Baros Resort, Maldives

One of the first islands to be developed for tourism in the Maldives, and originally recognised as a divers’ resort a short speedboat ride from Male, Baros has come a long way from its humble beginnings. Perennial favourite of tourism founding father, Universal’s Dr Ibrahim Umar Maniku (“Dr” to all that knew him), it was remodelled as a 5-star resort under his stewardship in 2004. Since then, it has been regularly upgraded, and while there are now bigger, grander and glitzier luxury resorts dotted across the Maldives, Baros blends its original charm with a distinctive, classy feel.

Accommodation comes in the form of traditional Maldivian villas, on the beach and over water, with and without pools. Recent refurbishments have given the interiors a lighter, more airy feel, and even the entry-level Deluxe Villas are a perfectly acceptable room if you’re spending most of your time enjoying what else the resort has to offer. For those with room in the budget, the larger Suites and Baros Residence offer very spacious living and extra entitlements, such as a butler, welcome gifts, priority tables at dinner, and more.

Service and dining are first class. Lime Restaurant serves international and Maldivian cuisine in a lovely setting, an excellent ‘main’ restaurant, while the Cayenne Grill offers more intimate, al fresco a la carte dining, as well as a small yet perfect Teppanyaki bar. Much has been written about the iconic, signature Lighthouse restaurant, with its unmistakeable tented roof. Our view is that, despite the stiff competition, you would be pushed to find a better fine-dining restaurant in the Maldives. A visit to Baros is incomplete until you have tried the lobster bisque here. For those wanting to add some lifetime memories to their stay, we wholeheartedly recommend a romantic sunset dinner cruise on the beautiful dhoni “Nooma” and a private breakfast on the Piano Deck.

The new laid back Sails Bar is a fantastic addition, right up with the top resort bars in the Maldives, and the perfect complement to the more refined Lighthouse Lounge.

The star of the Baros show is undoubtedly its gorgeous house reef. It seems to have fared better than most from the ravages of coral bleachings, with an abundance of colourful marine life, and turtles and reef sharks making regular snorkelling companions.

Baros does not permit guests under eight years of age.