Baros Maldives Review

Ahead of our upcoming Yoga For The Wild Maldives retreat I flew out to the Maldives to meet with our partners there, learn more about the country’s conservation wins and losses and visit recommended properties in and around Male for our guests. Baros had been recommended by our partners in the Maldives and I was so excited to see it for myself. Here’s my Baros Maldives review; it was the first stop on my week on the ocean and I already can’t wait to be back!

BAROS MALDIVES REVIEW

As one of the first island resorts in the Maldives, Baros is steeped in history, and it was the the first resort to construct the iconic overwater villas. What I really loved about Baros though (there was a lot) was it’s proximity to Male; you can access the island on a 30minute boat ride from Velana International Airport. So if you’re not keen to take a small plane and travel miles (after just traveling miles) then it’s such a great option.

NATURAL VS MAN MADE ISLANDS

Something that shocked me in the Maldives, primarily the central atolls is the prevalence of man-made islands. I watched in horror as dump trumps offloaded tonnes of soil onto once thriving coral reefs to build islands on which to construct resorts. Governments prioritising money over conservation is a global problem that I’m familiar with, but seeing it play out so brazenly was a shock. Baros is a natural island and actually was once used as a coconut tree plantation, so it is lush and green with decades worth of brilliant foliage.

THE VILLAS

To be honest I’ve never gotten the appeal of an overwater villa. Mainly because I know the destruction the surrounding reefs face during their construction, but I also just love to feel the sand in my toes! I opted for a beach villa and it was beautiful; we had a private view of the ocean and sun loungers on our little beach. The room was spacious, air-conditioned and the bathroom left me in tears; a huge outdoor bath and shower. Bliss!

BARS AND RESTAURANTS

Without a doubt one of my favourite things about Baros was drinking one of the best cocktails I’ve ever had and watching the sun set over the ocean from their famous Lighthouse Restaurant. We dined at all the other restaurants too and they were excellent! The breakfast buffer had me actually screaming; it was a wild spread of food!

REEF AND ACTIVITIES

Baros is proactively restoring its house reef, so whilst I never had the chance to snorkel here or take part in any activities I heard wonderful stories about the marine life, turtles and nurse sharks surrounding the resort. Next time! They also have a glass bottom kayak for those who want to see the beauty of the underwater from its surface.

JOIN ME IN THE MALDIVES

I fell pretty hopelessly in love with Baros and we’re offering a stay here as an optional 3 night extension off the back of our upcoming retreat to The Maldives with Yoga For The Wild. If the Maldives is on your bucket list and you care about ethical and sustainable travel + saving wildlife then I’d love for you to join us!

More blog posts from my travels and retreats around the world…