If you are searching for a boutique resort in Maldives with amazing snorkeling, exceptional service, and a beautiful overwater bungalow with a private pool, then Baros is it! From the moment you arrive until the moment you leave, you are treated like a King and Queen of the island. Upon arrival, you are warmly greeted with a glass of champagne and your personal butler provides you with a tour of the grounds. Having been to a few other resorts in Maldives, I was definitely impressed with the level of attentiveness and service of the staff during my stay. The resort has a private feel--not heavily crowded with tourists or loud kids. It is the perfect place for a romantic stay.

We stayed in a private water pool villa for a week in the month of December. If you are planning on staying in an overwater bungalow, then I would recommend to splurge on one with a private infinity plunge pool. The best rooms have a direct view of the sandbank and are sunset facing. This allows for uninterrupted views of endless sea and the perfect sunset viewing spot from your private pool. What I also really loved about our room was the tub was perfect for two with headrests on both ends and with a view looking out onto the deck. Since the sundeck is perched high above the water, there is a lot of privacy and hotel guests swimming out in the ocean are not able to see you.

when to go

December to March is high season with the best chance of good weather. Normally, I would not recommend going during peak season due to the expensive rates and crowds. However, Maldives is one of those places where if you are spending that kind of money and you get a lot of rain, then the water will not be the beautiful green/blue you were envisioning; the water will be choppy making snorkeling or other water activities difficult, and honestly there is not much you can do except hang out in your expensive room. Nonetheless, plenty of people travel off peak and enjoy great weather, so you may get lucky as well.

transportation

Once you fly into Male, Maldives, a representative from your hotel will be waiting for you to help assist with transportation to your hotel. A private Baros speedboat will take you to the hotel, which is located about 25-minutes away.

things to do

Rent a transparent canoe and view fishes from below.
Dolphin sunset cruise - I didn't think I would like this, but it was a magical experience. We saw hundreds of dolphins when we went and they surrounded the boat so close I felt like I could touch them. We enjoyed canapes with champagne while watching the sunset on a speedboat surrounded by dolphins.
Swim, float, or snorkel from your room to the sandbank at low tide. Once you land on the sandbank, you will see that it is actually pretty big! There is the option of having a private meal on this sandbank.
Bring a floatie to enjoy in your private pool or in the ocean! The hotel can fill it up with air for you.
Dine at Lighthouse for dinner.
Snorkel all day everyday! The house reef here is stunning with a large variety of marine life, including sharks, eels, numerous species of fish. You can also book a night snorkeling excursion.
Go on a dive.
Get pampered at the spa.

luxe tips

Water pool villa, sunset side, facing the sandbank (for more booking information, see more here).
Bringing my own snorkel gear was really convenient for me because I didn't have to waste time borrowing it everyday.
If you are celebrating a special occasion (honeymoon, anniversary, birthday), let them know and they will make your stay extra special with personalized turndown service or a special dinner on the beach.
For an ultra luxurious experience, consider private dining -- sandbank dining, piano deck dining, or
"Nooma" dining on a private wooden sailboat (dhoni) at sunset.
If you are looking for a more varied experience, you could consider splitting your time between two hotels, which is what I did. However, you will need to return back to Male and then from there possibly fly to your next hotel, which would involve additional transfer fees.

where to stay

Baros (pictured on this page above) - amazing housereef, beautiful room with plunge pool
Anantara Kihavah villas - large deck from private pool, iconic swings by the ocean, underwater restaurant
Gili Lankfanfushi - waterslides from bungalows, iconic hammock in the ocean from "backyard"
Lux South Ari Atoll - great for families, large resort with pools (read more here)
Six Senses Laamu - beautiful sundeck from bungalow
Mirihi resort - great house reef

Check out my YouTube video of my Maldives trip: