A MILESTONE IN THE MALDIVES MALDIVIAN-OWNED BAROS CELEBRATES ITS 50TH YEAR IN DECEMBER 2023
Baros Maldives, 26 October 2023 – Luxury private island resort Baros Maldives stands at the precipice of an extraordinary milestone. As it celebrates 50 years of existence, Baros embraces its past while looking confidently towards the future. This year is not merely a commemoration but a testament to the values that have guided this iconic Maldivian island resort through the decades….
A TIMELESS RETREAT
Having opened in 1973, Baros Maldives was one of the first resorts to put the Maldives on the map for the international traveller, and is today still considered to be a much-loved and true icon of the destination
Formally a coconut plantation, Baros was the third resort to open in the Maldives and received guests for the first time in December 1973. Guests, on arrival, would leap from a traditional Maldivian dhoni, wading through the gentle surf to reach the untouched shores.
As time progressed, Baros evolved. Coral and lime walls replaced palm leaf mats, plywood ceilings replaced the thatch roofs and small tiled bathrooms were built. The use of artificial shade was cast aside in favour of preserving the island’s lush vegetation, including the plantation of 374 palm trees. Now the much-loved island resort offers 45 Beachside and 30 Overwater luxurious private villas to choose from, many with private pools and each complete with butler service to cater to guests’ every possible requirement. Recognised as the most Romantic Resort in the world for the tenth consecutive year at the World Travel Awards, Baros is the total embodiment of romance and opulence.
WORLD-CLASS DIVING
Offering guests unparalleled direct access to 30 of the best diving spots in the atoll
There is nowhere more secluded and calming than the spectacular underwater realm of Baros Maldives. Transporting guests into their own world, Baros offers ‘Diving by Design’, specially curated for the guests’ whims, allowing them to marvel at the likes of manta and eagle rays, turtles and sharks at their own pace. Adventure-seeking guests can even embark on fascinating ‘Fluo’ Night Dives. The resident marine biology team’s passion and dedication shine through initiatives such as the coral cube project which invites guests to actively participate in reef conservation, and nurture the very beauty that defines the island’s underwater realm.
A FEAST FOR THE SENSES
Boasting three gourmet-class restaurants including its signature fine-dining restaurant, The Lighthouse
Baros Maldives remains one of the very best for gastronomy and continues to evolve its culinary offerings in line with guests’ preferences. With Destination Dining at Baros, guests can enjoy memorable dining experiences – nowhere is off limits: from the comfort of the villa terrace, on the beach or to a romantic cruise at sunset aboard Baros’s traditional wooden dhoni, ‘Nooma’ or a secluded sandbank for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Private dining is also available on the spectacular ‘Piano Deck’, a unique wooden deck shaped like a grand piano, amidst the turquoise blues of the glittering Baros lagoon.
PEOPLE AND PURPOSE
Priding itself on offering legendary service and authentic spirit, Baros has a team of 54, half of which are Maldivian, and 28 have been on property between 20 – 35 years
While many focus on environmental sustainability, Baros extends this ethos to its people. The Baros team is comprised of dedicated members, some of whom have served the company for decades. At Baros, the majority of staff are Maldivians, with the management team comprising over 50% locals – a rarity in the Maldivian hospitality industry, and every team member is embraced as family.
A LEGACY OF INNOVATION
Baros was one of the first resorts to introduce open-air bathrooms as well as the stylish over-water bungalows
Baros’s journey is marked by innovation. It was among the first resorts to introduce open-air bathrooms as well as the stylish over-water bungalows that are now synonymous with Maldives. In 1984, it established the country’s first desalination plant, setting a new benchmark for innovation in luxury tourism. The two-story overwater Lighthouse Restaurant and Lounge, and the iconic Piano Deck in the Baros Lagoon, are both testament to Baros’s commitment to timeless elegance.
HOME FROM HOME
Baros is a home for many guests, with the most loyal visitor having returned 54 times
A testament to its hospitality, Baros is a home from home for many visitors, harbouring a very loyal clientele. One guest has visited 54 times, with another couple about to embark on their 32nd trip. These guests are part of the Baros family, forging innate bonds with the team.
“We first stayed at Baros in 1996 when there were fewer villas, many more divers, allocated shared tables in the dining room and a wonderful small ‘Asian Restaurant’”
“What hasn’t changed is the natural welcoming and friendly hospitality of all the people who work at Baros. All the staff help to make our holidays special and their familiar smiling faces, along with the snorkelling and diving experiences, have brought us back to ‘our second home’ time and time again. We have many fond memories and to us Baros is paradise!”
“To recall one specific moment experienced on Baros would be like trying to condense 10 days of bliss into one sentence.”
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For further information or images please contact www.baros.com