Featured
Blissful festive season at Baros Maldives

For the upcoming 2019 festive season, the blissful island of Baros Maldives is set to transform into a magical setting of festive escapades designed and curated especially for families, friends and couples.
In the spirit of gift-giving, guests are encouraged to give back to nature by sponsoring a frame of coral fragments to be planted in the Baros Coral Garden, a coral rejuvenation project maintained by a team of resident marine biologists. Guests who sponsor a coral frame will receive news of its growth every six months for two years, after which corals will encapsulate the frame.
During the festive season, the resort’s resident marine biologist will also conduct nature walks and presentations, so guests can learn about the eco-systems of Baros, including its mature gardens and vibrant house-reef.
Since December is the time of celebration, the nightly culinary journey at Baros will mark the occasion better than ever with blissful escapades like dining on a private sandbank underneath a million stars or Jazz and Champagne Dinner. In the evenings, the resort’s Palm Garden will be transformed into a festive atmosphere with live music and buffet dinners including ‘Grills of The World’ barbecue, ‘Tastes of Asia’, and the ‘Maldivian Experience’ buffet.

The iconic Lighthouse Restaurant will curate special gourmet experiences for guests to celebrate romance and intimacy in a blissful setting. The classic Lighthouse gastronomic experience will shift into a seven-course customised degustation menu, presenting classic fine-dining cuisine, delighting guests with new creations. The festive gourmet gala dinner on Christmas and New Year’s Eve will also be preceded by a sunset cocktail on the private sandbank – exclusively for Lighthouse guests.

The resort’s award-winning culinary team are preparing to demonstrate their skills through exclusive recipes that guests can recreate at home to remind them of the blissful experience they have had at Baros.
There will be an enchanting melody to enjoy on the Baros Piano Deck – a symphony of fine cuisine served in exclusivity in the exotic setting of a deck in the middle of the beautiful lagoon of the resort. This is a unique experience for guests to appreciate independence and tropical tranquillity during the festive time.

The Baros sandbank will also be available for the exclusive use of a couple to enjoy a romantic meal, be it breakfast, lunch or dinner. Guests will have the chance to make this festive season unique and witness the Maldivian sunrise over a gourmet breakfast, savour succulent sushi with a picnic lunch, or enjoy a barbecue amidst the rich hues of the Baros sunset whilst enjoying the most romantic dinner imaginable with a festive season menu, which includes caviar, wagyu beef, lobster and wine.

Guests can also enjoy blissful freedom aboard the resort’s very own traditional sailing dhoni, Nooma, with a romantic cruise for a couple. Cruise the clear waters of the lagoon, where the colours of the evening sky dance on the waves. Enjoy champagne, canapés and the glorious Baros sunset from the comfort of your private sailing dhoni.

The blissful experience will just be perfect at the resotr’s Serenity Spa, open every day during the festive season. Guests can choose from a bespoke selection of deeply soothing therapeutic and beautifying treatments in the spa’s deluxe private suites. Especially for the festive season, the spa will offer “Serenity Immersion”, a therapy designed to enable couples to explore the far depths of utter relaxation together, with immersion in a ceremony that eases away all tensions, leaving both refreshed and rejuvenated.

The festive celebrations at Baros will be memorable, with the seasonal traditions of the annual gala dinner on December 24 and 31, and a countdown gathering on the Lime Restaurant deck to ring in the New Year of 2020 in ‘Blissful Baros’ style.
Only the third resort to open in the Maldives (1973) and the first dive centre to open in the archipelago (1979), Baros is situated in the central southern part of North Male Atoll, just 25 minutes by speedboat from the Maldives main Velana International Airport. It is surrounded by a beautiful house reef, only 15 to 30 metres from the shore, alive with colours, fish, turtles, rays and coral.
With beach villas of classic elegance set in lush vegetation and secluded water villas, many of which come with private pools, Baros is one of the most romantic resorts in the Maldives, the perfect honeymoon getaway. Inspired by Maldivian traditions of heartfelt hospitality, Baros is a tropical island dream come true with fine cuisine and drinks served at three gourmet class restaurants, two bars, and a cigar and shisha lounge.
The spa at Baros is located in a beautiful, lush tropical garden where serenity saturates the atmosphere, and is accessed by over-water stepping stones. It is a tranquil haven where complete well-being in body, mind and soul is made possible.
The well-forged identity of Baros has been consistently enhanced and refined during its 45 years of hospitality. This bijou island is designed with a cosy and intimate concept that ensures a blissful time in elegance and harmony for couples, honeymooners, or guests celebrating meaningful bonds with loved ones. A renewal of vows ceremony on the beach, a sunset cruise by the island’s exclusive traditional dhoni Nooma, private dining on a sandbank or on the Piano Deck set in the island’s lagoon, are some of the romantic experiences at Baros for couples to enjoy.
Excursions
Marine encounters: spinner dolphins at Canareef Resort Maldives

At Canareef Resort Maldives, one of the most popular experiences for guests is the dolphin tour. The abundant presence of dolphins in the surrounding waters ensures that each cruise offers a remarkable encounter with these marine creatures, creating lasting memories for visitors.
Every dolphin tour at Canareef provides an opportunity to observe pods of dolphins gliding and leaping across the waves. Guests often describe the sight of spinner dolphins darting through the clear ocean as a defining image of the Maldives’ natural marine beauty.
Morning cruises and sunset tours alike are guided by experienced staff, who share insights as dolphins appear in their natural environment. Many guests recount moments when dolphins swim alongside the boat, a spectacle that creates a unique sense of connection.
The activity is regarded as more than just an excursion; it is considered a celebration of nature and a highlight of a stay at Canareef. It allows guests to experience the Maldives in a way that underlines why dolphins are seen as ambassadors of the islands.
For travellers seeking encounters with dolphins amid turquoise waters, Canareef presents an ideal opportunity. The resort also offers seasonal promotions, including early booking discounts for the remainder of this summer, next winter, and summer 2026.
Featured
Maldives beaches rated among world’s best for rest and rejuvenation

Following a rise in searches for ‘calmcations’, long-haul travel specialists Travelbag have revealed the best destinations for a tranquil escape in 2025, with the Maldives named among the world’s most serene beachside getaways.
According to Travelbag, 72 per cent of British travellers go on holiday to relax and recharge, while 47 per cent seek experiences that help them feel more grounded and mindful. Searches for the term ‘calmcation’ – holidays focused on peace, quiet, and switching off – have doubled in the past three months, reflecting a growing shift away from busy itineraries towards more restorative travel.
To identify the most relaxing destinations, Travelbag analysed 36 global locations and ranked them against key serenity indicators, including noise and light pollution, cleanliness, the quality of green spaces, and local travel congestion.
Queenstown, New Zealand, secured first place as the world’s ultimate destination for tranquillity. Framed by the Southern Alps and Lake Wakatipu, the town recorded exceptionally high scores for cleanliness (91.7) and quality of green spaces (94.4), alongside low levels of travel congestion and minimal noise and light pollution.
The Seychelles followed in second position, celebrated for its unspoiled natural beauty and exceptionally low noise and light pollution score of 16.7. Its islands, including La Digue, Praslin and Silhouette, remain havens of peace and natural charm.
Cairns, Australia, rounded out the top three, combining tropical serenity with well-maintained green spaces and an impressive cleanliness score of 69.6.
Also ranking among the top global destinations is the Maldives, long regarded as one of the world’s premier escapes for those seeking peace and seclusion. With its iconic turquoise waters, pristine beaches, and private island resorts, the country continues to attract travellers in search of restorative experiences.
According to Travelbag’s analysis, the Maldives achieved an impressive average beach rating of 4.63, placing it alongside the world’s leading beachside destinations. Beaches such as Bikini Beach, Baros Beach, and Reethi Beach were highlighted as examples of the country’s serene appeal.
Danny Hugill, Destination Executive for the Maldives at Travelbag, commented: “The Maldives is one of our most cherished destinations – an idyllic collection of tiny islands that offer unmatched opportunities to unwind. Long celebrated as a top honeymoon destination, it remains the ultimate place to escape, slow down, and enjoy the tranquillity of nature.”
The findings underline the Maldives’ continued appeal in a market increasingly shaped by wellness, mindfulness, and relaxation. While destinations such as New Zealand and the Seychelles excel in specific indicators of serenity, the Maldives’ unique combination of luxurious seclusion, natural beauty, and consistently high-rated beaches ensures its position as a global ‘calmcation’ favourite for 2025.
Featured
October at Soneva: culinary journeys, wellness retreats and world-class guests

As the golden light softens the edges of the day and autumn arrives in the Maldives, Soneva’s resorts are inviting families to embrace a slower pace. Surrounded by settings where jungle meets shoreline and barefoot living is part of everyday life, October brings immersive experiences, diverse dining and guest appearances designed to create memorable moments.
Soneva is renowned for its sense of space – and this October, that space is offered as a place to connect, explore and dream. Guests are accommodated in expansive villas, whether set above the water or nestled within the forest, with each generation free to follow their own rhythm. Younger visitors are welcomed at The Den, where activities include chocolate-making, coral reef discovery and storytelling beneath the stars. Adults are offered opportunities such as sailing excursions, wine tastings by the beach and relaxed days defined by a tropical tempo.
The Soneva Stars programme in October features a notable guest line-up. Tennis player Andy Murray will lead sessions on the courts, Olympic swimmer Therese Alshammar will conduct family swimming classes, and British astronaut Tim Peake will introduce guests to stargazing alongside stories from his career in space. The atmosphere is intended to remain relaxed, with experiences that are both engaging and uncommon.
Culinary experiences remain central to the Soneva offering. October’s highlights include Michelin-starred chefs joining the Soneva Stars programme: Tim Siadatan of Trullo and Padella will appear at Soneva Fushi for the first time, while Chet Sharma of Bibi will prepare a Diwali dinner at both Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani. Dining venues range from Flying Sauces, a treetop experience reached by zipline, to So Hands On by Chef Akira, an intimate six-seat sushi counter crafted in sake-finished pine. At Soneva Secret, each villa includes a private chef, offering a personalised dining experience.
For guests seeking tranquillity, October also marks the return of the SOUL Festival at Soneva Fushi, taking place from 9 to 13 October. This retreat gathers global figures in wellness, movement and transformation, offering barefoot rituals, sunrise breathwork and reflective discussions.
October at Soneva is framed by golden hours and starlit nights, with experiences designed to be shared across generations.
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