IN TOUCH Magazine
APRIL, MAY, JUNE 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, The first few months of 2021 have been and gone and we were incredibly happy to welcome back so many of our long missed guests as well as to meet many new faces. While the world is still learning to adapt to the new situation, the Maldives seems to be a safe haven for many and we are pleased to be able to create good memories to our guests during those difficult times as well. There are still many things left to discover here on Baros and I hope you enjoy reading the new issue of IN TOUCH where we explain the monsoon, introduce our long service team member Arsini – to those who did not meet her yet in person – and bring the mysteries of the underwater world closer to you. We are all looking forward to welcoming you to Baros soon and hope you stay safe until then.
Sincerely, Shijah Resort Manager
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CONTENTS Welcome note
Heritage
The Rhythm of Monsoons Bon Appetit
Maldivian Octopus Carpaccio Baros Mixology
Hemmingway Daiquiri Baros Underwater
Did you say Easter Egg? Spa Secrets
Romantic Spa Retreat for Couples Baros News
Dine Around and Baros Delight Get to Know
Arsini
Discover Baros
Sunset Activities at Baros Did You Know Get In Touch
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HERITAGE
The Rhythm Of The Monsoons
Engulfed in the vastness of the Indian Ocean, life on these tiny islands of the Maldives have always been connected to the rhythm of the wind and sea. The pulse of island living follows the laws of nature and is often dictated by the changes in the seasons that unfold throughout the year. As the wild cannot be tamed; over millennia the people inhabiting these islands have found ways to work with nature by devising methods to determine its numerous transformations through observing repetitions of natural phenomena. The climate of these regions is dictated by the Monsoon, traditionally defined as a seasonal reversal of wind direction and variations in rain patterns. The word “Monsoon” itself is adopted from the Arabic term “mawsim”, meaning season, which is also where the local Maldivian term “moosun” is derived from. There are two defined monsoonal changes
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around these parts. The Iruvai, known as the north-east monsoon, which is from May until November and Hulhangu, the south-west monsoon that starts from December and carries on until April. The word Iruvai itself literally means the “wind from the sun”, which could be put in the context of referring to the hot and dry climate this seasonal change brings upon the islands. During Hulhangu, these regions experience occasional thunderstorms and strong winds. However, the seasons are not exactly distinguished by the level of precipitation but based on the direction of the wind. As a seafaring nation and highly dependent on fishing as their primary source for food, wind was by far a greater element that decides the course taken by locals for their daily tasks. Apart from taking advantage of the monsoonal winds for trade, the locals recognized and understood the wind’s role in fishing. The changes to
the oceanic surface brought upon by the wind has a strong connection with fish behaviour, it’s distribution and seasonal abundance in any given area. Way before advanced civilization reached these tiny isles, this was already a known “science” to ancient Maldivians. Just as the Mesoamerican civilizations looked to the heavens to derive a system to bring order to naturally occurring events, the humble islanders of the Maldives had a computing system just like this, called the Nakaiy. This system consists of twenty-eight divisions to the annual cycles of the monsoon, a derivation most likely adopted from the Sinhala calendar, which has origins that are far older. The number twenty-eight is connected to the lunar cycles. The time it takes for the moon to complete one revolution. In a combination of astrology and rudiment meteorology,
a new field of forecasting had come to life. Living in a relatively isolated world of their own, surrounded by natural occurrences that may sometimes seem beyond the realm of reality, superstition tends to seep into the mix in trying to make sense of things. From long days of merciless scorching sun, to lifegiving rain, interpretations in superstition can yield a variety of meanings behind merely natural phenomenon. In the olden days, it was taboo not to heed the words of the Nakachchaa, the man in charge of determining the auspicious dates for the nation’s various activities. From the expected role of announcing favourable times of harvest for fishing and agriculture, he would also be the one who determines the best time for couples to wed, for farmers to dig wells or the most auspicious day to launch your newly built fishing vessel, his power was immense, and his influence on the state was profound. The system of Nakaiy goes well beyond its basic foundation as a calendrical calculation of the lunar cycle. From ancient times to the modern day, it plays a profound role in the lives of Maldivians. From forecasting the horoscope to determining auspicious dates for important events in life and even in business, it has a powerful influence over the Maldivian society, and has played an important role in shaping our culture to what it is today. At Baros, the monsoon determines the pace and pulse of the island, as the seasonal changes to tourism traffic is scripted by the monsoonal changes in these parts of the world. However, with favourable temperatures and sunshine in abundance throughout the year, your experience in the Maldives will definitely be an unforgettable one, regardless of when you plan your visit.
A BRIEF GUIDE TO THE MALDIVIAN LANGUAGE
“Dhivehi”, the official language of the Maldives is a complex concoction of Sinhalese, Sanskrit, Persian, Arabic and Portuguese. Although the country may be geographically isolated, throughout a history of over 2500 years, the Maldivians have been in constant contact with seafarers, merchants and explorers of far-reaching empires, giving birth to an impressively rich language that is highly expressive, adaptive and poetic. Maldivians themselves are highly connected to the natural environment around them; they have a plethora of words, expressions and oral literature connecting to the ocean, the islands and the creatures that live within these spheres of life.
Mūdu
The shallows next to the island
Kandu
The deep sea
Faru
The reef The coconut palm is dear to the Maldivian people and their culture, that they have names for each part of the tree along with a distinct name for the fruit for each stage of its life.
Dhivehi Ruh
The island palm
Kurumba Coconut
Rukuehth
The cluster of palm flowers Fun fact: In Dhivehi you do not “pick” (binun) coconuts from the coconut palms. You “pour” (elhun) them. The Maldivian language demonstrates a beautiful cultural blend, borrowing and adopting freely from those who stopped by these islands many moons ago. From Arabic to Urdu, their cultural impact on the Maldivian language is undeniable.
Assalaamu Alaikum Hello
Kihineh?
How are you
Ran’galhu, shukuriyyaa Fine, Thank you
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Bon Appetit
Baros Mixology
Maldivian Octopus Carpaccio
Hemmingway Daiquiri
Ingredients:
Giant Octopus, use the legs only Onion Fennel Clove Garlic Small bunch of Dill Bay Leaves Salt and pepper
Accompaniments: Frisee Lettuce Rocket Lettuce Octopus Vinaigrette Avocado Fennel Shaved Shallot Pickle Cherry Tomatoes Micro Herbs
2 kg 1 pcs 1 bulb 5 pcs 3
Just the way Papa Hemmingway loved it before heading out fishing. Silver rum, Maraschino liqueur, freshly squeezed lime and grapefruit.
Glass
Daiquiri 20g 10g 2 tbsp 40g 20g 10g 3 pcs
Method
Method
Shake and Fine Strain
Ice
none
Ingredients:
Boil the octopus legs and the Onion, Fennel, Clove Garlic, small bunch of Dill and Bay Leaves in 10 litres of water until all is very tender. This will take approximately 2 hours and let them cool down once done. Keep the stock.
40 ml 20 ml 20 ml 10 ml
Place two octopus legs next to each other and wrap each pair in cling film. Keep the wrapped octopus leg pairs in the freezer until they are frozen solid.
Garnish
Sir in the stock until reduced and let it cool down. Take five tablespoon stock and combine with lemon juice and three tablespoons of olive oil and mix well to an Octopus Vinaigrette. Once frozen solid, take the octopus legs and slice them into thin slices. Arrange the slices on a plate and add the remaining accompaniments.
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Bacardi White Rum Maraschino Liqueur Grapefruit Juice Lime Juice
Grapefruit slice
Baros Underwater
Spa Secrets
Did you say Easter Egg?
Romantic Spa Retreat for Couples
The majority of marine life lay eggs once sexual maturity is reached, and from there, seasonally will continue to reproduce in order to maintain the spices. Fish, crustaceans, molluscs and many other groups of creatures have a variety of shapes, sizes and colour of eggs. This particular one belongs to the invertebrate Kentrodoris rubescens, a less than 20cm long Nudibranch that carefully tails its egg colony in a way that looks spectacular to human’s eyes. Nudibranches, or “nudis” are few centimetres long animals, related to sea snails and slugs, which have no shell or hard protection from predators seemingly unprotected and delicate, but the beautiful bright colours warn enemies to stay away, signing toxicity or venom if eaten, inclusive by their own spices. They breathe through external gills (the term Nudibranch actually means “naked gills”) that capture oxygen dissolved in the water, a sort of embroidery of feathers located on the dorsal part of the body. As they are hermaphroditic, a single individual owns male and female reproductive organs. Their eggs are also very visible, growing independently, thanks to the yolk that provides nourishment, but they are attached one each other, creating a never-ending and curly ribbon that folds onto itself waving and slightly moving side to side with the swell like ballet clothing, magically enchanting whoever could spot them. The colour of the ribbon will match with the substrate that the adult chose when spawning in order to create confusions to predators, and it will slowly change along with the development of the eggs, losing a little brightness. Once the eggs hatch, the larvae will swim and flow for a varying amount of time until settling on the bottom and lose the thin shell protection throughout metamorphosis, will start then growing.
Lovers are invited to explore the far depths of utter relaxation and ease away all tensions, leaving refreshed and rejuvenated at the spa. Treatment begins with Tropical Coconut Sand Scrub, a winning and homemade combination of 100% natural ingredients. This will cleanse, nourish and give your skin that silk soft feeling, while preparing it for a beautiful tan. The finest soft sand from Baros’ beach is collected at sunrise to gently purify your skin. The purest virgin coconut oil from the Maldives is blended with coconut milk to deliver all the essential nutrients for a healthy and glowing skin. Steam opens up your pores and helps loosen any buildup of dirt for a deeper cleanse. Opening up your pores also softens blackheads, making them easier to remove and promotes circulation. The combination of warm steam and an increase in perspiration dilates your blood vessels and increases circulation. Our secluded gardens of peace allow guests to be cocooned in tranquillity, and a stroll adds romance when petals from the garden are scattered in a nourishing flower bath. Elemis Freestyle Deep Tissue massage is a vigorous workout for the body, perfect to alleviate high stress levels. Tailored entirely to your needs, it leaves you feeling grounded and focused. Your therapist will select an appropriate aromatic oil to soothe away muscle pain, stress relief, pure relaxation or emotional balance. Skin is prepped to release toxins and the flowing massage works deeper and deeper into the tension, encouraging optimum circulation. A trip to the spa is complete with a Elemis Booster Facial, which is a crafted nutritional boost for stressed, dull skin. Rich in superfoods, essential minerals and trace elements; Magnesium, Potassium, Zinc, Vitamin A and E form a mineral army to jump start tired and exhausted skin. An amino active mask helps restore lost moisture, deeply nourish, detox and pack the skin with powerful, energizing nutrients. Skin is left smoother, plumper and luminously radiant – stress-free and lit up with good health.
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Baros News
Get to Know Arsini
Ass. Spa Manager Arisini is the Assistant Spa Manager at Baros Maldives, who joined as a therapist in 2007. Currently, she overlooks the Serenity Spa, a haven of relaxation hidden in the trees. Arsini’s biggest accomplishment in her Baros journey was being titled Best Retail, Best Therapist and even recognized as the Best Manager. She is also extremely proud of the remarks she receives from her guests. One guest came daily for a month every year when Arsini was her personal therapist! Most of the guests say that it was the best massage they have ever experienced. Arsini loves Baros and her job at the resort. Being passionate about her job, she does everything from her heart. During her time off work, Arsini enjoys watching movies and works on her fitness level with Zumba.
Dine Around and Baros Delight Discover ways to experience the tantalizing tastes of Baros, apart from Bed & Breakfast and Half-Board meal plans. The Half-Board Dine Around plan offers you even more variety by extending your dinner options to either Lime Restaurant for lavish lagoon-side dining or Cayenne Grill for al fresco on the sea. Guests staying for a minimum of four nights enjoy an additional one dinner evening per person per stay at The Lighthouse Restaurant. The meal plan further includes a bottle of wine (selected by the sommelier) during dinner as well as weekly theme night buffets or set dinners at the Palm Garden or other venues arranged by the resort. The unique Baros Delight plan is specially curated for guests escaping from the bother of restaurant and bar bills, seeking a completely worry-free dining experience. The entitlements include a fruit basket and champagne upon arrival, daily breakfast at Lime Restaurant, lunch at Lime or the Palm Garden and dinner at Lime or Cayenne Grill. Each guest is also entitled to dinner at The Lighthouse Restaurant once every four nights. The distinctive feature of the Baros Delight program is the availability of unlimited soft and alcoholic beverages in all bars and restaurants at Baros. And for your relaxation, this Programme includes a discount of 15 per cent on massages at the Serenity spa as well as surprise extras!
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Discover Baros Sunset Activities at Baros Sunsets are beautiful and magical. They spread a certain mood that lifts your spirit and lets you dream again. While the sun sets everywhere in the world, the Maldivian sunsets are famous and known to be extra beautiful, magical and colourful. On Baros, one can enjoy them from many angles. Here are the five most recommended sunset activities:
1. Romantic Sunset Cruises
Sailing towards the sunset might sound like a line from an old novel, but at Baros, this easily becomes a reality. Sail on a Maldivian Dhoni, cruising towards the sunset while dolphins leap alongside the gentle waves or venture out on a luxury yacht to add extra sparkle to your personal Maldivian sunset spectacle.
2. Destination dining
It is undoubtedly a difficult decision to choose the best spot for your romantic sunset dinner, however the culinary team at Baros will take good care to make sure that you will not just enjoy a sunset dinner, but make the experience extraordinary and memorable. A private, candle lit romantic dinner on a secluded sandbank with your private waiter and chef or on the famous and unique Piano Deck are just the highlights you can dream of. A romantic dinner on the beach creates spellbinding memories.
3. Stand Up Paddleboards at sunset
There are calm and serene evenings that just call for a spree in the island’s lagoon on one of the Stand Up Paddle Boards. While paddling out into the wide lagoon, only the soothing sound of the ocean and light breeze will accompany you, while you witness the mesmerizing moment when the sun sets into the ocean and the colourful spectacle commences.
4. Sunset Fishing
Heading out for dinner when the sun descends beyond the horizon as if disappearing into the ocean just at the same time the underwater world truly awakens is perfect for a fishing trip with the skilled Baros crew. Be mindful not to get too distracted by the beautiful nature around you but make sure to bring your catch back to the island so our chefs can get to work to prepare a sumptuous meal for you.
5. Sunset Walk
Sometimes the simplest things in life can become the most thought after and the gloomiest day can end with the most marvellous sunset. Grab a drink from the Sails Bar at Baros and wander out to the beach, to find your favourite spot for that entrancing moment together.
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DID YOU KNOW 1. The Maldives is one of the lowest-lying countries in the world. 2. The country is practically a water world, covering an area of almost 90,000 square kilometres, of which only 298 square kilometres is land. 3. History of the Maldivian islands dates back at least 2,500 years. 4. The Maldivian language “Dhivehi” has six dialects varying greatly across the country. These include Male’, Mulaku, Huvadhu, Maliku, Haddhunmathee and Addu. 5. M aldives had seen very strong women in power in its long history. One such historical figure was Sultana Khadheeja, who held onto power for almost 30 years. She deposed 3 kings, amongst them her own brother and two husbands, and has since become a symbol of female empowerment.
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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 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, Ass. 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
