In appreciation of the selfless heroes caring for COVID-19 patients  around the world, Baros, an island resort in the Maldives, has  created a permanent tribute out of regenerated coral. This  consists of coral transplanted on frames in the island’s lagoon that  spell out the words THANK YOU HEROES. 

The project, which was started when the resort closed to guests  because of the pandemic, is flourishing.  

The resort’s resident marine biologists have collected fragments of  living coral from the sea bed that had become broken off the reefs  surrounding the island. These broken pieces would not survive  without this transplantation process. This tribute to health care  workers in living coral is also sustainable as it serves to create new  habitats for fish and other invertebrates.  

This is part of the Coral Regeneration initiative begun at Baros in  2009. Since then 365 coral tables have been submerged. Complete  and mature frames are brought to the nursery in The Baros lagoon,  where the Marine Centre team routinely maintains them. This  involves cleaning the frames of algae and benthic dwellers such  as tunicates which inhibit coral growth.  

The coral fragments collected for this unique tribute are flourishing  and the wording is clearly visible. It can take two years for the coral  to cover a frame completely and then it will continue to grow  forever, becoming a permanent recognition of the dedication of  the world’s health-care heroes.  

The Resort Manager of Baros, Ibrahim Shijah, commented, “In spite  of the unprecedented times the world has faced, Baros aims to  keep the positive consequences of the pandemic - of compassion,  unity and kindness - remembered by this tribute.” 

The coral can be viewed from the resort’s Lighthouse Restaurant since Baros re-opened to guests on 1st October 2020. 

Further, for guests who worked as health care workers during the  COVID-19 pandemic, Baros will reward them with the extra benefits  of a complimentary couples massage at the island’s Serenity Spa, a private dinner for two on the beach, champagne upon arrival, and a choice of a free scheduled excursion. The offer is valid until  22nd December 2021.

About Baros Maldives

Baros is a boutique, private island of 75 overwater and beachside  garden villas and white sand beaches set in a turquoise lagoon,  just 25 minutes by speedboat from the Maldives International  Airport. Guests can relax in a tranquil, tropical setting, embark on  an amazing culinary journey in Baros’ three restaurants and bars, 

dine on a secluded sandbank or the unique Piano Deck in the  middle of the lagoon as well as take part in memorable snorkelling  experiences around the flourishing house-reef. 

The resort has been welcoming guests since 1973, and has spent  decades honing its services and cultivating its environment,  making it a legendary resort. The island has been consistently  winning prestigious awards from guests and travel professionals  for quality accommodation and outstanding service excellence  and is a member of Small Luxury Hotels Of The World.