustainability. This commitment is not merely a nod to global trends but is deeply embedded in the brand’s DNA to #BuildBetterBefore. Far from being just comfortable abodes, these establishments stand as strong examples of environmental pillars, striking a harmonious balance with the nature that surrounds them.
Maldives – Heritance Aarah
Located in the breath-taking Raa Atoll with a short 45mins seaplane ride from Malé, Heritance Aarah is leading the charge for sustainable tourism in the Maldives. Designed by a prominent architect in the Maldives, encompassing the true Maldivian spirit into the design, the resort opened its doors in 2019, and became the first LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold awarded resort in the Maldives, cementing its commitment to sustainability from the outset. Since that time, the premium all-inclusive resort has unveiled an array of eco-minded and CSR initiatives that help to protect the environment, support local communities, and celebrate the rich history of Maldivian culture.
Here are 11 inspiring ways Heritance Aarah continues to set the benchmark for sustainable tourism and CSR in the Maldives.
1. Celebrating Maldivian Culture: In 2021, Heritance Aarah achieved a remarkable milestone as the pioneering resort to introduce the immersive concept of a Live Maldivian Village Museum and gallery, offering guests a glimpse into the Maldivian way of life dating back 4,000 years. As they explore the village, visitors can sample traditional food items in the open kitchen, discover the handicrafts and trades that have supported the nation’s economy, and learn about the history of the Maldives and its self-sufficient practices. What truly sets the resort’s Live Museum apart1is their commitment to interactive live demonstrations, which are the key highlight of this experience with scheduled demonstrations upon request. With a captivating Maldivian experience show, guests are allowed to fully immerse themselves in the vibrant culture and history of the beautiful nation.
2. Supporting Local Fishing Communities. Heritance Aarah Maldives is renowned for its culinary offering, with an array of premium all-inclusive dining experiences and a dine-around concept across the island. A highlight of the menus is the freshly caught seafood, sustainably caught in the surrounding waters. The resort actively supports local fisheries by primarily purchasing seafood direct from local communities. This not only ensures guests are served fresh, quality seafood, it also contributes to the economic sustainability of the region and reduces food miles, as the fish is not being transported around the world. That’s a win for diners, local fishing communities, and the environment.
3. Using Eco-Friendly Tableware. To further minimise waste and landfill, Heritance Aarah uses biodegradable materials such as paper plates, paper cups, wooden cocktail stirrers and paper straws – a move that has seen 182,500 plastic straws saved from landfill. The resort also uses Forest Stewardship Council certified papers in its daily operations. This initiative further highlights the resort’s dedication to environmental preservation and sustainability across all facets of the business.
4. Sustainable Island Gardening. Rainwater harvesting is a vital component of Heritance Aarah’s commitment to responsible resource management, providing invaluable support for island agriculture and gardening. The resort proudly recycles and repurpose 100% of wastewater to nurture their lush greenery and maintain an eco-conscious W/C flushing system. These green initiatives reflect their dedication to preserving the island’s natural beauty and creating a more sustainable future.
5. Growing Organic Herbs & Vegetables. Heritance Aarah’s organic herb and vegetable garden supplies the resort kitchens with a bounty of freshly harvested produce. The organic gardens reduce the need for externally sourced ingredients, while delivering fresh, healthy, and sustainable food options for guests, who enjoy the enhanced flavour and health benefits of home-grown vegetables and herbs.
6. Procuring Local Produce. Beyond the resort’s own vegetable garden, the talented team of chefs seek out fresh, local ingredients from local communities, building a thriving network of growers and producers. By sourcing an array of tropical fruits, vegetables, and bakery items from local vendors, Heritance Aarah positively impacts the local economy, while enhancing the culinary offerings of the resort by showcasing the finest Maldivian produce.
7. Sustainable Energy Initiatives. Heritance Aarah shines the spotlight on energy conservation, celebrating an impressive 30% boost in energy efficiency. The resort harnesses the power of heat recovery to meet hot water requirements and embraces solar energy, boasting a total capacity of 320.7 kWp. This initiative claims a role in generating 13% of the total energy required. A sprawling area on the property hosts 1,125 solar panels, spanning 1,920 square meters, optimizing renewable energy potential. The commitment to energy efficiency extends to highly efficient LED lighting fixtures, significantly trimming energy needs. In addition, high-efficiency VRF and inverter-type air conditioning units play their part in delivering an exceptional guest experience while reducing the resort’s environmental impact.
8. Eliminating Single-Use Plastic Bottles. With its state-of-the-art in-house water bottling plant and refillable glass bottles, Heritance Aarah has effectively ceased the inflow of single-use plastic bottles throughout the resort. This initiative has significantly reduced plastic waste, helping to preserve the pristine Maldivian environment and divert plastic from landfill. In the year 2022-2023, the resort took a commendable step by discontinuing the usage of single-use plastic bottles, preventing a staggering 263,328 bottles from entering the island. This remarkable achievement can be predominantly attributed to the installation of the Bottled Water Plant.
9. Innovating Waste Management. To maintain Heritance Aarah’s lush tropical island appearance throughout the year, the resort has implemented an innovative waste management system. The center piece of this system is the ‘Wet Garbage Digester Machine’, which plays a pivotal role in converting wet garbage into eco-friendly soil additives. Items are reused and converted into other useful items (such as upcycling oil barrels into seats, creating ash trays, etc). This not only significantly reduces waste and the resort’s environmental footprint but also generates valuable soil enrichments that nourishes the gardens across the island.
10. Launching Sustainability Awareness and Educational Programmes. In order to keep the sustainable spirit alive across the island, the resort hosts an array of awareness and educational programmes for guests and staff. These initiatives help to keep team members inspired and accountable, while spreading the message of sustainable living and ecological preservation to the resort’s guests and helping to protect this incredible landscape for years to come.
11. Preserving biodiversity. Our approach is rooted in the belief that nurturing love leads to protection. At Heritance Aarah, we understand the importance of biodiversity preservation and educating visitors about the Maldives’ natural marvels. By offering insights into common plants, animals on land, marine life, unique ecosystems, and endemic species, we aim to cultivate a deep appreciation and affection for these treasures.
Common plants on the island:
Banyan trees, coconut palm trees, sea lettuce trees, coastal iron wood trees, seashore screw pine trees.
Common birds and animals on the island:
Asian koel, house crow, white breasted water hen, white-tailed tropic bird, Indian flying fox/fruit bat, land hermit crab, grey heron, garden lizard.
Endemic marine fauna:
Maldives grubfish, Maldives triplefin, Maldives anemone fish, Maldives cardinalfish, Maldives blenny.
To find out more about Heritance Aarah’s sustainability initiatives or to make a reservation, visit: https://www.heritancehotels.com/aarah
Sri Lanka
Heritance Hotels and Resorts in Sri Lanka has been continuously recognized as a pioneer in sustainable tourism and continuously strives to sustain and innovate processes that reduce the impact of its operation on its surroundings. Proudly adorning the Heritance banner are accolades that matter such as the LEED and Travelife Gold certifications, testaments to the highly responsible management of the property’s socio-economic and environmental impacts as well as the high level of commitment towards sustainability. As guests relax in the serene ambiance of a Heritance properties, they can be assured that their enjoyable experience doesn’t come at the planet’s expense. Within the Heritance Hotels and Resorts portfolio, the essence of sustainable comfort shines brightly through many gems.
Heritance Kandalama
Nestled amidst the verdant embrace of Sri Lanka’s tropical landscape lies the eco-aesthetic architectural masterpiece, Heritance Kandalama, a creation of the legendary architect Deshamanya Geoffrey Bawa. The entire hotel has been built on a raised platform resting on columns, allowing rain to flow freely from the mountainside into Kandalama Lake. Capturing the essence of tropical modernism, the opened spaces within the property allows natural light and air to freely flow through out, creating a lasting blend with the man-made world and the natural world.
Heritance Kandalama is the first ever LEED certified hotel outside USA, the first Green Globe certified hotel in Asia and boasts the longest continuously certified ISO 14001 Environment Management system in Sri Lanka. These significant recognitions are a testament to the harmonious coexistence with nature. Heritance Kandalama has largely invested in enhancing the growth of the biodiversity forest oasis this year by incorporating an extra 13 acres into its conservation forest, resulting in a total of 211 acres. This expansion signifies Heritance Kandalama’s enduring commitment to environmental sustainability and aims to create a bridge to the surrounding existing verdant nature reserves. The Eco Park at Heritance Kandalama is another key initiative maintained by the hotel and the park consists of a plant nursery, bee keeping area, recycling segregation area, paper recycling plant and sustainability learning space developed to create awareness on flora and fauna and sustainability. To find out more about Heritance Kandalama’s sustainability initiatives or to make a reservation, visit: https://www.heritancehotels.com/kandalama/
Heritance Ayurveda
Set amidst vibrant greenery, Heritance Ayurveda is more than a retreat, it’s a sanctuary for holistic well-being. As guests embark on rejuvenating journeys through Ayurvedic treatments, the resort remains committed to environmental harmony. From the organic ingredients used in therapies to the eco-friendly practices powering its daily operations, sustainability is at the heart of Heritance Ayurveda. The commitment extends beyond the immediate environment, with initiatives such as sustainable farming and ensuring a ripple effect of positive impact. Here, every healing touch and therapeutic ritual is a testament to the resort’s dedication to well-being. To find out more about Heritance Ayurveda’s sustainability initiatives or to make a reservation, visit: https://www.heritancehotels.com/ayurveda/
Heritance Tea Factory
Perched among Sri Lanka’s vibrant tea country, Heritance Tea Factory is a testament to innovation and sustainability. Once a colonial tea factory, this property has been transformed into a unique hotel by preserving its original building, including the recyclable factory roller wheels, which signifies the respect to both its historic legacy and the environment. By embracing a profound sustainability ethos, one of the many initiatives the hotel has undertaken is the nurturing of the local village in the community providing employment opportunities for adults and educational support for their children. The initiatives at Heritance Tea Factory ensure that guests aren’t merely staying at a historic marvel but are contributing to a brighter future for a whole community in need. To find out more about Heritance Tea Factory’s sustainability initiatives or to make a reservation, visit: https://heritancehotels.com/teafactory/
Heritance Negombo
Overlooking the waters of the Indian Ocean, Heritance Negombo provides contemporary comfort fused with sustainability. Recognising its commitment to sustainability and eco-conscious practices, Heritance Negombo and has been honoured with the LEED Gold Award. Conscious efforts, such as twice-daily beach clean-ups, waste-reducing practices and sourcing local organic produce, reflect its dedication to ecological preservation. More than its breath-taking beachfront setting, Heritance Negombo prides itself in being a part of the local narrative by supporting artisans and craftsmen. The hotel engages in various community uplifting initiatives, such as sourcing seafood from the local lellama (place of bargain), food ingredients from local suppliers, and providing fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables to nearby communities at an affordable price, whilst allowing on-site toddy tapping. At Heritance Negombo, guests not only enjoy oceanic views but also actively engage in an eco-conscious journey that positively impacts the Negombo community. To find out more about Heritance Negombo’s sustainability initiatives or to make a reservation, visit: https://www.heritancehotels.com/negombo/
Heritance Ahungalla
Amidst the sands and swaying palms of Sri Lanka’s southern coast, Heritance Ahungalla emerges as a hotel of comfort fused with sustainability. Crafted with an understanding of the fragile coastal ecosystem, the hotel’s practices prioritize marine conservation and beach preservation. As guests enjoy the beauty of Ahungalla, they are also welcomed to witness and contribute to turtle conservation and mangrove reforestation initiatives. The hotel features a specially designed turtle-shaped structure for waste disposal, where guests are encouraged to responsibly dispose of their garbage as well as those left behind by others on the beach. This unique initiative not only keeps the environment clean but also raises awareness about turtle conservation and its significance. Heritance Ahungalla is deeply intertwined with a commitment to the environment and the local community, ensuring that a stay here resonates with purpose, pleasing guests while championing eco-centric initiatives. To find out more about Heritance Ahungalla’s sustainability initiatives or to make a reservation, visit: https://www.heritancehotels.com/ahungalla/
Heritance Hotels and Resorts’ commitment to sustainability is in line with the Group of Company’s unique 7R practice of reject, reduce, reuse, reclaim, replace, repair, and recycle is woven into every thread and brick, with the primary objective to achieve zero waste sent to landfill and is aligned with the growing demand for responsible travel, making the hotel company a prime choice for travellers seeking eco-friendly, culturally immersive, and exclusive experiences.
In our unwavering dedication to uplifting neighbouring communities, the resort cast its recruitment net to nearby islands, embracing individuals whose talents and aspirations resonate with our vision. This approach allows us to bolster our workforce and, in parallel, empower the lives and dreams of these islanders. The sustainability philosophy of Heritance Hotels and Resorts goes beyond mere hospitality; it sees travel as not just a journey across lands but a transformative exploration of self and society. It invites guests from around the world to join a movement where each stay contributes to broader perspectives, supports local communities, and fosters a harmonious planet. The Heritance experience is more than just accommodation; it’s a commitment to a sustainable and brighter future.
The 7R Principles:
1. Reject all non-biodegradable material, such as packaging material and plastic wherever possible.
2. Reduce the use of resources, especially those based on non-biodegradable material that cannot be
rejected.
3. Reuse every possible resource especially those that cannot be rejected or reduced such as paper,
plastic packaging material, construction material etc. Eg: Durables against Disposables.
4. Reclaim what cannot be totally reused. Eg: Wastewater and sewage sludge – reclaimed, treated, and converted to compost.
5. Replace what cannot be rejected, reduced, or reused with more environmentally friendly options. Eg: Oil based paints with water based. Plastic with other biodegradable options. Cycle or walk without burning fossil fuels.
6. Repair what is broken and reuse them. Eg: Broken furniture, machinery and other equipment can be repaired and reused without extracting new resources.
7. Recycle every material, so that nothing goes to waste. Eg: Wastewater, cooking oil, engine oil, metal cans, plastic containers, PET bottles etc.
About Aitken Spence Hotels
Heritance Hotels and Resorts is a brand under Aitken Spence Hotels, part of the Sri Lankan blue-chip conglomerate Aitken Spence PLC. Aitken Spence Hotels owns and operates 17 hotels and resorts across Sri Lanka, Maldives, Oman, and India. The Company’s owned hotels are reflected under the Heritance, Adaaran and Turyaa brands, popular around the world for its exceptional service and undisputed product and curated lifestyle experiences. The Company’s Sri Lankan portfolio includes eight hotels and resorts spread across the island of which five are Heritance properties, whilst the Maldives resorts totals to five, three in Oman and one in India.
About Us?
Select Representation is an experienced travel sales & marketing representation company offering a practical & cost-effective option for hotels and destination management companies (DMC’s), wanting to expand their business from the UK, Ireland, Belgium, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Denmark, Finland, Sweden and Iceland. Select Representation is a founding member of GTRA – Global Travel Representation Alliance.