Against this backdrop, Baros Maldives has been named Indian Ocean’s Leading Water Villa Resort 2026 at the World Travel Awards, recognising its distinctive collection of overwater villas and the experience they offer. 

At Baros, life over the water is simple. The Water Villas are designed around a close connection with the sea, each with its own private deck and direct access to the lagoon. From here, guests can slip into the water for an early morning swim, snorkel across the reef or simply sit back and watch the changing colours of the Indian Ocean. 

For those seeking a little more space and a private pool, the Water Pool Villas bring together the best of both worlds.  

At 126 square metres, each villa offers generous space and privacy, with a private pool overlooking the lagoon and the sea stretching endlessly beyond. 

Perhaps what makes the Baros water villa experience truly distinctive is what lies beneath. Baros is a small island and its house reef is remarkably close to the Water Villas. A short swim away, guests find themselves among coral gardens and tropical marine life, discovering the underwater world that has always been at the heart of Baros.  

It is this effortless connection between villa, lagoon and reef that makes the Water Villas at Baros so special. The setting is spectacular, but the experience is unhurried and deeply personal: barefoot mornings, afternoons spent in the water and evenings watching the sun disappear into the horizon. 

The award was presented by the World Travel Awards, one of the travel industry's most established international awards programmes, recognising excellence across hotels, resorts and travel businesses worldwide through votes from travel professionals and the public. 

“We are thrilled to receive this award,” said Ibrahim Faisal, Sales Manager at Baros Maldives. “The water villas have always been such an important part of the Baros experience and we are proud to see them recognised in such a competitive market. The setting speaks for itself, but it is our team who bring the experience to life and make each stay so memorable for our guests.” 

At Baros, life remains intentionally uncomplicated. A small island to explore barefoot, a reef just moments away, a villa above the lagoon and time to simply enjoy being here.