IN TOUCH Magazine
OCTOBER, NOVEMBER, DECEMBER 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 Baros Guest, As we approach the final stretch of another unprecedented year, we look back on 2021 with gratitude for the incredible support from our loyal guests. We also look forward to welcoming in a new year – we all certainly hope that 2022 will bring more normality!
Having said that, next year will likely bring new changes and developments
and it will be interesting to see how it unfolds. While there’s no knowing how the pandemic will affect the world and Baros in 2022, you can rest assured that we
will be working hard to be, and remain as the safe and tropical haven you know and appreciate.
With that, I am pleased to share the latest IN TOUCH issue with you. Discover
our unmissable new offers and experiences while we prepare for our muchanticipated Festive Season 2021/22.
We are looking forward to welcoming you to Baros soon and wish you the best of health, peace and prosperity!
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
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Get To Know
7
Discover Baros
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Did You Know
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Get in Touch
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Malaafaiy
Tamagoyaki
El Presidente from the Barrel
A Shovelnose Ray Or Guitar Shark?
Serenity Spa Signatures
The New Baros Eco Explorer package
Inayath
Say ‘Yes’ on the Piano Deck
HERITAGE
A BRIEF MALDIVIAN LANGUAGE GUIDE Malaafaiy Special Maldivian celebrations, like the naming of a child or a religious Islamic festival, often centre on jovial gatherings and feasts, as is the case with many cultures across the globe. In the Maldives, these feasts are known as “Keyn” which tend to involve several courses and feed between 10-12 people. Dishes include anything and everything from rice, curries, and fish dishes to scrumptious desserts. Traditionally, apart from the food itself, there is an obvious star of Keyn; the gorgeous Maldivian Malaafaiy.
Kaifin tha?
The Malaafaiy is a large, uniquely Maldivian wooden serving dish that comes with a lid and is typically adorned with intricate carvings. The technique used to enhance the carvings is called “Liyelaa Jehun” – the name for the quintessential Maldivian lacquer work. Once a design has been masterfully carved, the artist then colours and polishes the item with lacquer (usually red or black), which transforms the mere serving dish into a veritable artwork.
Eating
Historically, in preparation for Keyn gatherings, dishes, were placed inside the large Malaafaiy, which was then wrapped in a white cloth. The white cloth would allow for easier transportation into the dining hall especially prepared for the occasion, but, perhaps most importantly, it also helped to protect the beautiful lacquer work that has now become synonymous with the Maldives.
Have a good day
Today, Malaafaiys are no longer used in gatherings or celebrations in the traditional sense, but rather serve as a prized decor piece in most Maldivian houses. In fact, Baros features one such Malaafaiy in The Maldivian Lounge as well as a part of the unmissable Maldivian Nights which take place in the island’s iconic Palm Garden. Feast in true Maldivian style and be inspired by the workmanship and the intricate carvings of a sublime Baros Malaafaiy.
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Have you eaten?
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Dining Room Kaage
Kitchen Badhige
Meal Keyn
Keun
Hungry Bandu hai
Thirsty Karu hikkun
Baajjaveri dhuvahakah edhen
Tasty Meeru
Cup of tea Sai thashi
Citizens Farudhun
BON APPÉTIT!
SAVOUR THE FLAVOURS OF THE ULTIMATE BREAKFAST INDULGENCE.
Tamagoyaki (Japanese Egg Omelette with Dashi) Ingredients Method Dashi Powder
2g
Suger
2g
Salt
2g
Soy Sauce 3ml Water
Egg
Oil, for brushing
60ml 2
1. In a small bowl, combine the dashi, salt, soy sauce, sugar, and water. Mix until everything is dissolved. 2. In a medium bowl, beat the eggs and add the seasoning mixture. Mix until well-combined. 3. Heat a tamagoyaki pan over medium-high heat. Brush a thin layer of oil on the pan. 4. Pour a third of the egg mixture into the pan and quickly swirl to cover the entire pan. When the egg is half-set, gently roll it.
5. With the rolled egg still in the pan, pour in another third of the egg mixture. Lift up the rolled egg and let the mixture flow under it. When the egg is half-set, roll the omelette toward you. Repeat with the rest of the egg mixture. 6. Once all the egg has been cooked, slice the omelette into bite-sized pieces. 7. Serve with white rice, soy sauce, miso soup and teriyaki sauce.
BAROS MIXOLOGY El Presidente from the Barrel Ingredients Flor de Cana Cointreau
Martini Bianco
Grenadine Syrup
40ml 20ml 10ml
3 Drops
Martini Glass
Method Mix together, shake well and serve.
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BAROS UNDERWATER A Shovelnose Ray Or Guitar Shark? Is it a shark? Is it a ray? Honestly—it’s difficult to
Intrigued by these creatures? Then you’ll be thrilled
fish, Rhynchobatus djiddensis, is a magnificent,
Baros House Reef several times a year, specifically
say for sure! What we do know is that this unique tropical, underwater creature that can grow to
reach over three meters long and weigh up to 230 kilograms.
during the summer months and the beginning of
the dry season. There are just a few small windows for visitors to see the shovelnose rays, but it
Believed to be a type of wedgefish, this
certainly makes sightings are all the more exciting.
appearance. This makes us think that life in the
wonderful sightings of these fish during the day,
fascinating creature has a uniquely prehistoric
Interested to try your luck? While there have been
ocean hasn’t changed much over the millennia;
encounters are particularly spectacular at night
proof that when something works well, nature will keep it as it is.
This fish swims like a shark but lays at the bottom of the ocean like a ray, with a flat body and a
snout that is triangular and pointed. As with all cartilaginous fish, the sensors located on the
muzzle make shovelnose rays formidable hunters that search for their prey, such as bony fish, crustaceans and molluscs, in the sand.
The elongated, shark-like shape of this fish
boasts rows of mesmerising white spots, making it unmissable for snorkellers and divers. Those lucky enough to see them often view them as
“the encounter of the day”. These fish typically live solitary lives, but in the right season, they can be found in groups.
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to know that they can be found in and around the
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while on snorkelling excursions or a night dive.
SPA SECRETS Serenity Spa Signatures The rich culture and illustrious heritage of Baros permeates everything we offer, and the luxurious experiences at the Serenity Spa are no exception. The healing rituals and traditions practised with care at this soothing sanctuary, expertly balance ancient wisdom with modern pampering techniques for an unforgettable and delightful journey. Our expert team of therapists have carefully handpicked some of the most unique products and, together with effective techniques, they ensure that each spa experience is as relaxing as it is nourishing. Here is a sneak peek at some of our favourite Serenity Spa experiences: SERENITY SIGNATURE MASSAGE
Our skilled therapists have masterfully curated the perfect prelude to peace and relaxation. By drawing on a combination of massage techniques, your Serenity Signature Massage experience is sure to leave you in a deep state of wellbeing. The massage starts gently with the use of hot stones to increase the circulation to your muscles, preparing them for an effective, yet relaxing, combination of movements.
Next, gentle stretches and a focus on acupressure points will ensure all blocked energy from tense muscles is released, helping to realign your posture and ease any aches and pains. Then, Balinese techniques ensure tension on deeper levels in your muscles melt away, and finally, Swedish principles are applied to relax your mind and body. This wonderfully holistic massage is the ultimate way to ensure your holiday in paradise starts on the right – and most relaxing note. SIGNATURE SERENITY COCONUT SCRUB
Treat yourself to a wonderfully Maldivian indulgence with the Signature Serenity Coconut Scrub, created with 100% natural and local ingredients. This magical bespoke scrub has been created to nourish and cleanse your skin, leaving it feeling silky soft and ready for the most beautiful holiday tan imaginable. The ultimate combination of the finest powder-soft Baros coral sand (collected at sunrise), the purest virgin coconut oil from the Maldives and coconut milk, this scrub will leave your skin healthy and glowing.
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GET TO KNOW Inayath Mohamed Inayath is the
Housekeeping Manager at
Baros Maldives, overlooking the housekeeping operation since 2019. He started his career in
Housekeeping in 2004, working at
the Taj Exotica Maldives as well as
the Taj Coromandel Chennai before he joined W Maldives and finally found his way to Baros.
He always strives for excellence
when it comes to guest service and naturally the maintenance and
cleanliness of the villas and public areas.
The New Baros Eco Explorer package Baros is blessed with incredible natural surroundings, from the lush
jungle interior of the island to its world-class house reef. Coral reefs play an important part in the underwater ecosystem —that’s why we have decided to include an entirely new offering to enhance the Baros guest experience; the Baros Eco Explorer package.
This unbelievable offer allows guests to embrace their time in
the Maldives in an unforgettable way — by contributing to the sustainable initiatives led by the resident Marine Biologist.
As part of this offering, guests can enjoy thrilling and educational
experiences that include a Coral Workshop and Q&A session with
the Baros Marine Biologist, a coral frame planting experience in the
coral garden (with a personalised name tag and message) and the creation and planting of a Coral Cube in the Baros lagoon. These sustainable and eco-friendly initiatives both help create a coral
garden of broken, but alive corals that wouldn’t survive otherwise, and address areas of the reef itself that need extra support.
Ultimately, these activities help the reef, and the precious marine life, to thrive.
Also included in this fabulous offering is a private snorkelling
and fish identification session. Led by the Marine Biologist, and
equipped with underwater cameras, guests will discover and better understand the underwater world of Baros, its sub-aquatic wildlife, the risks they face today and what can be done to mitigate them.
Guests will leave with countless memories and a specially curated photo book documenting the experiences to mark the meaningful
and unforgettable trip. A once-in-a-lifetime package that makes a difference — this is an offering and experience of a lifetime.
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In his free time he enjoys fishing with his friends and colleagues.
DISCOVER BAROS Say ‘Yes’ on the Piano Deck Baros Maldives is the most romantic resort in the
certificate, key floral arrangements, and a special
for an exceptional place to elope, hold an intimate
occasion — loved up couples can rest assured
world and if you and your betrothed are looking
celebration of your union or renew your vows, then our magical island is the perfect choice. While
there are practically endless options of venues, for the first time ever, guests are invited to get
married or renew their vows on the iconic Piano Deck.
This venue offers guests a unique location for their special celebration, and the celebration
package itself boasts memorable enhancements and spoils. On arrival, couples celebrating their
nuptials will be treated to canapés and a bottle of Champagne in their rooms, followed by gifts;
brides will receive traditional sarongs and grooms, Baros polo shirts.
symbolic tree-planting ritual to mark the special that everything will be taken care of on their big day.
Post-ceremony, couples will be treated to
a memorable sunset cruise (complete with
Champagne) followed by a dinner on the Piano Deck itself. The next day, the festivities continue
with a Champagne Breakfast served in the villa and a complimentary couple’s spa treatment. On departure, guests celebrating their vow
renewals or nuptials will receive an additional gift
from Baros — something special to take with them
to mark their unforgettable time together spent at Baros.
What’s more, couples don’t need to worry about a thing on the day! From a gorgeous wedding
cake, the services of an MC (Master of Ceremony) and Champagne for the ceremony to a wedding
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DID YOU KNOW …the Piano Deck was named by a guest who remarked how its shape bore resemblance to a piano? And just like that, the iconic “Piano Deck” at Baros was born. …the national flower of Maldives is the pink rose? …Baros used to be a coconut plantation island and most of it is still preserved on the island …the staples of the Maldivian cuisine are tuna, coconut and rice combined with fresh chillis and lime
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GET IN TOUCH
Any questions, suggestions, comments? Get in touch with us on Baros, we are looking forward to hearing from you.
Shijah, Resort Manager, Maldivian Ibrahim.shijah@baros.com Shazeel, Executive Assistant Manager, Maldivian Ibrahim.shazeel@baros.com Nisha, Sales Manager, Maldivian Nisha.amir@baros.com Ken, Executive Chef, Motswana Exe.Chef@baros.com Mustafa, Food and Beverage Service Manager, Turkish Mustafa.burak@baros.com Afrah, Reservations Manager, Maldivian Ibrahim.afrah@baros.com Svenja, 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
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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
