Baros Maldives

My last review of this wonderful island was in 2014 after spending our third visit there in early April. We have since been lucky enough to visit it again and have just returned to the UK after completing our sixth trip. Everything I said before on my previous review is still absolutely still valid and I don't know how they have done it but I am more than pleased to say that if anything the quality of the hospitality, accommodation, food, service and the relaxing atmosphere has been turned up several notches. We were met at the airport after the tiring flights from the UK via Dubai at around three in the afternoon, with minimum effort our luggage was collected and we were escorted to the magnificent launch that whisked us the 25 minutes to the islands jetty and welcoming committee. It's like meeting old friends, they remember you and are genuinely happy to see you again. Jay the island manager was present and a more charming man would be hard to find, after a refreshing fruit/champagne cocktail we are shown to the deluxe villa we requested (106) by our villa host and the holiday began. Total relaxation ... beautiful accommodation set in palm trees, a light airy well appointed room 25 sandy paces from the ocean, a secluded and luxurious outdoor bathroom / garden, to be seen to be believed, and the warm clear ocean to tempt you in ... total relaxation. It's a subtle, sophisticated island ... definitely no bling, where although it was fully occupied at that time of the year (Feb), the presence of other guests is never intrusive and seems few and far between. The weekly cocktail party in the "Sails Bar" is the time to meet and chat to other people and perhaps make a dinner date for later in the holiday, breakfast at the "Lime restaurant" too is another time to maybe see fellow travellers and chat but in reality just to sit there on the shady terrace, enjoy the magnificent fruit and myriad to order specialities while watching the occasional launch arrive and depart with guests is all that is required. Obviously the Ocean is the reason 99% of people visit the Maldives and the reef and sea life at and around Baros is exceptional, like many other islands there are several protective barriers on the seaward side of the island to prevent erosion of the sand, they are a necessity and also provide a quiet area of lagoon where novice or nervous snorkelers can swim in perfect safety, outside the barriers the reef is excellent providing unlimited access to coral,fish of all colours and sizes, turtles too and rays both sting and spotted eagle. I didn't use the spa on my last visit however it is certainly one of the best i have enjoyed anywhere, it's beautifully secluded, refreshing and again the word relaxing comes to mind. We had drinks at sunset in the Lighthouse cocktail bar one evening and were lucky to have Jay join us, his charm, energy and empathy with guests and staff alike are what make Baros such a special place. it would be unfair to mention individual members of the staff by name, everyone we came into contact with gives 100% and are pleased to do so, its a top down thing. Even the gardeners who do such a terrific job in maintaining the trees, shrubs, paths and flowers enjoyed a conversation and were so pleased when we showed an interest in there efforts. We ate at the "Lime restaurant" the "Cayenne restaurant" the "Lighthouse" had a wonderful BBQ on the beach and also enjoyed a couple of in villa dining evenings all were first class and to delight my wife and I even more Jay informed us that because we had stayed on the island over several years more than 55 nights we were permitted a 10% discount on drinks, meals, and excursions, total unexpected but very gratefully received, thank you Jay. Baros is a place well worth putting on your list of destinations ..do it now.

We traveled to two hotels before we cam to Baros but We had such a great time at the hotel that we extended our stay by two more nights!! The staff that dealt with us made this happen 100%!! Rooms were always well prepared and everything was so calm. The house reef is amazing and the team at water sports and diving really have done a fabulous job of keeping a great house reef alive! All the staff were relaxed and always knew the part they needed to play for the operation to run smooth. The bar manager Sofi leads his team with excellence and is definitely the best staff from FNB. He blends a familiar note of friendship and professionalism into his personality which is a great leadership skill! Always around for a chat or drink suggestions as well! We had our first meal at Cayenne which set the stage for our dining experience . Sid whom we thought was a waiter served us for a late lunch. There was Nothing on the menu he couldn't explain!! The man was brilliant in his suggestions as well, then at night we were taken care of Sid and Maajidh both!we both had a great time with them and even tried cuisine that was pretty alien to us, but all very satisfying. We chose to eat there for the rest of the trip save one night. We found out after our first meal that Sid was actually the Restaurant manager as well. Cayenne is in good hands! We skipped breakfast most of the time and Athoof from IVD made sure we were always fed. Great humour and personality on that lad as well! Lastly, Sujatha! A powerhouse of a butler. We've met a lot of butlers in our travels but have never met one with this level of communication and commitment! She misses nothing! So attentive and always smiles! She finds us where ever we are and always has a chat with us. Her attention to detail was spot on. We mentioned a hot bath ONCE. On our last night we came back to a hot bath with flower petal mandala! Her service was amazing and praiseworthy. Special mention to the front office supervisor Ijaz! Always overseeing our holiday and a phone call away! We look forward to coming back to the hotel sometime soon!

Absolutely stunning location, fabulous villas, delicious food and beautiful sea! We have been to the Maldives before but Baros was in another league, staff were so very helpful but not intrusive, Suzy, was super efficient and extremely helpful as were the rest of the staff and everyone seemed genuinely pleased to be there. A very memorable holiday!

Our stay at Baros Maldives was, once again, nothing short of paradise. From the moment we arrived, everything was perfectly arranged, allowing us to fully relax and enjoy every second of our holiday. The food was outstanding throughout – a great variety, consistently high quality, and beautifully presented. Every meal felt like a special experience. What truly makes Baros exceptional, however, is the people. The staff are incredibly warm, attentive, and genuinely committed to making your stay unforgettable. It often felt like every wish was anticipated before we even expressed it. The island itself is stunning – very well maintained, with lush greenery, crystal-clear water, and a peaceful, exclusive atmosphere that is hard to match. A special thank you goes to our butler, Saeed. He did an outstanding job, was always available, highly professional, and made sure that everything ran smoothly at all times. His attention to detail and friendliness made a real difference. We can highly recommend Baros Maldives and are already looking forward to returning.

We had an amazing stay with Baros this Easter holiday in two luxury beach villas. It was everything we had hoped it would be and more. As soon as we stepped onto the island from the speedboat which collected us from the airport, our butler, Sujata, and her team looked after our every need ensuring that we had some quality family time in a tropical paradise without having to worry about a thing. Nothing was ever to much trouble for them. The food and the accommodation was amazing, the staff friendly and so accommodating. The easily accessible house reef is incredible, with sharks, rays turtles and so many beautiful fish, and the dive team ensured we saw anything we missed with a custom trip to a neighbouring reef. Can’t wait to return!