IN TOUCH Magazine
Welcome to this edition of IN TOUCH, our magazine created to keep you “in touch” with Baros Maldives. All of us at Baros Maldives 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 Maldives and that you will want to be in touch with us too. ©2020 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 Dear IN TOUCH Reader Since March 2020 our world has been turned upside down and all of us had to
face challenges and changes. This is why we are very much looking forward to
welcome our guests back to Baros from 1 October 2020. We are very excited that the resort will come back to life as guests return.
Until we meet you on Baros, we would like to stay IN TOUCH and share with you news and updates from our island. In this issue of IN TOUCH, we take a look at
our architectural heritage and its influence on resort accommodation. Mustafa Burak, our Food and Beverage Manager, who joined us a few months ago, is
introduced and there is a delicious chocolate recipe from our Head Chef so you can create a sweet memento of Baros heaven while waiting to return.
A description of our unique Piano Deck may inspire you to try something different while staying with us on Baros. Our Marine Centre biologists introduce the Whale Shark, a placid species that is often seen at various points in the ocean around Baros.
We have created this IN TOUCH issue with our heritage in mind to convey a
deeper understanding of our island and culture. As you will discover, a special atmosphere embraces our island and we wish you the most unforgettable holiday that only Baros can create.
Sincerely, Shijah Resort Manager
CONTENTS Welcome note
2
Our Heritage
3
A Brief Maldivian Language Guide
3
Bon AppĂŠtit
4
Baros Mixology
4
Baros Underwater
5
Maldivian Architecture
Double Chocolate Espresso Truffle
The Hurricane Cocktail
Whale Sharks
Spa Secrets
Submerge Your Senses Baros News
6
The largest private pool in Baros at the Baros
7
Get To Know
7
Residence
Mustafa Tomruk Burak Discover Baros Piano Deck
8
Did You Know?
9
Get in Touch
10
HERITAGE
time when living was simple. The Villas and cabanas have
thatched roofing to keep the Villas cool from the warm rays of the sun, the glass sliding doors that flawlessly provides an indoor-outdoor living space is also indicative of the elements in traditional houses that were designed to circu-
late the cool breeze from the sea and palms in the houses. The veranda and decks found in the villas, together with
Swings and day beds, also found in traditional houses, were communal areas where the family would sit together in the
afternoons. The bathrooms, especially in the beach Villas are also inspired by the traditional design of the gifili, partly covered with walls and plants, with an outdoor shower.
The first accommodation for tourists in the islands was very basic with blocks of rooms sharing a common ceiling, each
room divided by a thin wall from its neighbour. Communal living created a holiday spirit of camaraderie and sharing, emulating the lifestyle of the original islanders. The image
showed below is what the original accommodation at Baros looked like when it was first opened – with thatched
palm leaf walls, coconut thatch roof and with sand for the floor, and an authentic, island ambience and a unique charm that is still preserved to this day.
Maldivian Architecture The style of architecture in the resorts of the Maldives has evolved
over centuries from the makeshift shelters built by the inhabitants of isolated islands using natural materials. Roughly hewn timber from the trunks of coconut palms was used for the frames of houses with a thatch of palm leaves serving as roofing material and walls. Blocks of coral were later used for making walls, a practice banned today.
Coconut Palms
a beyruge - the outer chamber- and Etherege - the inner chamber.
Rug
Two platforms, bodu ashi and kuda ashi, a coir rope strung bed and
Island
The interior of the island shelters was simple. It primarily comprised The outer chamber was the area for men and children.
big wooden chests were common furniture of the outer chamber. Wooden planks raised off the sand floor formed a platform for the inhabitants to sleep on.
Bathing was done outside in an open-air bathing area (called gifili), shielded with a palm frond fence for privacy. The heritage of out-
Jazeera rah
Thank you! Shukuriyya
door bathing areas has been reproduced in resort island architec-
Coconut
a walled, plant-filled garden are a unique feature of Maldivian archi-
Kurumba
ture, particularly at Baros. The bathrooms with open-air showers in tecture, being practical and private as well as fun.
Fish
sitioned windows and doors so there was a flow of air to keep the
Mas
place cool. There would be two doors, one at the front and one at the back, to stimulate airflow.
Love
Depending on the affluence and size of family, the house would be
Loabi
side sitting areas, with trees providing shade. This has been copied
Welcome
Before air-conditioning, an island home was built with carefully po-
extended with verandas on the northern and southern sides as out-
in modern architecture with broad verandas, so relaxing and eating
Marhabaa
As building skills developed, more timber was used in construction
How are you?
can be done outside the living and sleeping quarters.
with some houses having sliding wooden doors and panels, as well
as coral stone walls. The kitchen, with clay pots used for cooking over a wooden fire, was done in a separate area.
Today’s popular Villas in Baros resorts still deeply root and takes in-
spiration from the architectural heritage, not only because it suits the climate and tropical lifestyle, but also because it harks back to a
3
A BRIEF MALDIVIAN LANGUAGE GUIDE
IN TOUCH Magazine — BAROS Maldives
Haalu kihinehtha
Good Morning Baajjaveri dhuvahakah edhen
BAROS MIXOLOGY
BON APPÉTIT!
Hurricane Cocktail This exotic cocktail is inspired by our tropical surroundings of pristine white beaches fringed with palm trees. No
hurricanes here but this cocktail could
blow you away! The Baros Hurricane
Cocktail is a revitalising combination of
fresh pineapple with the complementary tones of zesty lime and fresh passionfruit.
Double Chocolate Espresso Truffle
you inspired after another day on our heavenly island.
Serving size: 1
Ingredients
Beat the egg yolk and sugar until the sugar
Ddark chocolate Strong coffee
200g
dissolves. Mix this with the chocolate mixture
100ml
and then divide the mix into six and place in
4 tbsp. of your favourite spirit –
dome moulds. Leave to set over night in the refrigerator.
we recommend rum or brandy Double cream
It refreshes your palate with a zing, leaving
400ml
2 tbsp. golden caster sugar
Remove from the fridge and coat with melted milk chocolate and decorate the plate with
Ingredients Bacardi
40 ml
Passion Liqueur
20 ml
Lime Juice
20 ml
Grenadine syrup
10 ml
Passion purée
20 ml 40 ml
Yolk
70g
raspberry sauce, micro herbs and edible
Pineapple juice
Sugar
50g
flower. Add a scoop of salted caramel ice
Flor de Cana Rum
cream and sprinkle hazelnut crunch and marinated mix of fresh berries on top.
Method Break the chocolate into small chunks and tip into a bowl with the coffee and alcohol. Bring 250ml of the cream to boil, then pour it over the chocolate mixture and stir until the chocolate has melted and the mixture is smooth.
10 ml
Method Put crushed ice into to Highball glass, add
the coconut cream and stir. Add all other ingredients, stirring together after each one is added. Top with crushed ice and decorate with a sprig of fresh mint.
Garnish Wedge of fresh pineapple to place on the side of the glass
Glass Hurricane Glass
IN TOUCH Magazine — BAROS Maldives
4
BAROS UNDERWATER
Gentle Giants: The Whale Shark
A whale Shark is a slow-moving, filter feeding,
cartilaginous elasmobranch fish. This means that it is
a cold blooded animal which uses gills to respire. Its skeleton is cartilaginous rather than bone, therefore it is light and flexible. All sharks have a cartilaginous skeleton and this is why we never see shark bones in museums
(only the jaw), because cartilage biodegrades naturally and doesn’t fossilise. This fish is in fact a shark, and not a whale as its name suggests.
unique mark of identification. Every single Shark has a one of a kind, distinctive spot pattern on its body. We are able to use images of these patterns and compare them on
a statistical analysis programme to identify every shark.
Some sharks are well known in the Marine Protected Area, such as Fernando who was first seen in April 2008 at threemetres long, who at his most recent sighting is almost
seven-metres. With this identification technique, we are
Whale Sharks are the largest species of shark in the
able to track our Whale Sharks in a non-invasive, public
almost 18 metres in length and 15 tons in weight, a
and attach them to the shark. It also allows the public to
are known as the gentle giants of the ocean. As filter
research of Whale Sharks. From Baros we recently went
eating small animals such as plankton, krill and maybe
encounter three known Whale Sharks.
world and they can be found in Maldives. Reaching
friendly manner. We do not need to use expensive tags
giant shark can seem scary but in fact whale sharks
take part in citizen science and make a contribution to the
feeders, they filter the ocean through their mouths,
on a Whale Shark excursion and were lucky enough to
some sardines. Their mouth can reach a diameter of
The biggest threat to Whale Sharks is humans. The main
1.5m and they need to consume 30,000 calories a day which is equivalent to 21kg of plankton a day.
cause of injuries to Whale Sharks in Maldives is boat
collisions. These slow moving giants are hard to spot from
Whale Sharks are found in warm waters around the
the surface of the water and can often get hit by boats’
Whale Shark Point in South Ari atoll where we get to see
most recover very well.
Equator throughout the world. In Maldives we have
propellers. Some may lose fins and have major injuries, but
Whale Sharks all year round. Iin this Marine Protected
Even though these graceful giants continue to roam the
Area there is a research-based conservation charity: Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme that focuses on conservation initiatives to protect these
beautiful and graceful animals. Since the programme
started in 2006, research findings have been collected
and shared with scientists worldwide. What has been discovered about the Whale Sharks in Maldives are:
• 97 per cent of the Whale Sharks in Maldives are males • Average size is six-metres long. • 67 per cent of the population have injuries resulting from human ontact.
• Almost every shark is immature • Many re-sightings of the same shark, with only a very few new whale sharks coming in to the area every year.
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Just like humans with fingerprints,, whale sharks have a
IN TOUCH Magazine — BAROS Maldives
oceans worldwide and considering they are the largest shark in the world, their life cycle and behaviour remains a mystery. No one has ever seen Whale Sharks give birth and
only last year a mating attempt (which was unsuccessful for the male) was filmed for the first time ever.
Scientists still have much more to learn about these
beautiful creatures, and hopefully in the future, with sightings around Baros we can learn more about these mysterious Whale Sharks.
SPA SECRETS Serenity Signature Coconut Scrub and Steam Bath
At Baros we have especially created a unique and relaxing treatment we have entitled: “Submerge Your Senses.”
Over a heavenly 150 minutes, sink into a state of pure tranquillity with a muscle relaxing bath as well as unwinding the body and mind with an uplifting aroma.
With gentle full body brushing to stimulate drainage from the lymphatic system, skin will be left with a velvet
smooth quality and nourished, whilst your immune system is simultaneously being detoxified.
The regenerating treatment includes a full body
massage, intuitively guided by our therapists to target
Containing birch, cloves, lavender, blue chamomile,
specific areas of knotting or stress. Submerge Your
the body and soothe the muscles, the treatment bath
Releasing energy blockages and introducing a new
juice and roasted coconut. Submerge Your Senses is
wellness and self-discovery uniquely the Baros way.
sea salt and other beneficial ingredients to recharge
Senses is a holistic approach to rejuvenating the body.
is accompanied by rehydration in the form of fresh fruit
balanced energy flow, the treatment encourages
particularly helpful for those with arthritis, rheumatism or simply in need of a rejuvenation energy boost.
IN TOUCH Magazine — BAROS Maldives
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BAROS NEWS
GET TO KNOW Mustafa Burak Tomruk Mustafa joined Baros Maldives in 2019 as our Food and Beverage Manager. Although
Mustafa has been with Baros for less than a
year, he was well experienced in hospitality
when he joined, having previously been the Food and Beverage Manager at five-star
properties in London, Dubai, Cyprus, Istanbul and Seychelles. Because of his extensive international experience acquired over
many years, Mustafa is an absolute expert in his field.
Mustafa’s personal favourite activities are water-sports and football which he enjoys during his relaxation time in Baros. He
The largest private pool in Baros at the Baros
our guests and receiving feedback from them which enables him to help make
Residence
their stay at Baros perfect. Mustafa is a
The recently unveiled Baros Residence has the largest private pool in Baros.
fitting in to any environment with ease. He
which is 17sqm.
Baros team who is always strives to interact
The Baros Residence pool is 21sqm, after the second-largest pool in Baros Suite, Baros residence also retains the authentic yet luxurious Maldivian style that is the hallmark of Baros, adding to the island’s spectacular Villa Collection. Designed for guests to enjoy true Baros bliss, the Baros Residence provides the
ultimate indoor-outdoor space to experience the Maldives in the privacy of a secluded retreat.
In the Baros Residence’s palatial 270sqm, guests have the freedom of space,
undisturbed and unobserved in a walled tropical garden. Located on the
eastern shore of the island, the Baros Residence is blessed with the warm
rays of sunrise. Featuring the exclusive 21sqm pool and a private sun deck with direct access to a pristine white sand beach, The Baros Residence is a romantic haven.
On arrival, guests are greeted by the Baros Residence’s dedicated butler with a gift hamper, a bottle of champagne and a fruit basket. Guests can start the day with a freshly prepared tropical fruit platter and breakfast served in the Baros
Residence. Guests can also enjoy an unforgettable experience of breakfast for two in the middle of the island’s lagoon on the overwater Piano Deck. Guests
staying in the Baros Residence will enjoy exclusive luxury speed-boat transfers to and from the island.
Guests in the Baros Residence are recognised with a reservation at the best table in the resort’s three restaurants and one evening of sunset cocktails for
two at the iconic Lighthouse Restaurant. As well as the customary Baros villa amenities, the Baros Residence has a king-size bed, a garden deck day bed with canopy and a library of books, DVDs and CDs.
Other Villas with Private Pools include Baros Suites, Baros Pool Villas and Water Pool Villas. The biggest public pool at Baros can be found at the overwater
wooden dining deck surrounding the Lime Restaurant which embraces an infinity swimming pool as it curves out over the lagoon. This fresh water
swimming pool has an area of 85.65 sqm and a maximum depth of 1.2 m, offering panoramic views of the horizon.
For more information, visit www.baros.com or email reservations@baros.com
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believes the best part of his role is meeting
IN TOUCH Magazine — BAROS Maldives
particularly adaptable and positive person, has become a highly valued member of the with guests. This enables him and the Baros bar and restaurant brigade to provide the
superior guest service that defines this legendary island.
DISCOVER BAROS The Piano Deck White sheets billow in the Baros breeze. Sunlight glints on a
In addition the Baros Piano Deck is available for a truly unique
below and all around. Just minutes from the Baros shore
for a couple, a soothing and freshening facial or some solo-
sea of blue. A wooden deck sits poised over the lagoon, water you will find our Piano Deck – a wooden platform on pillars especially created for a unique experience.
spa experience. Whether you would like a relaxing massage
indulgence with our body scrubs, we are able to transport you to a Baros dreamscape beyond the Serenity Spa. On the
Rise early to witness the Baros sunrise as you enjoy a
Piano Deck you can indulge in a bespoke treatment above
an afternoon with a seafood picnic. Or treat a loved one
You can be at one in this beautiful and unrivalled Baros
seasoned with Thai herbs. A magnificent setting paired
learn the art of inner-peace and balancing the mind with our
Champagne Breakfast on the Piano Deck or while away
the sparkling turquoise lagoon.
to an unforgettable sunset dinner of reef fish and prawns
setting upon the Piano Deck with a private yoga class as you
with outstanding cuisine – dining on the Piano Deck is a memorable Baros experience.
in-house yoga instructor.
If you prefer just to enjoy the surrounding lagoon with a
refreshing beverage in hand, our Piano Deck is also available
for private sunset cocktails so you can share a unique moment with loved ones.
IN TOUCH Magazine — BAROS Maldives
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DID YOU KNOW … Gan island, located in Addu atoll, is not only recognised for being shaped like a bird but also has an interest history in that it was a British navy and air force base from 1912 to 1974, playing an important role in WWII? … The Maldives held the first ever underwater cabinet meeting in 2009 to increase awareness of rising sea-levels? … The capital of Maldives, Male’, is the densest capital in the world? … Fuvuhmula, located within the Southern Gnaviyani atoll, is the only island in the Maldives which is considered to be its own atoll? … The Maldivian national bird is the white-breasted waterhen, the national animal is the yellow-fin tuna and the national flower if called Finifenmaa, a pink rose? … The northern half of the giant natural atoll of Huvadhoo is considered to be one of the largest coral atolls in the world? … There are twenty-six atolls overall within the Maldives made up of varying numbers of islands within? … a typical Maldivian dish is called Mashuni? It is a breakfast dish made with grated coconut, dried tuna, chilli, lime and onions?
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IN TOUCH Magazine — BAROS Maldives
GET IN TOUCH
Any questions, suggestions, comments? Get in touch with us on Baros Maldives, we are looking forward to hearing from you.
Ibrahim Shijah, Resort Manager, Maldivian Ibrahim.shijah@baros.com
Ibrahim Shazeel, Executive Assistant Manager, Maldivian Irabhim.shazeel@baros.com
Jayadi Suwito, Executive Chef, Indonesian Exe.chef@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
Ni Wayan Panca Wahyuni, Spa Manager, Indonesian Spa.manager@baros.com
Jasmine Stone, Senior Marine Biologist, British Marine.center@baros.com
Henrietta, Dive Manager, Dutch Dive.manager@baros.com Tel: +960 664 26 72
reservations@baros.com
IN TOUCH Magazine — BAROS Maldives
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PO Box 2015, MalĂŠ 20-02, Republic of Maldives T +960 664 26 72 F +960 664 34 97 info@baros.com www.baros.com