A nameplate at Male Airport, a helpful porter - the high level signs of a five-star hotel with an island name did not end there. Forget about mini-buses or so-called "luxury cars." A yacht was waiting for us at the pier. In about twenty minutes we rumbled along the waves to the destination, where we were met by beautiful people in white clothes, with wet, refreshing towels in their hands. Welcome! Fatigue was out of the question - a short flight from Dubai, a comfortable boat trip, and here we are, full of strength and energy!
Where is everyone?
Everyone knows that the tourist destination of the Maldives is usually chosen by couples in love for a secluded romantic trip. When I saw the number I got — a villa on the water — I almost burst into tears about the absence of my “second half” here. What will I do for four whole nights alone on such a luxurious bed, with champagne from the hotel, and even when there is a shower outside the window? Speaking of rain. The monsoon season in the Maldives lasts from May to September, and we just got into this period. The island is small, you can get around it in half an hour, there is only one shop, so shopping was not expected. There are no museums either. Are we going to die of boredom in this little paradise?
Taking an umbrella, prudently "parked" at the villa, I went to inspect the surroundings. Having run over the wet bridge leading from the water numbers to the shore, I realized that I didn’t need an umbrella - the rain was gentle and warm, the sun's rays penetrated through the transparent clouds, the sea breeze was filled with moisture and freshness, and after the emirate heat, such weather Delivered only pleasure. Friendly locals met me on the sandy beach - a colorful little iguana and a long-legged gray bird. And while I was walking along the path through the thickets of lush, rain-shining greenery, it seemed that there was nobody else besides them and me, on this island. The bungalows on the shore are separated from each other by a high green wall, beyond which the neighbors are not visible and inaudible. Children under eight years of age are asked not to bring to this island, therefore, a joyful, childish screech, as is usually the case in beach hotels, was not heard from anywhere. The silence was broken only by the rustle of leaves and the twitter of birds. Closer to the main entrance of the hotel rare pairs of lovers began to come across, sweetly holding hands. Only when I got to the restaurant did it become clear that the hotel was probably full anyway - almost all the tables were occupied on its open terrace.
"Do not make a cult of food"
... The unforgettable Ostap Bender spoke to Shura Balaganova. And he was wrong. In an elite resort, everything should be fine, and the kitchen is no exception. In a few days, the Baros Hotel showed us only a small 
a bit of their culinary possibilities.
Breakfast in the open air, in the Lime restaurant overlooking the azure ocean water, freshly baked pancakes in the mouth and crispy croissants with aromatic coffee, charged a benevolent mood for the whole day.
Lunch was served in one of Cayene Grill's cozy, palm-covered gazebos with a buffet of appetizers and salads, and a menu where you could choose your own way to cook seafood, meat or vegetables.
Each time, an ordinary piece of meat or fish fillet “sounded” here in a new way.
Lighthouse Restaurant (lighthouse), with a pointed white roof, is a symbol of the island. The upper floor is occupied by a lounge bar with panoramic views, wedding ceremonies are often held here. Below is one of the most elegant restaurants in the country, where each dish is a real work of fusion cuisine. Even the variety of types of olive oil served to hot fresh bread (also of different types) was even impressive before dinner. After absorbing deliciously prepared lobster and tuna, we were lucky to take a master class from the restaurant chef - I really wanted to learn how to cook at least one Maldivian dish. The closest neighbors - Sri Lanka and India - gave the main direction to the traditional cuisine of the Maldives, mixing it with exotic fruits and spices from the local garden. In the fresh air, taking a direct part in cooking, at the end of the lesson we almost licked our plates, everything was so delicious and tasty.
Do not bring me coral beads from across the sea!
With such a feast of the stomach, we must not forget about the soul. In vain we worried that there would be absolutely nothing to do here. First, of course, the beaches. They are simply magnificent, thanks to the reef that surrounds the island almost completely. The waves are calm, clean white sand ... Interestingly, you can tan even in cloudy weather, which I did without fear of sunburn. The tan here lies softly and evenly. The water is warm enough that we bathed not only in the rain, but also at night, watching the nightlife of the sea backlit. For divers, the season we got into was perfect - the water during the rainy season is even more transparent, and the colors at the depth are unrealistically bright, amazingly beautiful coral gardens - turquoise, pink, neon-blue. ... In the Maldives, they are especially carefully treated, planting new "flower beds" artificially. Buying, selling and exporting corals is prohibited in this country, so think ten times before buying a coral souvenir as a keepsake, and even more so, breaking off a tender twig of a living organism while you are visiting the ocean.
Another activity for those who like me is not keen on diving is the spa. No, I'm not talking about a delicious massage with algae wrap and coconut scrub, or an aromatic whirlpool in the outdoor garden .... I mean spa, as a way of life. To start the day with “worshiping the sun” on the terrace of your villa and end it on a small uninhabited sandy island, meditating on the sunset, to the vibrating sounds of the “OMG” yoga instructor - is this not a complete relaxation?
Until they hid under water
Farewell dinner on the beach under the starry sky, reminded that it is time to return to workdays, where for everyday issues we do not have time to plunge into our own world and do not find time for each other. Only some 50 years, and the ocean level will rise by 60 cm, which may lead to flooding of these beautiful Maldives. In the meantime ...
Amazing nature, the rich underwater world of the lagoon, excellent wine, excellent service 24 hours a day, a large terrace with a hammock and silence ... What else do you need to forget about everything and enjoy each other?
www.baros.com
