We discover one of the most exclusive resorts in the Maldives designed to offer a bespoke experience for guests.
No two islands in The Maldives are the same. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing escape, romantic break or a place to spend time with the family, this Indian Ocean destination ensures that whatever you’re seeking, you’re guaranteed to find your dream destination. For couples looking for an idyllic getaway, Baros Maldives is the ultimate resort. Originally opened in 1973, Baros is one of the oldest resorts in the country and it has maintained a level of excellence that you won’t find anywhere else. The award-winning property has been recognised for the way it takes luxury to the next level with its bespoke services, exclusive access and absolute privacy for those who just want to escape and be at one with the incredible surrounding nature.
Arrival Jetty
Just a twenty-five-minute speedboat ride from Velana International Airport it’s easily accessed and perfect for a short getaway. On arrival at the island, you will be overwhelmed by the greenery. The island was originally a coconut farm and much of the vegetation has been preserved and nurtured flourishing over the last four decades. As well as the lush green garden the island is surrounded by a vibrant house reef adding an extra special touch. (more about that later). Baros Maldives is completely traffic-free, not so much as a golf buggy or bicycle are allowed to ensure its beauty is preserved. The island can be walked in around 10 minutes so get ready for some picturesque morning strolls. A child-free policy means this is a resort for couples or groups of adults who are looking for peace and tranquillity rather than a fun family destination. At Baros Maldives every experience is unique. Whether you are travelling for your honeymoon, by yourself or for a relaxing getaway with your girlfriends, the island’s staff (many of whom have been there since the beginning) will go out of their way to meet your every need, no matter how big or small.
Beach View
Rooms & Suites
Deluxe Villa
Depending on your personal preference there are a variety of room categories to choose from. We stayed in the Overwater Pool Villas for a true Maldivian experience. As some of the first villas of their kind in the Maldives, these exclusive rooms combine tradition and contemporary luxury. The Deluxe Villas, Baros Villas, Water Villas and Baros Pool Villas feature architecture by Maldivian architect, Mohamed Shafeeq (Sappé), whose portfolio includes some of the most beautiful and luxurious resorts in the Maldives, Seychelles, Mauritius and Philippines. With a perfect blend of inside and outside living the villas allow guests to be even closer to nature with their close proximity to the beach or island lagoon.
Water Villa
Each Villa has a king-size bed, a daybed, espresso machine, well-stocked mini bar, entertainment centre and complimentary WiFi. Some Villas have partially open-air bathrooms, while others feature contemporary bathrooms with rainfall showers. Water Villas have bathrooms with a view of the lagoon and steps from the deck directly into the lagoon allowing you to step directly into the ocean. Private infinity pools take these villas to the next level where unparalleled views across the ocean offer complete privacy and peace. Spend your morning sunbathing on the deck and your evening watching the sunset from the comfort of your own private infinity pool All Villas benefit from the personal attention of a dedicated Villa Host who is on call 24 hours a day to assist you with any needs you may have throughout your stay. The villa’s interiors combine timeless Maldivian décor with state of the art mod-cons and contemporary furnishings. Wake up with a view of the ocean through the floor to ceiling windows for an experience like no other.
Water Villa Deck
The Baros Residence, the most exclusive and luxurious Villa is the perfect setting for guests to relax and rejuvenate in ultimate privacy and luxury. Surrounded by green foliage and bird-of-paradise blossoms, this is a truly intimate place to share quiet moments. Guests can soak up the tropical sun in this exclusive retreat and swim in the 7 x 3-metre personal pool set amidst the beauty of a tropical garden. From the serene poolside deck, a walkway lined by exotic greenery leads the way to the beach. With 268 square metres of refined style, the Baros Residence provides the quintessential harmonious and secluded romantic hideaway, perfect for those on their honeymoon.
Food & Dining
Lighthouse
Across the Maldives, you’ll find a vast offering of culinary experiences that combine local cuisine with international dishes. At Baros Maldives, the food offering is truly five stars with varied cuisines designed to satisfy all tastes. The Cayenne Grill (our personal favourite) combines grilled seafood, fine meats and Asian Tapas. Dine next to the ocean as you choose from traditional Maldivian fish or Asian inspired dishes, or visit the Teppanyaki Counter for an extra special experience. Just make sure you save room for dessert!
Lighthouse is the island’s fine dining restaurant and one not to be missed. This five-star over-water destination offers classic cuisine with an innovative tropical twist. This signature restaurant is known across the islands for its creative approach to food. A speciality menu combines locally sourced seafood, with modern fusion cuisine and a touch of Asian and Mediterranean influences. Some of our favourite dishes included the Lobster “Wellington”, the Pan Seared Lobster Medallions and the Asian Spice Grilled Mahi Mahi Fillets.
Lime Restaurant
The Lime restaurant will be your breakfast destination where you can begin your day soaking up the ocean views while enjoying your morning coffee. In the evening the à la carte menu offers enticing dishes from around the world. From Thai speciality dishes to Maldivian dishes to Italian pasta dishes – there’s something for every taste.
Destination Dining
And if getting dressed up for dinner seems too much like hard work, there is always the option of in-villa dining. Enjoy a wide selection of dishes, delivered to your room and eat on your own private beach, around your pool or on the sun deck. On-demand 24-hours a day – breakfast, snacks, meals and drinks are served with discretion in the privacy of every Villa. Guests can also dine anywhere on the island, on request. Whether it’s a barbecue for two on the beach or a candle-lit banquet in a palm grove, the team of chefs and butlers takes care of it all.
Spa & Wellness
The Balinese inspired Serenity Spa is designed to take all your worries away. Dedicated to creating personal experiences your spa therapist will help you choose the treatment that’s right for you. There is a full selection of wonderfully relaxing massages; stretch massages, Ayurveda massages, foot massages, cleansing scrubs; nourishing wraps; rejuvenating facials; manicures and pedicures. A selection of shorter “add-ons” including mini-facials and cellulite treatment make the perfect complement to any massage. For couples, there are four large luxurious treatment rooms hidden within the lush greenery of the spa garden, each with its own changing cubicle, private steam room and relaxation area with bathtub and open-to-the sky showers, allowing guests to feel the velvet tropical air on their skin as they refresh themselves. Not forgetting your mind and spirit, private yoga and meditation sessions can be arranged in the air-conditioned spa pavilion, on the Villa deck, the Lighthouse deck or at sunrise and sunset on the Sandbank, and the exclusive fitness centre invites you to work out overlooking the lush green gardens.
Leisure Activities
While some may want to opt for complete relaxation during their stay at Baros, other guests might be intrigued by the numerous activities on offer. The island is surrounded by an impressive natural coral reef that can be easily swam to, meaning snorkelling and diving are some of the most popular activities on offer. As beginners, we opted for the easier option of snorkelling and we were taken by surprise.
Under the supervision of our guide, we discovered the vast reef which was surrounded by thousands of fish and turtles. From the small and colourful to the unusual and not forgetting the sharks (don’t worry the sharks in this area do not attack humans). This once in a lifetime experience will be remembered forever. If being in the water isn’t your thing stay above the waves with a sunset cruise to watch one of the most beautiful sunsets you’ll ever see. With private bookings available this unique excursion can be tailored to the needs of each guest.
Bespoke Services
One of the most unique aspects of Baros is its unique, personalised experiences. Whether it’s a special meal, a bespoke excursion, private spa or yoga session or a romantic sailing cruise by dhoni, a traditional Maldivian vessel, the resort will find something extraordinary for every guest. During our trip, one of the highlights was breakfast on the Piano Deck. A free-standing wooden deck in the middle of the ocean this idyllic location is perfect for an ultra-exclusive breakfast, lunch or dinner. Accessed via boat and dine surrounded by bright blue seas as you soak up the tranquillity and feast on freshly prepared meals. Or visit the Sandbank for a private picnic or BBQ in the middle of the sea. Set menus are available or the resort’s culinary team will prepare and serve special dishes according to guests’ desires. This is perfect for those looking for complete privacy. As experts in this field Baros Maldives can cater to the individual needs of every guest to offer a once in a lifetime experience.
Eid Escape
Celebrate this Eid Al Adha at Baros Maldives with an exclusive offering for travellers from the Middle East. The special offer for this upcoming Eid holiday includes return transfers by speedboat, complimentary daily breakfast and dinner at Lime Restaurant, and 30% off on dinners at Cayenne Grill and the iconic Lighthouse Restaurant. Guests can also benefit from 15% off all treatments at the Serenity Spa as well as complimentary sunrise group yoga sessions. To book your Eid Holiday at Baros, click here or email reservations@baros.com or call +960 664 26 72.
The offer is valid for stays until 31st July 2021 and a four-night minimum length of stay is required. Rates for the Eid 2021 offer at Baros start from USD 700 (subject to service charges and taxes).
Reviewed by Lindsay Judge and Lara Mansour Sawaya
