Is this the easiest luxury resort to reach in the Maldives?
- Maiken Fortes
- 6 days ago
- 5 min read
In partnership with Baros Maldives
You’re probably used to me writing and posting about the Maldives quite a lot by now. But as Carrie Bradshaw once said, “Men, I may not know. But shoes? Shoes I know.” Now replace shoes with Maldivian resorts.
And whilst I usually can’t fault any aspect of the five-star resorts I’ve covered in the past, if there’s one thing I constantly warn holiday-goers about, it’s this: always check your logistics beforehand. From seaplane schedules to internal transfers, these details can genuinely make or break the start (and end) of your trip — plus these other things you should know before booking the Maldives (link).
But something about Baros Maldives stood out to me immediately. First: it’s just a 20-minute speedboat ride from Malé International Airport. After an 11-hour flight on very little sleep, this felt like a luxury in itself. Whilst I do love a seaplane experience now and then, on this trip I was far more excited about a power nap in my villa than waiting around for the next available flight.
Secondly, the size of the island. I enjoy a buggy ride or cycling through a sprawling resort as much as the next person. But when you’re tying up your maxi dress just to get to breakfast, or waiting in the heat for transport, sometimes it’s nice to simply… walk. No heat exhaustion. No logistics. Just barefoot ease.
Like the saying goes, don’t judge by the size. Baros proudly embraces its intimately sized island and its close proximity to Velana International Airport — and for travellers who value seamlessness, it really shows.
First Impressions & Setting
Let’s start with the speedboat transfer. Unlike most speedboats, which are often small, open, and bumpy, Baros’ transfer is sleek and refined. Think air-conditioned interiors, cooling towelettes, beverages, Wi-Fi, and smooth sailing. A small but telling glimpse of the luxury that awaits you.
On arrival, we were greeted with a welcome drink and introduced to Azzam, our host for the stay. After a brief orientation around the island, he escorted us straight to our villa. No waiting around, no confusion, just effortless hospitality.
Baros does welcome children aged eight years and above, but during our stay the island felt overwhelmingly adult-focused. Mostly couples, honeymooners, and quiet conversations. Because the island is smaller than many Maldivian resorts, it naturally creates an intimate, romantic atmosphere, while still maintaining that relaxed barefoot luxury vibe. And yes, you can genuinely forget about packing fancy shoes here.
Accomodation
Baros offers eight different accommodation categories, ranging from beachside villas to iconic overwater options. I stayed in one of the Overwater Pool Villas, and it truly ticked every box.
The villa is designed as an open, rotunda-style space, with a super king-size bed perfectly positioned to face uninterrupted ocean views. Waking up to nothing but turquoise water never gets old.
The bathroom was equally impressive. Spacious, beautifully designed, and complete with dual sinks, a freestanding bathtub, and Acqua di Parma toiletries, which felt like a thoughtful indulgence. Every detail was intentional, understated, and timeless rather than overdone.
Dining
Despite its size, Baros delivers impressively on the culinary front. During our stay, we dined at the following:
Lime - Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Lime is relaxed and breezy, making it ideal for slow mornings and casual meals with ocean views. Breakfast here was particularly memorable, with an extensive à la carte offering and fresh, high-quality ingredients.
Cayenne Grill - Open for lunch and dinner, Cayenne specialises in grilled seafood and meats, with bold flavours and an open-air setting. It also features a Teppanyaki experience, perfect for something a little more interactive.
The Lighthouse - Baros’ fine dining destination, reserved for dinner. Elegant, romantic, and ideal for a special evening, with beautifully plated dishes and a refined atmosphere overlooking the water.
Eco Explorer Experience
One of the things I truly appreciated about Baros is how quietly committed it is to sustainability. Through its Eco Explorer programme, guests are invited to engage more deeply with the surrounding marine ecosystem, from coral regeneration initiatives to guided snorkelling experiences led by resident marine biologists. We even had the opportunity to experience night snorkelling, a rare and memorable way to witness the reef come alive after dark, with bioluminescent waters and nocturnal marine life offering a completely different perspective of the lagoon.
For those less inclined to explore beneath the surface, Baros also offers a wide range of watersports, from paddleboarding and kayaking to sailing and dolphin cruises, ensuring there is something for every pace and preference.
It is wellness without trying too hard. Between time spent in the ocean, gentle movement through the day, and the option to join daily sunrise yoga or retreat to the spa for a deeply restorative treatment, wellbeing becomes part of the rhythm of island life. It adds a thoughtful layer to the experience, grounding it in balance rather than excess, and elevating Baros beyond pure luxury alone.
Final Thoughts
Baros is proof that luxury doesn’t need to be complicated. Its close proximity to Malé, manageable island size, and seamless service make it one of the easiest resorts to get to and around in the Maldives, without sacrificing privacy, elegance, or that sense of escape we all come here for.
If you value effortless travel, intimate settings, and barefoot luxury done right, Baros might just be the perfect fit.
🧳 What to pack for the Maldives
Lightweight clothing
Lightweight, breathable fabrics are essential in the Maldivian climate. Loose dresses, linen sets, and airy shirts work perfectly for daytime, while layering remains important. Evenings can feel cooler, especially when dining by the ocean, so a light cardigan, shawl, or linen jacket is worth packing.
Comfortable footwear The Maldives is the definition of barefoot luxury, so footwear can be kept minimal. Flip-flops or slides are ideal for getting around the island, while comfortable flat sandals are perfect for dinners and resort activities. If you plan on exploring local islands or taking part in excursions, pack a pair of lightweight trainers or walking shoes. Avoid heavy footwear, as most resorts encourage guests to go barefoot throughout the day. Sun protection and insect repellent
With year-round sunshine, sun protection is a must. Pack a wide-brim hat or cap, UV-protective sunglasses, and a high SPF sunscreen. Reef-safe sunscreen is strongly recommended to help protect the marine ecosystem.
Insect repellent is also useful, particularly in the evenings. Choose a gentle but effective formula suitable for tropical climates to protect against mosquitoes without irritating the skin. If you plan to go swimming, I would recommend a long sleeve UV rash guard.
Other useful essentials
A few extra items can enhance your stay. Pack reef shoes for snorkelling over coral, a light waterproof bag for boat trips, and a small first aid kit with essentials like pain relief and motion sickness tablets.
Electrolyte sachets are also useful for staying balanced in the heat, especially after long days in the sun.
Book your next stay at Baros Maldives
This stay was gently offered by Baros Maldives in collaboration with FINN Partners. All views and opinions here are as usual my own.
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