Best of the Maldives: Biggest Maldivian Village – Heritance Araah

Heritance Aarah - village school

While some resorts have shared a bit of local history and culture with the reproduction of an authentic Maldivian hut or two Heritance Aarah has recreated virtually an entire mini-village. The outdoor exhibition sits on over a half an acre of Walking Pine forest. It includes traditional house (obviously), a school (above), a water well and a structure for food prep that includes a number of ancient culinary tools.

Heritance aarah - village kitchen

Heritance Aarah - village kitchen 2

Heritance Aarah - village kitchen 3

Heritance Aarah - shisha

Best of the Maldives: Local Village – JA Manafaru

JA Manafaru - village

Maldives National Day today. A time to celebrate Maldivian culture and heritage. At JA Manafaru resort, they celebrate it every day of their year with their own “Kakuni Village” exhibition on the island. Many guests are interested what life was like for residents of this exotic place on Earth (before modern civilisation brought its more globally homogenous concrete and plaster)

The display features several reconstructed Maldivian homes…

  • A typical traditional house in the Maldives is built here with thatched coconut or palm branches forming the roof of the house which is called BodrugeIt is now very rare to find a house with the badhige (kitchen) as a separate annexure to the dwelling.”

Among other examples of traditional fittings and décor, the village includes…

  • House (bodruge)
  • Gazebo (holhuashi)
  • Outdoor bathing (gifili)
  • Kitchen (badhige)

JA Manafaru - village 2

JA Manafaru - village 4

JA Manafaru - village 3

JA Manafaru - village 5

JA Manafaru - house sign