Celebrating 50 Years of Truly Authentic Maldivian Hospitality

This year marks a heartwarming milestone for The Maldives Icon, as we celebrate 50 years of unwavering authenticity and innovation in Maldives tourism.

As we commemorate this Golden Jubilee, our hearts are filled with nostalgia as we reminisce about our humble beginnings and, at the same time, envision a future where we continue to be a haven of luxury and comfort in a beautifully pristine island setting.

A Timeless Retreat

In 1973, when Baros first open its arms to guests on our powder-white shores, we were one of only three resorts in the Maldives. With palm leaf walls, thatch roofs, sandy floors and repurposed ship bunks, our first accommodation reflected an era of simplicity and authenticity. Guests, on arrival, would leap from a traditional dhoni and wade through the gentle surf to reach the shore. Freshwater was a luxury that arrived in buckets, and the sea breeze was our only air conditioning.

These early visitors were largely divers, drawn by spearfishing and the promise of an untouched natural sanctuary they could call their own. Here, they savoured barbecued fish by moonlight while sharing stories with their Maldivian hosts under a canopy of stars.

Today, the essence of those magical nights remains. You can still enjoy succulent seafood under a star-studded sky, and afterwards, you will return to the comfort of a luxurious villa. Instead of an hour-long trip by dhoni from the airport, you will be whisked by speedboat to the island in under 30 minutes. And, as ever, you will be enveloped by the legendary Maldivian hospitality that draws people back to Baros time and time again.

Pioneering Perfection

From the start, Baros has been a beacon of innovation and a pioneer in Maldives tourism. Over the years, we have grown and evolved, yet we have meticulously preserved our charm and natural beauty.

A decade after welcoming our first guests, coral and lime walls replaced the palm leaf mats, and tiled bathrooms were added. In 1984, we introduced the first desalination plant in the archipelago, bringing fresh water and luxury bathtubs to our guest rooms, revolutionising the Maldivian tourism landscape. Later, the island saw the development of the award-winning, two-story overwater The Lighthouse Restaurant and Lounge, and the iconic Piano Deck in our lagoon, both shining testaments to Baros’s commitment to innovation and to timeless elegance.

Baros continues its pursuit of excellence, with renovations that respect and highlight the natural environment and local craftsmanship.

Rooted in Nature

For us, the journey has never been just about growth. The beauty and allure of Baros, is that of an authentic island sanctuary. Of aqua waves gently lapping the pristine, white coralline shore and palms swaying in delicately scented island breeze.

While the world raced towards modernity, we chose to harmonise our structures with nature, weaving the island’s lush vegetation into the very architecture. Instead of artificial shade, we preserved the 374 palm trees that continue to grace the island today, a legacy from its days as a coconut plantation.

Beneath the waves lies another of Baros’s treasures – a world-class house reef teeming with colourful marine life. Only a short swim from the villas, our house reef is a source of wonder to divers and snorkellers. Our passionate marine team spearheads conservation initiatives like the coral cube project, inviting guests to participate in preserving and regenerating this underwater wonder.

Legendary Hospitality

Every returning guest echoes a common sentiment – it’s the people of Baros that infuse our island resort with its unique spirit. Our team of 260 dedicated individuals, many of whom have been with us for decades, embody the soul of Baros.

At Baros, we cherish the high percentage of returning guests who become part of our family, forging innate bonds with our team.

A Shining Star

Today, Baros shines as brightly as ever, consistently ranking at the top on guest rating platforms and attaining numerous awards and accolades like The World’s Most Romantic Resort and Top 20 Resorts in The Indian Ocean by Conde Nast Traveller Reader’s Choice 2023 Awards.

In a world where many compete to redefine the Maldives, Baros stands firm in representing what it truly should be. A beacon on the shifting Maldivian landscape, a bastion of local values, and a testament to astute innovation and unfading beauty.

In honour of our anniversary, we embark on a year of festivities, celebrating long-standing relationships and nurturing new ones. Reach out to our team at [email protected] and join us as we celebrate a remarkable milestone in our island’s history, a story woven with love, commitment, and unforgettable memories.