JANUARY, FEBRUARY
& MARCH 2017
IN TOUCH magazine
IN TOUCH magazine — Baros Maldives. Welcome to this edition of IN TOUCH, our magazine created to keep you “in touch” with Baros Maldives. All of us at Baros Maldives 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 Maldives and that you will want to be in touch with us too.
©2017 . Contents and photos are owned by Baros Maldives and should not be reproduced , distributed , transmitted , or displayed for any commercial use.
CONTENTS
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The formation of the Maldives
—
A Brief Maldivian Language Guide
4
Bon Appétit!
Tuna Tartare
—
Let’s Cocktail
Raspberry Mule
5
Spa Secrets
Private Sandbank Yoga
It is with great joy we are beginning the 44th year in the history of Baros Maldives and we would like to thank everyone
of our guests for being a part of the legacy and joy of our unique island.
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Underwater
Symbiotic Relationships In The Sea
The past year was another wonderful one for Baros Maldives, especially as we were voted the “World’s Most Romantic
Resort” at the prestigious World Travel Awards for the fourth time.
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Baros Maldives
World’s Most Romantic Resort
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A Vow To Renew
—
Get to know
Shazeel
Assistant Front Office Manager
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Did You Know That...
Dear IN TOUCH Reader,
During the last year, we have been privileged to have several couples tying the knot in our romantic Renewal of Vows
ceremony and there is nothing more beautiful than witnessing couples share those special moments with us on Baros
Maldives. In February, we will be celebrating the most romantic time of the year by organising special events for guests
to enjoy Valentine’s Day as well.
Whether you visit Baros for romance, adventure, gourmet wining and dining, spa pampering or simply relaxing in secure
serenity while on holiday we are all looking forward to welcoming you and all our guests from around the world. Hoping
to see you soon.
With very best wishes for the New Year.
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Warm regards,
Your Baros Maldives team
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IN TOUCH magazine — Baros Maldives
Get in touch
A BRIEF MALDIVIAN
LANGUAGE GUIDE
The Formation of the Maldives
The geography of the Maldives is unique as it consists
of nearly 1,200 coral islands clustered into atolls and
distributed over 90,000 square kilometres.
Corals – Muraka, gaa
Island – Rah
Lying in a double chain of atolls spreading from north to
south, atop a 960 kilometre-long submarine ridge that
rises from the depths of the Indian Ocean, the coral chain
straddles an ancient trade route. Near the southern end of
the country two open channels allow safe passage to ships
travelling from one side of the Indian Ocean to the other.
The Maldivian atolls are formed from prehistoric extinct
volcanoes which remained as the ocean floor and corals
began to populate and grow around their rims forming a
fringing reef. As time passed these reefs gradually became
barriers enclosing a shallow lagoon inside. Slowly as material
eroded from the reefs it gathered to form the shallower
reefs and sand banks that became tiny islands. Finally a
perfect environment for marine life and eco systems to
thrive was produced.
The eco systems of the Maldivian islands, which are too
small for rivers and mountains, are marshes and small lakes.
The islands lack hills but some have sand dunes rising to
about 2.5m. With wide, coral sand beaches surrounding
thick green foliage the islands are truly tropical.
Sandbank – Finolhu
Reef – Faru
Volcano – Alifaan Farubadha
Environment – Thimaaveshi
There are islands in the Maldives that separate themselves
from the geographical formation of the other islands, one
of the most notable being Fuvahmulah in the Equatorial
Channel. It is the highest lying island of the Maldives and has
a high sandy beach that moves around the island depending
on the season. The sand and the pebbles are polished by
the action of the waves crashing on to the beach and have
a texture that cannot be found elsewhere in the Maldives.
The Maldives is one of the few countries that gives a
glimpse of the different stages of development, enabling
visitors to witness the geographical formation of a nation
through time.
The vegetation of inhabited islands consists of small
groves of banana, papaya, drumstick and citrus trees by
homesteads, while breadfruit trees and coconut palms
are grown in available patches of land. Uninhabited islands
have mostly coconut trees and different kinds of bushes
indigenous to Maldives along the waterline.
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IN TOUCH magazine — Baros Maldives
Ecosystem – Veshi
Lagoon – Falhu
Ocean – Kandu
Beach – Gondudhoh
Waves – Raalhu
Bon Appétit!
Tuna Tartare with Avocado, Truffle and
Wasabi Mayonnaise.
This zingy starter served in Lime Restaurant is super
fresh and an ideal dish at lunch or dinner
Serves Four 400g Sushi Grade Tuna Loin, Sustainably Sourced
400g Avocado
30g Parmesan Cheese
15g Chives
30g Shallot
10g Fresh Truffle
10g Fresh Wasabi
1 Egg Yolk
1 tsp White Wine Vinegar
200ml Vegetable Oil
2 Lemons
Fresh Chervil for Garnish
For the Tartare
Take the Tuna Loin and chop into small cubes and mix in a bowl
with the freshly squeezed juice of one lemon. Add a little salt to
taste for seasoning.
Remove the skin from the avocado and chop into small cubes and
mix with the juice of one lemon, add a little black pepper and salt
to taste and place in a ring ensuring that the avocado is pushed
down and flat.
On top of the avocado layer, place the fresh tuna diced and pushed
down to ensure it is flat
For the Wasabi Mayonnaise
Take the one egg yolk and mix with a teaspoon of white wine
vinegar, place in a mixer and gradually incorporate the vegetable
oil; do this slowly to ensure it does not split. It will begin to thicken
as the mix is whisked. Gently fold in the fresh wasabi and reserve
until needed.
For the Topping
Add a little finely grated parmesan on top and some fresh black
truffle. Adding finely chopped onion and chives on top of the
parmesan completes the dish.
CHEF’S TIP
The tuna should be sustainably caught (as happens in the Maldives) and the freshest tuna will give the best natural flavour. Tuna
loin is the best to use for tartare as it has no fat. When making the
mayonnaise add a touch of ice water to give a nice shiny finish and
texture. Black Truffle is an expensive ingredient and rare; using a
drizzle of black truffle oil will also give a similar finish.
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IN TOUCH magazine — Baros Maldives
Let’s cocktail
Raspberry Mule
Looking for something light and refreshing on a hot sunny
day? Here is your winner, the light and also quite healthy
raspberry mule. This combines the best of berries and
mint with a slight ginger twist. The perfect symphony to
be enjoyed under the swaying palm trees in the palm
garden.
Ingredients
20ml Raspberry Puree
4 mint leaves
20ml Lime Juice
10ml Sugar Syrup
Top up with Ginger Ale
Glass
Collins Glass
Garnish
A sprig of Mint
Method
Shake raspberry puree, mint leaves, lime juice and sugar
syrup with ice and pour over fresh cubed ice in a Collins
glass. Top up with Ginger Ale and garnish with a mint sprig.
Bar manager’s tip
If you would like to add alcohol to this refreshing cocktail,
40ml of white rum fits perfectly to the fresh raspberry
and mint union.
YOGA
Spa Secrets
Happy Baby pose
Private Sandbank Yoga
Ananda Balasana (AH-nan-duh bah-LAHS-anna)
Practising Yoga outdoors is one of the greatest ways of
achieving complete relaxation. The atmosphere of the
sea and its sounds has the beautiful ability to soothe
your inner calm. Here are a few benefits to be gained
from our unique Sandbank Yoga experience.
1. Start by lying on your back with your knees
drawn in towards your chest.
Clear mind and clear heart
The sound of the waves, the bracing aroma of the ocean
and the gentle touch of the wind take you to a calmer,
more serene place. Plan to go early in the morning or
around sunset, so you can enjoy the peace and tranquillity
while you practice your Asanas.
Improved immunity
Our existence is a seamless blend of body, mind and
spirit. An irregularity within one of these could manifest
as an ailment within the physical body. Yoga poses
massage organs and strengthen muscles; breathing
techniques and meditation release stress within the
mind and tissues of the body, for a healthier outlook
Physical work out
on life and therefore improved immunity. Being in the
Performing Asanas in the luxurious white coral sand open air on the sandbank, surrounded by the ocean is
adds a new dimension to your regular Yoga practice. an incredibly blissful experience that aids in this process.
Deep seated core muscles are constantly making small
adjustments in order for you to maintain a stance on the Increased micro circulation
tropical white sand. This enables your body to work out With Yoga poses such as head stands and shoulder
just a bit harder than usual with each pose.
stands, lymph and de-oxygenated blood are easily
transmitted to the lymph nodes and heart, where they
The breath of fresh Air
are cleansed and oxygenated before returning to the
One key aspect of Yoga is the supremacy of fully using rest of the body. As these two systems also depend on
your lungs and breathing correctly. Fresh air combined being squeezed from muscle contraction, twisting Asanas
with the sound of waves encourages your body to aid in this cleansing process, which leave the tissues and
release serotonin, the ‘happy hormone.’ When you cells cleaner and healthier. Doing these on the Sandbank
combine the practice of breathing correctly with the surrounded by the Maldivian crystal clear warm waters
fresh air on a sandbank, your lungs bring more oxygen is a unique and inspiring experience.
to your body and expand your overall energy.
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2. Grab hold of your feet with your hands.
Ensure your arms are in front of your shins,
and you are holding onto the outside edges
of your feet.
3. Draw your shoulders onto your back, tone
your arms and flex your feet as you pull
down on your feet.
4. Draw your knees wide and toward your
armpits and try to stack ankles above knees.
5. Lengthen your lower back down to the
ground, trying to touch the tip of your
tailbone to the floor.
6. Stay there for one minute, and then release
and draw your knees into your chest.
Beginner's Tip
• If you can't easily hold your feet with your
hands, try holding each foot with a yoga strap
looped around the middle arch.
Benefits
• This pose gently stretches the inner groin
and the back spine. It calms the brain and
helps relieve stress and fatigue.
UNDERWATER
SYMBIOTIC RELATIONSHIPS IN THE SEA
Symbiosis comes from two Greek words that mean “with” and “living” and
it is used to describe a close relationship between two organisms from
different species: they rely on each other and help each other out. Reciprocal
relationships are powerful and we all have to get along with our neighbours,
so it is not unusual to see that sharks pair with fish, fish with shrimp, shrimp
with sea cucumbers and much more.
One example of this type of living arrangement includes cleaner fish and
cleaner shrimps. They seem foolish, getting into the open mouths of sharpfanged eels to dig around for food. They have evolved beyond merely finding
eels and fish in order to eat their mouth parasites: they congregate at
‘cleaning stations’ in vast numbers where multiple marine species gather to
have their mouths and bodies rid of parasites and dead cells.
Perhaps the most representative example of symbiotic relationships in the
ocean is the clownfish and its anemone. The clownfish is able to reside
among the poisonous tentacles of the anemone due to a biological immunity
to the toxin, whereas other fish — including predators — will feel the sting
if they get too close, making it a perfect refuge for this vibrant reef species.
The anemone, in turn, benefits by consuming the clownfish’s waste and other
wasted bits of food, as well as remaining healthy due to aeration from the
constant movement of the clownfish.
Another good example is provided by remoras, known collectively as
“suckerfish” for their propensity to attach themselves to many different
types of species, including sharks, sea turtles and manta rays. The remora
uses its host for the usual amenities: protection, transportation and scraps
from the larger predator’s meals. In return it cleans the parasites.
Last but not least, one of the most relevant symbiosis, crucial for the
survival of coral reefs, is the one between corals and microalgae (called
zooxanthellae) that live within them. The symbiotic relationship is based on
the coral’s inability to produce sufficient amounts of food, and the algae’s
ability for photosynthesis and converting chemical elements into energy. The
coral in return provides protection as well as a nutrient rich environment for
excellent algae growth.
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IN TOUCH magazine — Baros Maldives
Baros Maldives
World’s Most Romantic Resort
We are thrilled that Baros Maldives has been
voted the Most Romantic Resort in the World
2016 by voters in the annual World Travel
Awards. This is the fourth time since 2012 that
the resort has won this prestigious award, which
was presented at a ceremony in December.
There were resorts from the Caribbean, India,
Portugal, South America, South Pacific, Thailand,
Turkey, UAE, and USA in the 18 finalists. The
World Travel Awards are determined by votes
from guests and travel and tourism professionals
worldwide. The accolade recognises the proven
commitment to excellence demonstrated by
Baros Maldives during the previous twelve
months.
For Baros Maldives to be acclaimed the World’s
Most Romantic Resort for the fourth time is
an amazing achievement. We thank all our staff
members whose dedication to our guests’ total
satisfaction earned us this premier recognition.
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IN TOUCH magazine — Baros Maldives
GET TO KNOW
Shazeel
Assistant Front Office
Manager
Like many of the Baros
Maldives team members,
Shazeel was born in the
southern atoll of Addu. He
left his island when he was 17
to study in the capital Male’.
After leaving school, he began his career in
hospitality by working as a bar waiter before his
natural interest in people resulted in a transfer to
front office as guest service agent. Shazeel joined
Baros in March 2006 and over a decade has
become a well known welcoming face to our guests
and staff. In fact because his photo is in the “Baros,
The Legend” souvenir book, he has become quite a
celebrity as everyone recognises him.
Shazeel joined Baros Maldives as Guest Service
Agent and rapidly advanced, becoming Senior Guest
Service Agent, Guest Service Supervisor and Senior
Guest Service Supervisor until being promoted
to his current position as Assistant Front Office
Manager in 2014.
A VOW TO RENEW
Special packages have been introduced at Baros
Maldives for couples renewing their wedding vows.
Any married couple is eligible for the Vows Package,
whether their wedding was the day before arriving
at the resort, or many years ago. The renewal of
vows ceremony is performed in English and can
even be held on the island’s isolated sandbank for
an especially memorable moment.
This symbolic wedding is a renewal of the vows
previously made by the couple at a civil wedding
ceremony in their own country. We make all the
arrangements including a photographer to cover
the ceremony, the preparation and presentation
of a wedding album or video, the bouquets, an
especially themed wedding banquet and wedding
cake, and even Maldivian bodu beru drummers.
The exchange of vows ceremony is also a
memorable way for a couple to commemorate
a special wedding anniversary by affirming their
lifelong commitment to each other. Even couples
staying at Baros Maldives who haven’t planned to
renew their vows can do so by contacting their Villa
Host after arrival to make the arrangements. What
a perfect way to celebrate eternal love.
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IN TOUCH magazine — Baros Maldives
Shazeel’s wife and two children are living in Male’
while one of his brothers is actually working at
Baros as well.
Shazeel is a keen football player and also enjoys
fishing when he wants to relax. He loves the close
relationships he has forged with guests, and helping
them to ensure they enjoy a perfect holiday is rated
by him as the most motivating part of his job.
Did you know that...
…Baros Maldives hosts a Nature Walk around the
island twice a week highlighting the flora and fauna
of our small island?
… according to local tradition, an island has to
have three or more palm trees growing on it for
it to be defined as an island; otherwise it’s just a
sandbank?
…our palm garden has about 50 coconut trees
from the days when Baros Maldives used to be a
coconut plantation?
…in the Maldives, especially on the local islands,
every coconut palm tree has an owner?
…the fruit bat, also called Maldivian flying fox,
is considered the only native mammal of the
Maldives?
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IN TOUCH magazine — Baros Maldives
∙∙
Get in touch
Any questions, suggestions,
comments? Get in touch with us
on Baros Maldives, we are looking
forward to hearing from you.
∙∙ Mohamed Musthafeez, Resort Manager
[email protected]
∙∙ Andrew Smith, Executive Chef
[email protected]
∙∙ Lisa Jakobsson, PR & Communications Manager
[email protected]
∙∙ Shanoon Khalid, Sales & Marketing Manager
[email protected]
∙∙ Ibrahim Shijah, Front Office Manager
[email protected]
∙∙ Abdulla Aboobakuru, Food & Beverage Manager
[email protected]
∙∙ Stephanie Adam, Spa Director
[email protected]
∙∙ Elisa Fini, Marine Biologist
[email protected]
∙∙ Karin Spijker, Dive Manager
[email protected]
Tel: +960 664 26 72
[email protected]
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IN TOUCH magazine — Baros Maldives
PO Box 2015, Male’ 20-02, Republic of Maldives
Tel: + 960 664 26 72, Fax: + 960 664 34 97
[email protected], www.baros.com
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IN TOUCH magazine — Baros Maldives