Alisha's Research Trip to the Maldives

Baros is renowned for its exceptional house reef, and after arriving at 7 a.m. following a long flight, I was eager to explore the marine life for myself. The team at the dive center provided helpful guidance on the best snorkeling spots around the island, including where to enter and exit the reef and where turtles had recently been spotted. After picking up my complimentary snorkeling gear, which I could use for the duration of my stay, I set off—and I was certainly not disappointed. Over the next 48 hours, I spent most of my time in the water, encountering a vast array of tropical fish, several reef sharks, and a few eagle rays. The calm waters and sheltered location made snorkeling at Baros an enjoyable experience, even for less confident swimmers.

Beyond the reef, dining at Baros was equally impressive. I enjoyed a fine dining experience at The Lighthouse, where the yellowfin tuna I selected as my main course was outstanding. For a relatively small island, the variety of restaurants and cuisines available was remarkable.

I was impressed by the spacious rooms, which have a more contemporary feel than many beach resorts. Each room featured a large bathroom with both indoor and outdoor showers, as well as an expansive deck area. I stayed in a ‘Reef Water Pool Villa,’ which was perfect for snorkelling, as it was just metres from the house reef.

In addition to snorkelling from my villa, I joined a complimentary snorkelling excursion led by a team member. We explored around the jetty, a known spot for sharks, and were fortunate enough to see blacktip reef sharks, nurse sharks, and even the rarer lemon sharks. A highlight for me was finding a turtle, something I had been eagerly hoping to spot during my trip to the Maldives.

I also had the chance to visit the Javvu Spa and enjoyed a signature massage. As someone who considers themselves a spa connoisseur, I can confidently say that Amilla’s spa ranks among my favourites. Each spacious, standalone treatment pod is nestled among the trees, enhancing the serene atmosphere, and my therapist was fantastic.

Gili Lankanfushi is located in the North Malé Atoll, relatively close to the main island and airport. As a result, you may notice some passing boat traffic and nearby local islands. However, from most parts of the island, the views are of endless, idyllic turquoise waters. Some rooms do face a local island or a neighboring resort, but we can advise you on which room categories to avoid if that’s a concern for you.

One of the many reasons I loved Gili Lankanfushi was the exceptional service. Each room is assigned a personal butler, called a Mr (or Ms) Friday, whose role is to ensure your stay goes smoothly. Whether it’s booking a spa treatment, making a dinner reservation, or offering a lift to dinner on the "Gili goes exploring" golf cart, they’ve got you covered. Every staff member I encountered was warm, friendly, and highly attentive, remembering small details like your favourite drink that make the experience truly special.