Baros Maldives | In Touch | Q4 2022

IN TOUCH

Welcome to the October 2022 issue of IN TOUCH, our in-house magazine designed to keep you “in touch” with Baros Maldives. Read about our Maldivian heritage, uncover some of our Spa secrets and learn an entirely new recipe brought to you by our chefs. Here is an opportunity to discover more about your home-away-from-home.

It is a delight to share these bits and pieces about our luxury island resort with you, and keep you updated about Baros news. We hope you will enjoy reading about us and look forward to staying in touch too.

Dear Baros Guest,

We are thrilled to bring you more tales from Baros, and keep you updated about our latest news.

In this issue of IN TOUCH, discover some untold flavours of Beetroot Tabbouleh, brought to you by Chef Ken. Featuring a recipe you can easily follow, we bring the tastes of Baros right to your home.

Read more to learn about a hidden gem of the underwater, the Christmas Tree Worm. Our marine biologists share insights about this beautiful explosion of life –residing right in front of the underwater visitors but often missed.

In addition to some of our Spa secrets being featured, this issue also provides information about the experiences and adventures awaiting you. Find out more about the Romantic Spa Retreat designed for couples looking to explore the depths of relaxation.

Stay in touch and discover more magical tales waiting for you at Baros.

With warm wishes,

Shijah General Manager

CONTENTS

Welcome note 2

Our Heritage 3

A Brief Maldivian Language Guide 3

Bon Appétit 4 Beetroot Tabbouleh with Pickled Mushrooms

Baros Underwater 5

The Colourful World of Christmas Tree Worms

Spa Secrets 6

Romantic Spa Retreat for Couples -

A ceremony of romance and rejuvenation

Baros News 7

An Enchanting Dining Experience at Cayanne Grill and The Lighthouse Restaurant

Get To Know 7

Mohamed Siman

Discover Baros 8

Luxury Cruising At Baros On Serenity

Did You Know 9

Get in Touch 10

This year marks the golden jubilee of tourism in the Maldives. 50 years ago, our small island country opened its doors to vis itors looking to explore the nature and culture of this beautiful destination. As the third resort to be open in the Maldives, Baros carries a lot of history with us that is rooted in traditions and customs.

Baros has been the epitome of luxury romance for almost half a century. Delivering authenticity over the decades, Baros has – and continues to – set the standard for Maldives Luxury Re sorts. With lush natural vegetation accompanied by beautiful blue waters, it has created an atmosphere deeply rooted in history.

Find the intricate designs of lacquer works, traditionally hand made without a blueprint, displayed in the rooms. Witness the sunsetting from a traditional Maldivian dhoni bringing you timeless elegance. What started as coral-walled, fan-cooled cabanas have now evolved into villas of comfort – while still holding on to the pure essence of Maldivian hospitality. The Maldivian Lounge at Baros invites you to discover the artefacts showing the fascinating history of Maldives in bits and pieces.

A BRIEF MALDIVIAN LANGUAGE GUIDE

Ocean Kan’du Lagoon Falhu Sand Dhonveli Monsoon Moosun Rain Vaarey Sun Iru Tales Vaahaka Local Rashu Garden Bageecha Shine Vidhun

BON APPÉTIT!

Beetroot Tabbouleh with Pickled Mushrooms

A refreshingly new take on this classic Lebanese salad recipe – making the most of beetroot with a super easy no-cook dish paired with the deliciously pickled mushrooms.

Beetroot Tabbouleh

Ingredients

Fine bulghur 50g

Fresh lemon juice 50ml

Balsamic vinegar 75ml Olive oil 50ml

Salt Pepper

Finely sliced onion 75g

Diced boiled beetroot 150g

Finely chopped parsley 300g (leaves only, no stems)

Method

Put the bulghur in the bottom of a bowl. Pour the lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, salt, pepper, and olive oil over the bulghur. Add the finely diced beetroot (boiled, peeled, and cooled) and sliced green onions over the bulghur, spread to cover without stirring or tossing. Add the final layer, the parsley. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least two hours or overnight. To serve, toss to combine and coat the lot in the dressing, adjust seasoning to taste, and serve immediately.

Pickled Shimeji Mushrooms

Ingredients

Water 50ml

White wine vinegar 50ml

Sugar 20g

Shimeji mushrooms 100g

1 Sprig of fresh thyme

6 White peppercorns Place the water, white wine vinegar and sugar into a saucepan over a medium to high temperature. Bring to the boil and once the sugar has dissolved, add the mushrooms, thyme and peppercorns. Remove from the heat and leave to cool, then drain. They can now be kept in a sterilized glass jar.

Method

BAROS UNDERWATER

The Colourful World of Christmas Tree Worms

Many marine lives reside between corals, hidden in the corners of the reefs, and go unnoticed by the visitors. But when we have the patience to stop - breathe and observe - the ocean allows us to appreciate the beauty and explosion of life.

Worms are a piece of art that has successfully evolved during the millennia and continues to be one of the most adapted creatures spread wide around the world on land and in the sea. Christmas Tree Worms, or Spirobranchus Giganteus, are sedentary and immobile, much like the most abundant Polychaetes. While these segmented worms have a name derived from their appearance, the anatomical feature of each segment of the body is aligned perfectly with a specific and vital function.

Only a part of their colourful body is usually visible as the rest is hidden inside calcareous tubelike buildings encrusted in coral blocks. One of the preferred coral habitats for these worms is the stony Porites, which are abundant at the Baros House Reef. The vividly beautiful feathery structure that is exposed is not only responsible for capturing and filtering food particles such as plankton and detritus but also acts as the worm’s respiratory organ.

Though these tiny creatures are only four centimetres long, their unique spiral body shape and the bright colours of the feathers make them difficult to ignore. Living in colonies of up to 50 individuals, they are delicate and sensitive. Some divers even describe them as “shy” as they disappear into their homes when approached closely for a macro photo or a simple deep observation.

As stony corals can be found in shallow and deep waters, Christmas Tree Worms can be encountered on the top reef as well as deep down up to 30 meters, making their observation by divers and snorkellers easy - especially during early evening and night when the number of predators lessens, and the availability of food is higher.

SPA SECRETS

Romantic Spa Retreat for Couples - A ceremony of romance and rejuvenation

The perfect retreat for those seeking to explore the depths of utter relaxation together by immersing in a ceremony designed to ease away all tensions - leaving both relaxed, refreshed and rejuvenated.

The treatment starts with a tropical coconut sand scrub, a homemade combination of 100% natural ingredients dedicated to cleansing, nourishing and giving your skin that silky soft feeling while also preparing it for the rich holiday tan. The finest powdery sands, collected at sunrise directly from the beaches of Baros, are sure to purify your skin gently. The purest virgin coconut oil from the Maldives blended with coconut milk delivers all the essential nutrients necessary for healthy glowing skin.

The Elemis Freestyle Deep Tissue massage that follows is a vigorous workout for the body, ideal for alleviating high-stress levels. Tailored entirely to your needs, it leaves you feeling grounded and focused. Aromatic oil is selected based on your concerns, be it muscle pain, stress relief, pure relaxation, or emotional balance. Once the skin is prepped to release toxins, the extensive flowing massage works deep into the tension, encouraging optimum circulation.

As the steam opens your pores for a deep cleanse, the dirt buildup loosens, and blackheads soften, making them easier to remove. It also promotes circulation with the combination of warm steam and increased perspiration, dilating your blood vessels. Our exclusive and secluded gardens of peace and cocooned tranquility add to the romance with a nourishing flower bath.

The ceremony is completed with the Elemis Booster Facial, a crafted nutritional boost for stressed, dull skin. Rich in superfoods, essential minerals, and trace elements; Magnesium, Potassium, Zinc, Vitamin A and E. This concoction forms a mineral army that jumpstarts tired and exhausted skin. As an active amino mask helps restore lost moisture, deeply nourish, detox and packs the skin with energising nutrients, the skin is left smoother, plumper and luminously radiant – stressfree and lit up with good health.

GET TO KNOW

NEWS

An Enchanting Dining Experience at Cayanne Grill and The Lighthouse Restaurant

The dining experience at Baros has become even more elaborate with the introduction of fine grill house dining at Cayenne, and the new à la carte and degustation menus at the iconic Lighthouse Restaurant.

The Foie Gras entrée-nori poached duck liver with pistachio, cacao, fruit gastrique and acai berry is a highlight at the Lighthouse Restaurant, while the main course includes Prawn Carabineros and pan-seared Kobe – served with lightly charred prawns, roasted sweet potato, seasonal baby vegetables and a spicy mango chutney bisque. Bringing you tastes from around the world, the menu not only includes a goat cheese mousse and textures of fresh fruit entrée, but also the à la carte ‘Ocean’ selection’s highlight – a Mahi Mahi dish, and a pan-seared dorado.

Cayenne Grill’s newly created dining concept incorporates every dish with an element of grilling and presents each creation with a perfectly balanced smoky flavour. With the spellbinding views on the horizon, there is something for everyone to enjoy on the menu ranging from superb appetisers and soups to premium oysters –taking your culinary journey to a new level.

Mohamed Siman (Simon) started his career in as a Telephone Operator in November 2017, hoping to develop a great profession in the industry. After being promoted to a Villa Host in June 2019, he performed excellently, surpassing expectations. He has since been praised by numerous guests who have mentioned his name on various rating portals.

He always aims to strive for excellent service and go beyond to create aweinspiring moments and he always ensures that only the best is delivered to guests. His unique talents have now resulted in his promotion as the Front Office Supervisor.

Simon is a free-spirited soul who enjoys reading during his free time and entertains himself with YouTube videos. His hunger to learn and build his knowledge has led to discovering and reading more about new things on the internet.

DISCOVER BAROS

Luxury Cruising At Baros On Serenity

This cruise is the ultimate romantic experience for a couple, a fun treat for your family, or perhaps for a get-together with your friends. Cruise the clear Maldivian waters to reach the open sea, where the colours of the evening sky seem to dance on the waves as the sun sets. Sip Champagne and nibble canapés as you witness the glorious Maldivian sunset from the comfort of our private yacht, reserved exclusively for you. Capture postcardperfect photos, or relish the cruise, creating lifetime memories of a fantastic experience.

Escape for a few hours for a unique experience by chartering our modern yacht Serenity. Discover nature’s glory at sea as you enjoy the tranquil state of mind that only chartering a luxury yacht can

inspire. Feel like Robinson Crusoe while relaxing on our deserted sandbank or dipping into the Indian Ocean to snorkel before returning for a delicious picnic served on board by your personal butler. Cruise the North Male’ Atoll and be awed by the beautiful beaches and stunning views surrounding you, or just laze and let the sun spoil you while the crew steers into open waters. Search for dolphins on the way back and let them thrill you with their beauty and grace. The breathtaking views when the sun touches the water and creates a colourful spectrum all around await you - with Champagne, sample exotic canapés and the feeling of perfect tranquillity.

Mohamed Siman

Sunset Cruise

Half Day Cruise

GET IN TOUCH

DID YOU KNOW

… that the islands and sandbanks of Maldives constantly change in shape and size due to seasonal currents and monsoons?

…that Maldives is the lowest country in the world with an average of just 1.5 meters above sea level?

… that the shape of the traditional Maldivian Dhoni - like Nooma - was inspired by Arabian Sailing Dhows, which were trading ships of the 11th century in the Indian Ocean?

… that the iconic cowry shell, now engraved in many artefacts and handcrafts, used to be the official currency of Maldives?

Shijah, General Manager, Maldivian Ibrahim.shijah@baros.com

Shazeel, Executive Assistant Manager, Maldivian Ibrahim.shazeel@baros.com

Ken, Executive Chef, Botswana Exe.Chef@baros.com

Imthiyaz, Front Office Manager, Maldivian imthiyaz.jaleel@baros.com

Domi, Guest Experience Manager, Indonesian guestexperience.manager@baros.com

Arsini, Spa Manager, Indonesian Spa.manager@baros.com

Ambra Frederica, Dive Base Leader, Italian ambra.dugaria@baros.com

Tel: +960 664 26 72 reservations@baros.com

Ask your questions, share your thoughts and comments, and get in touch with us. We look forward to hearing from you.