Baros Maldives – awarded the most romantic resort in the word – launches new sailing experience
The private Maldivian-owned boutique island resort of Baros has won the title of ‘The World’s Most Romantic Resort’ for the eighth time at the annual World Travel Awards Grand Final 2022. The World Travel Awards serve to acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all sections of the global travel and tourism industries. Baros was chosen by voters consisting of industry professionals and travellers across the globe.
To highlight Baros’ incredible romantic offering, a new Nooma sailing experience is now available for guests – inviting them to indulge in incredible dishes inspired by the ancient Maldivian spice routes from over 5,000 years ago when the Maldives became a key port of call for traders sailing from Indonesia and India to Arabia with cargoes of cinnamon, cardamom, turmeric, cloves, ginger and pepper. After choosing their Indian Ocean journey, focusing on either the Maldives, Sri Lanka, or India, guests will set sail on a traditional Maldivian sailing boat, Nooma, and enjoy an evening inspired by their destination. Onboard, guests can expect gourmet canapés and cocktails served by their personal butler, a tailored wellness treatment and a destination dining experience of the chosen country.
Guests who opt for the Maldivian spa treatment will enjoy a coconut scrub using 100% natural ingredients including the finest sand from Baros that will cleanse, nourish and leave the skin feeling silky soft. The Maldivian virgin coconut oil and coconut milk will also provide skin with the essential nutrients for a healthy and glowing look. This is followed by a massage for a sublime sense of deep relaxation. The Sri Lankan inspired spa treatment is a nourishing body wrap. Velvety monoi oil is applied on the body for ultra-hydration followed by a bespoke massage tailored specifically to the guests’ needs focusing on any areas of tension. The Indian Abhyanga and Shirodhara treatment begins with Abhyanga, a rhythmic massage which uses herbal oils to stimulate the circulation of blood, lymph, and prana (energy). This is followed by Shirodhara, where a steady stream of oil is gently poured over the forehead to improve clarity of mind.
When relaxed from their treatment of choice, Nooma will be anchored in the Baros lagoon where guests can dine under the stars and enjoy a delicious Maldivian, Sri Lankan or Indian four course menu. Each meal is prepared with fresh local ingredients and created just for them by their private chef. Highlights from the Maldivian menu include a traditional Maldivian Mezze, followed by Garudiya, a traditional fish broth with vegetables and a fish and vegetarian curry. The meal ends with a sumptuous dessert featuring Maldivian sweets. Guests opting for the Sri Lankan menu will indulge in a fish cutlet, coconut Roti and Seeni Sambal as a starter, followed by a curry flavoured pumpkin soup and a Ceylonese mustard prawn curry, chicken black curry, potato tempered, Brinjal Morju and coconut sambal and end with a sample of Sri Lankan sweets. The culinary journey to India includes a traditional Indian lamb curry, Paneer Butter Masala and Indian Black Dal and concludes with a sweet Indian sharing dessert.
With an elegantly crafted curved prow, an iconic single sail, thatched roof, and a dedicated crew of four, Baros’s 19m long sailing vessel Nooma is modelled after the traditional Maldivian sailing boat locally known as ‘Dhoni’ that sailed through the archipelago over as part of the ancient Maldivian Spices Routes; spreading knowledge about different lands, their customs and cuisine. It is a vessel of hidden treasures, with a secluded sundeck for two in the bow, a private saloon lounge paired with an air-conditioned double bedroom, toilet and shower, and a personal butler onboard. Ibrahim Shijah, General Manager of Baros comments that this is a ‘must-do experience during full moon nights, where guests witness a natural phenomenon occurring just once a month’.
Baros is a boutique, private island of 75 overwater and beachside garden villas and white sand beaches set in a turquoise lagoon, just 25 minutes by speedboat from the Maldives International Airport. Guests can relax in a tranquil, tropical setting, embark on an amazing culinary journey in Baros’ three restaurants and bars, dine on a secluded sandbank or the unique Piano Deck in the middle of the lagoon as well as take part in memorable snorkelling experiences around the flourishing house-reef. The resort has been welcoming guests since 1973, and has spent decades honing its services and cultivating its environment, making it a legendary resort.
Established in 1993, the World Travel Awards are recognised globally as the ultimate hallmark of industry excellence and serve to acknowledge, reward and celebrate this across all sections of the global travel and tourism industries. Baros was chosen by voters consisting of industry professionals and travellers from all over the world.
HOW: Rates at Baros Maldives start from $675 (approx. £464) per night in a Deluxe Villa on a B&B basis, excluding taxes. The new ‘Nooma Experience’ starts from US$1310 (approx. £1,084) inclusive of taxes. For more information please visit www.baros.com