Understated, sophisticated class jumps out at you from the moment you arrive and see Baros' impressive fine-dining restaurant and cocktail bar Lighthouse, which has a shapely circus-tent roof and the feel of an exclusive yacht club. This is the centrepiece of the resort and the calling card for a place that offers classic relaxation and superb service.
Other dining can be had at the far less formal Cayenne Grill overlooking the reef, where you can have your food cooked any way you choose by the fleet of chefs, or the all-day poolside Lime Restaurant, where buffet breakfasts and à la carte lunch and dinner are served. All guests are on a bed-and-breakfast basis, allowing them to enjoy the variety of eating opportunities throughout their stay (although this does add up quickly, of course).
The atmosphere is intimate and quiet, with children under six not allowed. There’s ‘gentle’ jazz and Maldivian music three times a week, and that’s about the scope of the nightlife. There is diving, snorkelling and swimming, and a Serena spa that is popular with couples. The three room categories on the island are all beautiful. Even the standard ‘deluxe villa’ is a refined 89-sq-m structure with a sumptuous outdoor shower and garden, while the 30 water villas are excellent. Many villas now have plunge pools, and all enjoy direct access to the lagoon and a sun terrace.
Baros is one of many upmarket resorts that has made a conscious decision not to have a swimming pool. It’s an excellent resort and has rightly earned a loyal following. This is a great choice for a luxurious, tranquil and romantic getaway.