Jun 052011

Baros is a very special island, in a quiet sort of way. Arrivals are greeted not with local bodu beru drums, but with a glass of champagne in the welcome pavilion engulfed by tall, slender palm trees. Accommodation is of a high standard but retains an element of natural style and dining is pure delight in magical settings. Baros is a place for couples to relax, enjoy some of life’s luxuries and explore the marine life on the fabulous house reef.

  • Arial view

    Arial view

  • Palm

    Palm

  • Pool Villa deck

    Pool Villa deck

  • Restaurants: Lime, Lighthouse & Cayenne Grill

    Restaurants: Lime, Lighthouse & Cayenne Grill

  • Sail bar

    Sail bar

  • Spa

    Spa

  • Lighthouse

    Lighthouse

  • View from sandbank

    View from sandbank

  • View to Water Villas

    View to Water Villas

  • Water Villa deck

    Water Villa deck

  • Water Villas

    Water Villas

  • Palm garden

    Palm garden

  • Lighthouse

    Lighthouse

  • Lighthouse bar

    Lighthouse bar

  • Island paths

    Island paths

  • Cayenne restaurant at twilight

    Cayenne restaurant at twilight

  • Breakfast fruit

    Breakfast fruit

  • Beach Villa

    Beach Villa

  • Waterbungalow interior

    Waterbungalow interior

  •  Sea view from Baros Residence

    Sea view from Baros Residence

  • Baros Residence

    Baros Residence

The Island

Located in North Male Atoll, Baros is very convenient for those wishing to maximise their time in resort as it is a mere 25 minutes by luxury speedboat from the airport. It is a small, quiet resort appealing mainly to Honeymooners and discerning couples – children under eight are not permitted on the island. There are good beaches around most of the island apart from the areas around where the restaurants have been sensibly located. The island interior is particularly beautiful with a huge variety of tropical plants in a landscaped setting. A sandy path winds through the foliage around the perimeter of the island and provides access to all of the beach villas. It takes around 10 minutes to walk around the whole island which measures approximately 350 metres x 380 metres.

There are a total of 75 villas on Baros, 45 island villas nestled amongst the foliage and 30 water villas extending over the turquoise lagoon via a wooden jetty. All share the same style of natural sandstone, wood and palm thatch on the outside combined with stylish luxurious interiors. The emphasis is on simple style, quality furnishings and an impressive array of amenities including a private wine chiller.

The house reef encircles the island hugging the shore line around half the island and then extending into the ocean beyond the lagoon on the other half. The water sports, diving and marine centre are sensibly located where the reef is too far to reach from the beach. The reef itself is excellent. Corals are extensive and in good condition. Marine life is abundant and rewarding – we were quickly joined by a turtle, moray eel, and some impressive sharks.

Where Baros really shines is in its dining and bar experiences. The Lighthouse Lounge & Restaurant is the iconic Baros signature – its white ‘big top’ style roof is visible and instantly recognisable across the atoll. Come to the first floor open sided Lighthouse lounge for pre dinner Martinis as the sun dips over the island and you have the true essence of Baros. Three restaurant areas provide a stunning choice of cuisine from local Maldivian specialities to Japanese Teppanyaki. Breakfast on the sun drenched deck of Lime restaurant is a delight and includes a glass of champagne for that extra special touch. Such attention to detail makes this resort a firm favourite in our opinion.

Transfer

By luxury speedboat taking just 25 minutes from Male airport.

Transfers can be organised to coordinate with all flight arrivals/departures thus maximising time available to spend at the resort. This is particularly useful if your stay in the Maldives is relatively short, for example if you are adding a Maldives extension after a Kerala tour.

Experienced, friendly resort staff will meet you at the airport and escort you the short distance to the boat jetty.

Accomodation

A total of 75 villas are available at Baros in six categories. The same styling is used throughout, natural sandstone, timber and palm thatched roofs with an elegantly designed interior complemented by burgundy, cream and gold furnishings. Plenty of options for relaxing are provided including an outdoor day bed, sun loungers and dining area. Villas also feature:

- Espresso machine with complimentary premium coffee capsules
- Kettle with a range of tea supplies
- One complimentary large bottle of mineral water per person, per day
- Extensive mini bar
- Wine chiller with selection of wines and champagnes
- Flat screen TV discreetly concealed within a seating unit
- Surround sound system with DVD/CD player
- Complimentary wireless high speed internet connection
- In villa safe
- Iron and ironing board
- Deluxe bathrobes, slippers, flip flops, hairdryer and beach bag
- Individually controlled air conditioning and ceiling fan
- Luxury bathroom toiletries
- Bathtub and both indoor and outdoor shower (no outdoor shower in water villa)

All villas are serviced twice daily and bath towels, hand towels, beach towels, shampoo, shower gel, soap and body lotion are provided. Each villa can accommodate one extra bed and sleeps a maximum of three adults.

1 x Baros Residence (268 m2)
A luxurious private escape, engulfed by lush foliage and tropical flowers. The walled garden contains an impressive 7x3m swimming pool, sun deck with day bed and outdoor rain shower. The interior is luxuriously equipped to the very highest standards and flows onto a secluded beach deck with direct views across the Indian Ocean. A dedicated guest host is on call 24 hours a day to take care of all requests.

2 x Baros Premium Pool Villas (160 m2)
Nestled amongst tropical foliage set back just off the beach, these villas are enhanced with both an infinity edged plunge pool (3.4m x 2.4m) and a two person outdoor Jacuzzi with views across the beach and ocean. A large beach facing wooden deck is furnished with a large day bed, oversized bean bags and teak dining set. Sun loungers are also provided on the beach under a thatched parasol. Inside, the king size bed is embraced by curtains and the luxurious bathroom contains a contemporary bathtub and outside shower in a tropical garden. A dedicated guest host is on call 24 hours a day to take care of all requests.

8 x Baros Pool Villas (134 m2)
Similar to the Baros Premium Pool Villas but without the Jacuzzi. The private beach facing plunge pool measures 4m x 2.4m. A dedicated resort host is on call as required.

30 x Baros Water Villas (92 m2)
Located over the lagoon and reached by a horseshoe-shaped boardwalk extending from the northwest tip of the island. The outdoor decks are particularly private and well equipped with stylish day bed, sun loungers and dining table and chairs. There is direct access to the lagoon and the snorkelling area can be reached within a short distance.

10 x Baros Villas (103 m2)
Set back just off the beach amongst tropical foliage, the villas provide the same level of luxurious comfort and style as the Baros Pool Villas but without the private pool. A secluded wooden deck for lounging provides the perfect spot for relaxing and admiring the vibrant colours of the Indian Ocean.

24 x Deluxe Villas (89 m2)
Set in flower glades by the beach and possessing the same sophisticated style as all the Baros villas. The bathroom has a beautiful stand-alone bathtub, separate glass shower cubicle and extends into a sandstone walled flower garden with additional waterfall shower.

Facilities

House reef
The house reef is superb and around 15 metres from the shore around half of the island. Around the lagoon side of the island the reef drifts too far away from the island to be accessible. Snorkelling is directly accessible from the water villas in the vicinity of number 330 whilst a number of channels provide easy access to the beach. The reef itself is in good condition with extensive coral gardens and the marine life is varied and plentiful. Turtles often drift around the channel by the Cayenne Grill and we saw a large number of impressive reef sharks. Equipment can be borrowed free of charge from the dive centre by leaving a deposit as security. We found the staff at the dive and marine centre to be particularly helpful in providing information on the house reef and marine life.

Dive Centre
Divers Baros Maldives operate a comprehensive programme of PADI courses and two daily boat dives to around 30 dive sites to suit all levels. A personalised dive programme, ‘Diving by Design’ is also offered to guests who prefer an individual schedule.

Marine Centre
The resident Marine Biologist provides valuable information on the oceanographic world as well as guiding snorkeling excursions on the house reef for both beginners and experienced snorkellers. You will also be able to discover more about the coral planting project at Baros.

Spa
The Spa at Baros is tastefully designed and offers four deluxe treatment rooms with integral relaxation areas and a yoga pavilion.

Gym
A well equipped, air conditioned gym is available free of charge.

Table Tennis
An air conditioned table tennis room is located adjacent to the gym.

Shop
There is a well stocked boutique selling souvenirs, island apparel, snacks etc.

Medical Facilities
A resident nurse is available on the island together with an on-call doctor service.

Eating & Drinking

The food and beverage outlets at Baros are simply stunning. Three main venues provide a range of options to satisfy the most discerning gourmets.

The Lime
The main restaurant located over the water serves buffet-style breakfast with a la carte lunch and dinner menu ranging from paninis, pizzas and burgers to Maldivian curry and grilled reef fish. It is open for all day dining so no need to worry about fixed meal times. Outside seating is available on the sun deck as well as indoor areas. Included in the extensive breakfast buffet is chilled champagne, a nice touch that adds to the enjoyment of Baros.

Cayenne Grill
Alfresco dining in thatched gazebos above the lagoon. Various cooking styles from around the world are used to prepare a range of meat, seafood and vegetarian dishes. A selection of salads, antipasti, mezze, sushi and sashimi are presented in buffet style. A satay cooking station, Japanese Teppanyaki table and wood fired oven, complete the culinary experience.

The Lighthouse Restaurant
The highlight of Baros providing superb cuisine in an atmosphere of relaxed refinement.

The Lighthouse Lounge
Possibly the most perfect spot in the Maldives. The upstairs lounge of the Lighthouse has deep cushioned day beds scattered around the sundowner gallery with panoramic views of the island as sun dips into the inky ocean. The sound of Martinis being shaken, candles fluttering in the light breeze and the discreet live jaz band providing the undertone, this is as good as it gets…..

Sails Bar
A sophisticated, modern bar with open sides flowing into the beautiful palm gardens adorned with stylish day beds and chairs for relaxing. Local bands provide low key evening entertainment in this magical setting.

In Villa Dining
A comprehensive menu is available on demand, 24 hours a day.

Island Dining
Anything is possible – just ask and it will be arranged. Maybe a BBQ on the beach, a romantic picnic on the sandbank or a candlelit dinner amongst the palm groves.

Board basis available at Baros are Bed & Breakfast or Half Board.
Half Board includes dinner in the Lime restaurant only, a credit of $45 per person will be applied to meals taken in any of the other venues.

Recreation

Diving
The Divers Baros Maldives is a PADI 5 star Gold Palm resort diving centre offering enriched air Nitrox diving with a 32% Oxygen blend and the latest in diving equipment for rent including digital underwater cameras, special torches and dive computers. Twice a day a selection of 30 world class dive spots are on offer, all reachable within a maximum of 50 minutes boat journey. Amongst them are some of the Maldives best known dive sites and six Marine Protected Areas including two manta points which provide a high possibility of manta sighting all year round. The Baros house reef is known as one of the best house reefs in the Maldives and contains a wreck that often hosts nurse sharks, rays and large groupers.

Water Sports
The water sports centre is located by the crystal clear blue lagoon and offers:
- catamaran sailing
- windsurfing
- transparent canoes

Land Sports
Pool table, table tennis and gym, all available on complimentary basis.

Spa
The Spa at Baros offers a comprehensive range of treatments and therapies designed to aid your relaxation and rejuvenation. Four deluxe treatment rooms provide integral facilities for relaxation and bathing. Yoga sessions are also available in the yoga pavilion on a group or individual basis.

Entertainment
Very low key comprising of live local bands in the bar and Lighthouse Lounge.

Excursions
Are available daily and include:
- ‘Serenity’ 50’ Princess Motor Yacht
- Big Game Fishing
- Dolphin Cruise
- Reef Snorkelling
- Romantic Sunset Cruise
- Glass Bottom Boat Cruise
- Male’ Sightseeing and Shopping
- Sunset Fishing and Catch your own dinner
- Seaplane Photo Flight
- Local Island Explorations
- Private Excursions and cruises

Prices

All our holidays are bespoke, tailored to your requirements. Because of this we operate a “price on application” system. However, this page will give you an indication of the cost of your holiday.

Guide Prices for 2 Weeks, 2 People, Half Board, Including flights from the UK and seaplane transfers:

This Resort Type of Resort Total Price – High Season Total Price – Low Season

Good Value £4,750 £3,600

Mid Market £5,700 £4,100
Baros Deluxe £10,500 £7,500
Luxury £11,975 £8,300


High season: Early Jan – End April (prices are higher again over Christmas and the New Year)
Low season: May – Mid July

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