Baros Maldives

Baros Maldives is a luxury resort spread out over its own small private island surrounded by turquoise water. After a 25-minute ride from Male, guests pull in by speedboat at an arrival jetty on the southwest coast of the island; this section is where most of the restaurants and facilities are located. Villas are laid out in a circle around the island so that everyone has easy access to the beach, with a loop of overwater bungalows accessible by a footpath extending from the northern part of the grounds. While the outskirts of the grounds are sandy, the central areas are covered with lush tropical foliage that create a jungle atmosphere. Interiors are elegant and sophisticated, with lots of wooden elements, neutral-tone fabric, and tropical-inspired accents. Although families are allowed, the property sees mostly couples, and many travelers come here on their honeymoon. Staying here doesn't come cheap, and some guests have complained of high extra taxes tacked on to their bills; to avoid any surprises, make sure to double check whether taxes are included when you book online. To help soften the blow of pricey food and drink, all-inclusive packages are available.

Baros Maldives is located in the southern part of the North Male Atoll on its own tiny island, Baros. It's one of the easier spots in the Maldives to get to if you're flying into the international airport in Male. While many Maldives properties require seaplane transfers from Male's airport, Baros is directly accessible by speedboat, and the journey takes around 25 minutes door to door. 

The 75-unit Baros Maldives offers a variety of room types ranging in size from 89 to 1,325 square meters (958 to 14,262 square feet). Entry-level Deluxe Villas and Baros Villas have garden or beach access and account for almost half of the rooms here. Baros Maldives Pool Villa options consist of Water Pool Villas, which are essentially overwater bungalows with private pools, slightly larger Baros Premium Pool Villas, and huge Baros Pool Villas situated on their own little beach. Along with the Pool Villa categories, the resort offers 15 Water Villas with decks that look out over the lagoon, plus a stand-alone Baros Residence with its own pool and round-the-clock butler service.

Decor is earthy and inviting, with ample use of wood in floors, furniture, and trim and high vaulted wood ceilings that make units feel even more spacious. Walls are painted white and decor is subdued, with soft lighting and neutral upholstery in beige tones, spruced up by solid or lightly patterned accent cushions. Standard amenities consist of flat-screen TVs, minibars with wine cellars, kettles alongside tea, espresso machines, electronic safes, and free Wi-Fi. All guests get beach bags and flip flops to use during their stay, as well as yoga mats. Bathrooms are gorgeous indoor/outdoor spaces with large lighted windows, deep soaking tubs, outdoor showers surrounded by lush tropical plants, and indoor showers with rainfall showerheads. Toiletries, hairdryers, robes, and slippers are provided.

This property offers a range of experiences and amenities, though for many travelers, the big draw here is the beach, a beautiful stretch of fine white sand surrounded by turquoise water. There are no lounge chairs, which keeps the place feeling serene, but there is a shaded hammock and a few palapas and palms to shield the sun. Alternatively, there's a large, gorgeous infinity pool with ample sunbeds and an edge overlooking the sea.

The resort also offers a variety of experiences, including diving and other water-sports programs, dolphin- and whale-watching, fishing excursions, yoga, and meditation. While the resort doesn't do wedding services, they do offer vow renewals. The Serenity Spa is another big draw, as it offers massages, facials, and mani/pedis, plus treatment rooms for couples. A fitness center has a great selection of equipment. Other facilities include a library with a pool table, a ping-pong room, and a relaxation room with easy chairs and vaulted ceilings with skylights. A boutique on-site sells all sorts of souvenirs, and there are free property-wide Wi-Fi, a guest computer, laundry services, and a CD and DVD loaning library. 

There are a few dining and drinking options available at Baros Maldives. The Lighthouse Restaurant offers seafood and modern cuisine on a beautiful deck overlooking the lagoon at dinnertime, while the adjacent Lighthouse Lounge serves light snacks, cocktails, and Champagne. There's also a low-key garden bar, Sails Bar, complete with hammocks. Cayenne Grill serves up steaks, seafood, and curries in a thatched gazebo, while Lime Restaurant offers casual fare ranging from Indian food to pizza throughout the day. The resort also offers special dining experiences for couples (such as dining out on a sandbank). The Baros Maldives all-inclusive package, Baros Delight, includes all three meals and select unlimited drinks plus a dinner at the upscale Lighthouse once per four days of stay.