IN TOUCH Magazine
JULY, AUGUST, SEPTEMBER 2021
Welcome to this edition of IN TOUCH, our magazine created to keep you “in touch” with Baros Maldives. All of us at Baros look forward to being in touch with you every few months in this manner so we can provide you with valuable information on the Maldives and on our luxury boutique island resort. Imagine, we are even going to share some of our most delicious recipes with you and tell some of our best kept Spa secrets. We hope you will enjoy being reminded about Baros and that you will want to be in touch with us too. ©2021 Contents and photos are owned by Baros Maldives and should not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, or displayed for any commercial use.
Dear IN TOUCH Reader It’s amazing to think that we are already halfway through 2021! While the term
“unprecedented” applies to this year as well as the last, as some countries return to some semblance of normality, there is also hope on the horizon.
The Baros team was thrilled to welcome many guests to its golden shores this
year, including those from countries that have endured strict travel restrictions. We are eagerly awaiting the lifting of travel bans on a larger scale and are optimistic that the second half of the year will be very different to the first.
Until we can meet again, however, we are grateful we can at least stay IN TOUCH
with the third issue of our newsletter. For this instalment, we’ll focus largely on the mesmerising underwater world and our special coral propagation programme recently introduced by our marine biology team. We hope you enjoy learning about these important underwater creatures and can participate in our wonderful new initiative alongside our marine biologists soon.
We are looking forward to welcoming you to Baros soon and hope you stay safe until then.
Sincerely, Shijah Resort Manager
CONTENTS Welcome note
2
Our Heritage
3
A Brief Maldivian Language Guide
3
Bon Appétit
4
Baros Mixology
4
Baros Underwater
5
Spa Secrets
6
Baros News
7
Get To Know
7
Discover Baros
8
Did You Know
9
Get in Touch
10
Boduberu
Passionfruit And Mango Entremets
Sky View Martini
The Parrotfish
Muscle Releasing Mud Wrap By Theranaka
Coral Cubes – An Experiment
Ambra, Dive Base Leader
Stingray City And Green Turtle Quest
HERITAGE
A BRIEF MALDIVIAN LANGUAGE GUIDE Boduberu
Underwater
Music plays a pivotal role in the culture and traditions of the Maldives. It’s used for celebrations, in storytelling and at gatherings. The most fabled type of music enjoyed across the island nation is Boduberu, named after the instruments central to the music; Bodu – big, Beru – drum.
Kandu adi
The origins of Boduberu are not entirely certain, but many believe that the music originated in the 11th century. Both the style of music and the form of dance that often accompanies the Boduberu bears similarities to African song and dance, which suggests that African sailors once had great influence over the Maldives.
Boli
Boduberu drums were traditionally made from coconut wood and ray skin, but today, goatskin is more commonly used. An integral part of the Maldivian way of life, this form of music centres on rhythmic drumming and enthusiastic dancing performed in groups of up to about 20 people, beautifully dressed in vivid sarongs and shirts. The songs themselves start fairly slow and gradually gain momentum resulting in an energetic and mesmerising performance that is sure to be remembered far after your flight home.
Eagle Ray
Coral Muraka
Shells Ocean Kandu
Manta Ray En Madi
Vai Fiya Madi
Shark Miyaru
Diving Feenun
Swimming: Fethun
Octopus Boava
3
IN TOUCH Magazine — BAROS Maldives
BAROS MIXOLOGY Sky View Martini Inspired by the uncountable
colours of the Maldivian sunset, this Martini leaves a flavourful
sensation on your tongue. It’s the
perfect choice for pre-dinner drinks savoured at the Sails Bar.
Ingredients
BON APPÉTIT!
Martell VS Cognac Blue Curaçao
PASSIONFRUIT AND MANGO ENTREMETS Frozen Passionfruit & Mango Mousse
Cashew nut Praline
Mango purée
100g
Passionfruit purée
50g
Sugar 30g
Egg yolk 50g Hot water
Whipped Cream
10ml
Raspberry purée
15ml
Half Cream
10ml
Lime juice
15ml
Sugar syrup
10ml
Ingredients
Ingredients
Gelatine powder
30ml
Toasted cashew nuts Sugar
200g
300g
Butter 75g Dark chocolate 50g
1tbsp
Method
Method
Use a double boiler to gently
Heat the sugar in a broad non-stick
until the mixture is creamy and
it has dissolved and turns a golden
cream. Divide the mixture into two
add the toasted cashew nuts and
purée and passionfruit purée
on a flat, greased surface and use
gelatine powder in the hot water.
praline. Allow to cool and coat with
combine the sugar and egg yolks
pan and cook on medium heat until
starts to thicken. Fold in the whipped
colour. Remove from the heat and
bowls and pour into the mango
butter. Mix well. Spread the mixture
separately. Mix well. Dissolve the
a round shape to cut circles in the
Add the gelatine to the mango and
dark chocolate.
and put in the freezer until set.
purée. Pour the remaining
ingredients into a mixer, shake well glass.
300ml
well. Pour into a half-dome mould
Line a Martini glass with raspberry
and strain into the prepared Martini
1/4 Cup
passionfruit mixtures and combine
Method
Decorate with lavender meringue, raspberry gel and salted caramel sauce.
IN TOUCH Magazine — BAROS Maldives
4
BAROS UNDERWATER The Parrotfish “Parrotfish” is given to a group of some 90 fish
species that form part of a family or Scaridae. The fish vary in size, colour and pattern (even
between juveniles, males and females) and are actually hermaphroditic, meaning that female
fish can change sex if the need arises. The males are vibrantly coloured while females are more grey, but the change of sex also comes with
the incredible change of colour (when a female changes into a male). These fish are herbivores and play an integral ecological role as reef-
grazers, their beak-like teeth enabling them to easily scape algae off coral surfaces, which is
what they do for the majority of their days. This
process of constant eating of algae on the reefs
helps to create new areas for baby corals to grow and ensures that algae populations are kept under control.
Interestingly, the digestive systems of these
incredible creatures (and their molar-like teeth
in their throats) help to break the corals into tiny
grains of white sand (called bioerosion), which is
then “pooped out”, and an average size parrotfish can create 90kg of sand a year. Parrotfish
generally live between five and seven years, and
after a full day of eating, these fish form a mucus
5
IN TOUCH Magazine — BAROS Maldives
cocoon to sleep in safely or hide in the coral itself. Research shows that coral reefs with a healthy
population of herbivorous fishes, in particular, a
large parrotfish population, can help restore coral
reefs by maintaining the algae cover and creating a clean space for corals to settle and grow.
For better coral reef management strategies,
parrotfishes were recently declared a protected species in September 2020, making it illegal to
catch, trade and display any items made out of parrotfishes in the Maldives.
SPA SECRETS Muscle Releasing Mud Wrap By Theranaka Most of us are no strangers to muscle tension – the condition in which muscles of the body remain semi-contracted for an extended period of time. It’s typically caused by stress, which can change the body’s nervous system by constricting blood vessels and reducing blood flow to the soft tissues, including muscles, tendons, and nerves in the back. This process causes a decrease in oxygen and a build-up of biochemical waste products in the muscles, resulting in muscle tension, spasm, and back pain. Sound all too familiar? Then indulge in the ultimate treatment at Serenity Spa. Start your wellness journey with a marula and sandalwood sugar scrub to set a relaxing tone as dead skill cells are eliminated for silky soft and radiant skin.
Follow this up with the Muscle Easing Mud Wrap Application, which helps to purify the skin, improve circulation and create warmth to relieve muscle tension. The cocooned experience is enhanced by an Indian head massage. To conclude the treatment, allow any remaining tension to melt away with an indulgent Back, Neck and Shoulder Massage. Between the therapist’s skilled techniques and use of pressure and the invigoration African Vigour body oil blend, your body (and mind) will feel relaxed and reinvigorated in no time.
IN TOUCH Magazine — BAROS Maldives
6
GET TO KNOW Ambra, Dive Base Leader Our Italian-born Dive Base Leader, Ambra, has always felt at home
underwater and her passion, and curiosity for marine life inspired
her to study Oceanology in Spain.
It was here — more specifically on the Canary Islands — that Ambra took her first breath underwater
as she learned how to drive and subsequently pursued her dive instructor qualification.
Ambra has been living and working
in the Maldives since 2014 and joined Baros initially in 2017.
At the beginning of 2018, Ambra
decided to experience work and
Coral Cubes – An Experiment
she decided to return to Baros in
December 2020. Her passion is the
The Coral Nursery next to The Lighthouse Restaurant has already
ocean, where she loves to spend
propagation site. While these corals are flourishing, the marine
on boards, boats or snorkelling,
create a coral garden but to preserve the coral reef itself.
spellbinding marine life around
gained incredible fame across the country as a successful coral
most of her time; underwater or
biology team of Baros felt it was vital to find a solution to not just
exploring and discovering the
Parts of the coral reef have been damaged over time by strong
currents, falling rocks or coral bleaching but the marine biology team believes that these areas could potentially be restored if supported correctly.
While corals play essential roles as nurseries and homes for fish,
turtles and reef sharks (among other marine life), coral reefs also
act as barriers, protecting islands from strong currents and waves (and therefore erosion). This is why the marine biology team at
Baros is bent on ensuring the reef at Baros thrives. This is why they
have introduced a coral restoration programme with Coral Cubes. Corals that have broken off the reef but are still alive can be
attached to these Coral Cubes which are made from concrete.
These structures are then placed strategically in areas of the reef that are damaged or in distress. The Coral Cube experiment is
conducted and monitored by the resident marine biology team of
Baros. This programme is offered to guests free of charge, as Baros wants to encourage guests to be active in marine protection and to learn and share more about the ocean’s wonders.
7
life on a local island, but luckily,
IN TOUCH Magazine — BAROS Maldives
Baros.
DISCOVER BAROS Stingray City And Green Turtle Quest The Baros house reef offers some truly
Stingray City is a quick 20-minute boat ride away
common sightings of reef sharks, hawksbill turtles
excursion’s name delivers on its promise; in this
spectacular snorkelling experiences — what with
and the vivid array of fish and other marine life —
there’s no shortage of exceptional sightings to be had here.
and is sure to be an unforgettable experience. The incredible spot, you can find stingrays in droves, and they don’t mind the divers joining them as they forage for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
For those interested in snorkelling a little further
The Green Turtle Quest centres on a nearby
recently introduced two snorkelling excursions not
sightings of the beautiful and rare Green Turtles.
afield, however, the marine biology team has to be missed.
Guests can hop on a boat and venture out on a
short cruise to Stingray City or join the Green Turtle
snorkelling hotspot are known for exceptional
Guests can join the scheduled group trips each
week or book their private excursion as per their preference.
Quest with a guide and swim with these gentle underwater creatures as their heart desires.
IN TOUCH Magazine — BAROS Maldives
8
DID YOU KNOW ...stingrays have an infamous reputation, thanks in part to the unfortunate and deadly accident involving Steve Irwin, but they are incredibly peaceful underwater creatures? ….Green Turtles — both adults and juveniles — love to forage in the nutritious seagrass common in the lagoons surrounding many of the Maldives islands? …..that the Baros house reef is home to two reef sharks that don’t have back fins? ….that there are three main types of rays in the Maldives — stingrays, manta rays and eagle rays with many subspecies.
9
IN TOUCH Magazine — BAROS Maldives
GET IN TOUCH
Any questions, suggestions, comments? Get in touch with us on Baros, we are looking forward to hearing from you.
Ibrahim Shijah, Resort Manager, Maldivian Ibrahim.shijah@baros.com Ibrahim Shazeel, Executive Assistant Manager, Maldivian Ibrahim.shazeel@baros.com Nisha Amir, Sales Manager, Maldivian Nisha.amir@baros.com Mustafa Burak Tomruk, Food and Beverage Service Manager, Turkish Mustafa.burak@baros.com Ibrahim Afrah, Reservations Manager, Maldivian Ibrahim.afrah@baros.com Svenja Rehbein, Director of PR & Communication, German Svenja.rehbein@baros.com Arsini, Spa Manager, Indonesian Spa.manager@baros.com Ambra Frederica, Dive Base Leader, Italian Dive.manager@baros.com Tel: +960 664 26 72 reservations@baros.com
IN TOUCH Magazine — BAROS Maldives
10
PO Box 2015, Malé 20-02, Republic of Maldives T +960 664 26 72 F +960 664 34 97 info@baros.com www.baros.com
