Aptly named, Paradise in the Maldives, Baros Resort, is an escape like no other. The Maldives is a paradise situated literally in the middle of nowhere; a series of islands huddled within the Indian Ocean, 700km south-west of Sri Lanka. The standard of luxury is world-class, unrivaled; the Maldives is a holiday destination worth dreaming about. White-sand beaches and clear turquoise water are what these islands are all about, perfect for sun bathing, swimming, snorkeling and relaxing. The Maldives have roughly 200 islands that remain uninhabited, only 80 of the islands are part of the chain in commercial use.
In the capital city of Male, on the island of Kaafu is the five-star, outstanding resort of Baros; a heaven on earth. The entire island is dedicated to resort and tourist living, and is an exclusive area of stunning coral and lush vegetation. Despite being a tiny hub of tourist activity, the island remains entirely intimate over water bungalows, private poolside villas and stunning secluded beaches are all go at the Baros, Maldives resort.
How to get to Baros
The island of Male is only twenty short minutes from the Maldives International Airport via speedboat. Transfers between the airport and resort are available 24/7, and can be organized upon booking at the resort. A host will meet guests at the airport, and assist in carrying luggage, where it will be met with guests once they arrive at their rooms at the resort. Baros resort aims at making guests comfortable, encouraging a stress-free, uncomplicated holiday in paradise.
More than just a comfortable bed
The accommodation of Baros is incredible. The grounds are surrounded by beautiful green foliage and flowers, offering delectable seclusion; perfect for your private sanctuary. Guests have the option of staying in the Residence area, the biggest room with its own private pool, butler and sundeck. Keep in mind, there is only one of these rooms available! Baros also offers Water-Pool Villas; decadent rooms hovering above the crystal waters of the lagoon. These rooms offer an expansive deck, as well as small private swimming pools, overlooking the water. Premium pool villas allow guests the privacy of their own pool, located amongst luscious greenery – and on private beach front!
Other rooms include the Water Villas, similar to Water-Pool villas, located close by but without the private pool. The Baros villa, elegant and stylish rooms located close to the lagoon, and the deluxe villa, set on the white sand beaches, perfect for couples and honeymooners. Whatever your budget or holiday occasion, the Baros has a room to suit your needs (and wants!).
Eating & Drinking
The highlight of fine dining at Baros is the Lighthouse Restaurant, located on the end of an overwater jetty, and serving food of only the finest quality. Marvel at the rays, baby sharks and fish swimming in the lagoon below as you enjoy fine dining and wine. The Lighthouse Restaurant menu ranges in style, fresh seafood and salads, meats and vegetables with an Asiatic twist.
If you prefer something a little more casual, the Cayenne is the place for you. Serving up delicious wood-fired pizzas, wraps, salads and platters, Cayenne is great for lunch or light dinners. It also offers tapas and teppanyaki, for cultured dining experiences! Lime restaurant offers buffet breakfast on the beach, as well as sparkling wines and small meals throughout the day. Lounge on the beach and then head to Lime for a bite to eat.
If cocktails are more your thing (they’re everybody’s thing), then the Sails bar is for you. Head to the palm garden, where you can lounge about on comfortable day beds and sip away at fruity, tasty cocktails, spirits, wines and beers. Twice a week there are also local bands playing to get you in the dancing mood.
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What to do on these magical islands
Baros wouldn’t be complete without its world class spa facilities, offering all types of spa treatments ranging from massages, facials, manicures and pedicures, and hair and body wraps. Couples treatments are available, with private rooms offered with steam rooms and spa baths. After you’re finished with your spa treatment, why not join in on some yoga or meditation? Guests are welcome to join in to group classes, or couples can arrange private sessions with the resident yogi at the spa pavilion. Luxury at its finest!
There are an abundance of aqua activities on offer at Baros. There are diving courses at the centre for diving, where guests are able to work with an experienced team and see the very best of what the underwater Maldives has to offer. Guests are able to choose between orientation diving, refresher diving, diving from a boat, house reef diving, night diving and for more experienced guests, private diving.
At Baros you can visit the Marine Centre, a place for guests to learn more about the conservation and protection of native marine life. After being given a run-down on the protection of animals, guests can choose to snorkel during the day or at night to get up close and personal with coral and sea creatures. Guests are also able to organize scheduled or private coral gardening, plant their own coral and Baros offers bi-annual email updates on the progress of the coral.
Other popular watersports include sailing and surfing. Jump aboard a seajet and experience life in the fast lane, or take things at a slower speed in private canoe or kayak hire. Windsurfing, waterskiing and wakeboarding are also great water activities offered by Baros resort.
For those guests who prefer the finer things in life, why not jump aboard a yacht, appropriately titled Serenity and cruise around the islands of the Maldives. Cruises are easy to arrange via the concierge.
Cultures and traditions in Maldives
Tourists of the Maldives are reminded that the main religion of the region is Sunni Muslim, so weekends in the Maldives run from Friday through to Saturday, rather than Sunday, and so you will more often than not see stores, banks and restaurants close earlier on Fridays and Saturdays. In tourist areas, this is less often, but be prepared and be respectful. Sometimes facilities are closed dependent on prayer times throughout the day. The native language spoken is Maldivian Dhivehi.
The local culture is a mix between South Indian, Sinhalese and Arab – so pork and alcohol are often banned on islands where there are more local inhabitants. If you decide to travel into the capital city of Male, make sure to marvel at the Islamic mosques of the area; most of the buildings are quite grand.