Think Maldives, think unmatched luxury, fascinating underwater world, dreamy water villas, shiny-sandy beaches, and endless palm groves swaying rhythmically. This postcard-perfect amalgamation of blue, white, and green is indeed a paradise on earth.
While there are resorts in abundance, both luxury and budget-friendly, Baros – a natural paradise with a lush island canopy, just 25 minutes by speedboat from the Maldives’ international airport, has been winning hearts since its inception in 1973. This boutique private coral island is situated in the southern part of the North Male Atoll and has on offer 75 Swish villas, many with their own private pools and/or direct access to the surrounding turquoise lagoon. The remarkable house reef is a paddle from the beach, and promises an eye-popping cast of turtles, rays and exotic fish. Extensive property features include multiple restaurants with an emphasis on seafood, a beautiful infinity pool, and a white sand beach that stretches all around the island. There's also a lovely spa with wellness and beauty treatments, in addition to a well-equipped fitness centre and a host of activities, from yoga to diving to marine biologist tours. And with the recent launch of the new wedding ceremony experience ‘Say “Yes” on the Piano Deck’, the resort is going to allure lovebirds more than ever!
Your home away from home
Tucked away in a natural jungle with soothing sounds of the sea and splashing waves, whether you stay over the water or on the jungle-covered shoreline, you’re surrounded by our greens and blues, with all of Baros within close reach. Privacy, tranquillity, and comfort; each of these villas at Baros Maldives is a world of its own. Where typical hotels have corridors, they have sandy foliage-lined pathways. Maldivian designers are behind the architecture and interiors of the seemingly rustic thatched villas and their use of natural materials, such as indigenous woods and stones, fit in well with the desert-island setting. The 45 ‘Beachside Villas’ open into a private leafy garden and then to the beach. The secluded yet central two-suite ‘Baros Residence’ has its own private pool and the most amount of space, while the 30 ‘Water Villas’, which have their feet in the water, are a prime position for sunset, and many also have private pools. Except amenities like bathtub, beach bag and flip flops, beach sun loungers, deluxe bathrobes & slippers, espresso machine, open-air bathroom, outdoor rain shower, and yoga mats among others. An important aspect of this resort is the hotel provides for elderly and people with disabilities special wheelchair which can be pushed along the beach by whoever they’re travelling with as it has air-filled wheels that can manoeuvre sand. It can also be used to access water. Moreover, every staff member is happy to assist at any time.
Boundless adventures
Baros has a knack of keeping guests busy if they want to be. An array of experiences awaits you on and around this legendary isle. From daytime excursions on land and sea to intimate ceremonies and bespoke destination dining, Baros inspires blissful memories that will linger for a long, long time. Whales breaching, dolphins spinning and dancing at the prow – a seaward excursion will get you up close with nature. Sail billowing in the breeze, wooden prow pointed towards the horizon – Nooma, their Maldivian dhoni, gets you out on the water in the traditional way. Reef snorkelling adventures, sunset sailing or romantic dinner cruises for two, the Nooma, featuring a sundeck, a private saloon lounge, and an air-conditioned double bedroom, is the perfect vessel for an authentic local experience. With the resort’s luxury yacht, Serenity, go for majestic cruises in the Atoll. Serenity has a private saloon, a cabin for two and a friendly and helpful crew – just right for daylong adventures. Dedicated divers may want to spend most of their time in the water, under the direction of the Diver Valet Service. Wade into the lagoon and discover a mesmerizing world, with colourful fish and turtles drifting through the house reef, just 20 metres from shore. You can also glide along the surface on a paddleboard or transparent canoe or plunge into a neon-coloured world of corals during a night dive. The professional dive centre with PADI-qualified instructors and marine biologists offers underwater photo shoots, so you can immortalise every exhilarating moment.
Romantic interludes
Armed with extraordinary and personalised service, private and elegantly luxurious villas and exquisite culinary offerings, Baros Maldives has been known as the perfect hideaway for couples. Get married or renew your vows on Baros’ iconic Piano Deck. On arrival, couples celebrating their nuptials will be treated to canapés and a bottle of Champagne in their rooms, followed by gifts for the couple; brides will receive traditional sarongs and grooms, Baros polo shirts. On the big day, expect a gorgeous wedding cake, the services of a master of ceremony, and champagne for the ceremony, a wedding certificate, key floral arrangements, and a special symbolic tree-planting ritual to mark the special occasion. Post-ceremony, couples will be treated to a memorable sunset cruise with champagne, followed by dinner on the Piano Deck. The next day, the festivities continue with a champagne Breakfast served in the villa and a complimentary couple spa treatment. As a gesture, on departure, guests celebrating their vow renewals or their nuptials are handed over an additional gift to cherish the wonderful moments lifelong.
Satiate your food cravings
The food and drinks at Baros is absolutely delightful and on point. There’s a balance of à la carte and buffet, as well as Asian flavours and local and international classics in the air-conditioned Lime Restaurant, which also has a deck. The Cayenne Grill hosts lavish spreads of dishes created in front of you. Sails Bar is an elegant sand-floored palm-covered outdoor sitting room where aperitifs and after-dinner cocktails are sigh-inducing stuff – and they always book the best singers and musicians. Fine dining enthusiasts will be amazed by the French cuisine at The Lighthouse; the pavilion’s over-the-water perches also treat you to sightings of rays and sharks as you eat. For an unforgettable exclusive gourmet breakfast, book the Piano Deck with your own private chef or a sunset dinner cruise on the house dhoni.
Disconnect to reconnect – Relax and recharge
Admire the ocean views from your spa bed and indulge in tailored treatments designed to relax and rejuvenate. At Serenity Spa, everything is designed to help you restore your balance and find your calm, from daily yoga sessions to therapeutic massage. An extensive menu of speciality treatments ensures your senses are balanced and your mind is blissful. There’s mud therapy, flower detox wrap, Abhyanga oil massage, African wood massage, Elemis deeper than deep hot stone massage, awakening massage and so much more! However the highlights are the spa ceremonies – lavender and lime ceremony, romantic spa for couples, and clarifying body and senses among others.