Are you one of those people who loves to travel? People who have their own bucket list and still waiting or somehow planning for that next trip? People, who love the beach, water, the sun, and sand? Today I’m going to show you one beautiful paradise which you need to visit before you reach your 30’s. I’m very fortunate because I’ve seen this paradise before I hit 30’s. You’ll absolutely enjoy everything on this one magical island, I can say.
The Maldives has always the reputation of being one of the expensive places, and it’s only for rich people. Yes, I can say you’re right. Private island resort and hotel in the Maldives can break your bank account but as the years go by, some guest houses in the country are already offering budget-friendly places to stay. I’ve been searching over the Internet about Maldives and lots of travel blog know this better. Hence, nothing to worry about traveling to the Maldives. As long as you have a plan, book everything ahead of time, and you search some ideas and what to expect to the country, then worry no more.
VISA
Everyone can travel and be in this paradise if you want too. And one good thing about it, it’s visa free for everyone. Yes, also us Filipino’s can go there without worrying how to get a visa. Let’s face it, our passport is not the strongest compared to others, that’s why going out of the country sometimes a pain in the ass. So, all you have to do is go there and the immigration of the Maldives will give you 30 days visa in an instant upon arrival.
Of course, one important picture you don’t want to miss after you landed to the Maldives is a shot on their Welcome Greeting like this one.
Speaking of the Maldives, it has so many wonderful islands and resorts to choose from. It consists of over 1000 islands scattered at the heart of the Indian Ocean. The people of the Maldives are known as Dhivehin and, although their origins over millennia are varied, as a people they are proud of their island nation.
As a sea-faring island nation, the Maldives has been exposed to many different cultural influences. Early inhabitants came mostly from neighboring maritime countries bordering the Indian ocean. Thus, traces of Africa, Malaysia, and Indonesia, as well as of Arabia and India are to be seen in the features of the people.
Deciding which one to visit is a hard choice to make. Those seeking a pampering experience can choose a property with a luxurious spa. Marine lovers can select a resort with a house reef teeming with brightly colored fish, taking to the deep under the guidance of an expert dive center, eat a mouth-watering picnic on a deserted island, enjoy a fine dining experience in tropical splendor or cruise the lagoons in a private and have a cruise with someone and see tons of dolphins in the wild.
This resort I’m going to show you offers almost everything you wanted to an island. I’m talking about the very luxurious island of Baros. It’s one of best holiday destination in the Maldives. Truly such a paradise and leaves you in awe.
HOW TO GO THERE?
I can’t recommend tons of ways on how to get there except the things I know. I get there by Sri Lankan airline since I had my Sri Lankan trip first before I flew to the Maldives.
Also, read 11 Days in Sri Lanka: Things I loved about the country.
If you are coming from the Philippines or any South East Asian countries, there are so many flights to choose from.
One on the list is AirAsia via Kuala Lumpur. This is considered as the budget way to get there. You have also the option to take Cathay Pacific who also has its flight going to Male where their airport Velana International is located. I don’t think there is a direct flight from Manila so you need to get a connecting flight which offers you so many ways. This might be sound cliché but if you want to travel or planning to travel anytime soon, number one reminder always book your flight ahead of time for you to get cheaper flights.
I listed down, wonderful things I experienced in this island paradise. Things I enjoyed the most, and what the Baros Maldives can offer to its guest and some fun-fact about the island.
Baros Maldives recognized as 4th in the Top 25 Luxury Hotels in Asia and 2nd in the Top 10 Luxury Hotels in the Maldives. Aside from that, they are so proud to be voted as the Top Hotel for Romance in the Maldives that’s why this beautiful island paradise is always on the top list for honeymooners and even for a couple who wants to have their dream getaway. No doubt, after I’ve seen this paradise and exceed more than my expectations.
Another thing I love about Baros, after arrival at the airport, they will welcome you with open arms. By the way, transfer time between Baros Maldives and the Velana Airport is only 25 mins by speed boat from two hours travel by wooden-hulled Dhoni way back before. It’s so amazing, isn’t it?
The first thing I noticed upon arrival in the island of Baros, the very white and powdery sand like no other. I was instantly amazed by it. I actually get a hand full of sand from the island as a souvenir. Too funny right?
It’s beautiful Villas over water. The Maldives, in general, is very famous for these water villas beautifully designed and built on the shallow part of the blue turquoise water. And Baros did not fail me on their very owned water villas. A very picturesque place every corner of the wooden path walk going to the villas. Everybody’s dream I’m sure, like me.
Their beach villas which I am able to experience myself. If you will ask me which one is better to stay, I would still suggest for you to get beach villas. Yes, the water villa is very beautiful and picturesque as you think but it’s not advisable for a swim since it’s located in the shallow part of the water and sometimes it has a lot of corals so I still enjoyed the place where I stayed. Plus, it’s just in front of the beach so it’s easy to access the beach and swim. That’s about Baros Maldives and I am not generalizing the idea. I didn’t go to other island resort though. Might as well, when you are planning to visit the Maldives, search about the place carefully and also read some feedback like I am very fan about.
Too funny to share but I will. After I get settled into the room, I run right away onto the water. Of course, take off my clothes first and dive in. That is how much excited I am to be in the Maldives. I’m sure you will do the same if you see this paradise on earth in real life, I bet!
DINING EXPERIENCES
The Sails Bar of Baros is also one good place I really enjoyed when I had my vacation there. Very relaxing day and night or whenever you want to have a drink or get some cocktail you really loved.
The Lime Restaurant which is one of their major restaurant on the island. This place serves as the heaven of foods in the morning and I can say one of the places I will never forget. The place itself is very relaxing already, though it’s a restaurant, it gives you the feeling of being home. They have a very friendly staff ever and I’m also lucky they have two Filipino staff which makes me happier. I liked that every morning before you enter the restaurant to get your seat, they have this eye-opener kind of juice which is mixed flavored of anything like ginger or mint or carrot and parsley and much more.
ACTIVITIES
Since I am not a good swimmer, I just enjoyed myself snorkeling around the warm, clear water of Baros. They will allow you to borrow a complete set of snorkeling gear for your best experience of the colorful and rich corals underneath the pristine water of the island. Too funny to say, I did snorkeling every day during my stay there.
Dolphins are very close to me since I worked before in Ocean Adventure which is a theme-park showcasing how talented dolphins are. So when I heard that Baros has its own excursion to its guest for them to see this sea creature live, I did not waste any more time to do it. Then I feel like a kid again after seeing tons of dolphins swimming around our yacht.
FACILITIES
The island Baros has it’s Marine Center and Diving Center for diving enthusiast. What I liked about it, the friendly staff who will assist you anytime you need something from the center of snorkeling gear and more. They also discuss to you all the fish available and you might see at the island when you snorkel and they will ask you to come back to them and check to them what kind of fish you will see.
And there you have it. Some of the things I loved about Baros and the Maldives. Baros is truly a paradise on earth. Wonderful place with amazing people who made my stay really fun and relaxing like no other.
Baros definitely exceeds my expectation on what the Maldives has to offer to everyone. It’s a dream come true for me, to see this wonderful place and even tried some of the activities you can do in the country. Before I was dreaming to come here, now I’m still dreaming but to come back soon. Hopefully! Feel free to comment and share.