Bahrain can often take a backseat to other bigger, bolder, more ostentatious Gulf countries when it comes to typical destinations on the tourist trail, but what it lacks in size and lavishness, it more than makes up for in its rich history, character and genuineness of its people; It doesn’t go by the nickname ‘Island of Golden Smiles’ for no good reason.
Made up of almost 80 islands – both natural and man-made – the kingdom between two gentle seas’ history dates back over 5,000 years, when it was a commercial trading hub. Once the storied location of the ancient Dilmun empire, it sat under various foreign rule for many years, finally declaring independence from the British in 1971. This rich history sits alongside intriguing culture and commerce, that has seen Bahrain also earn a place in the history books for its role in the Middle East’s pearl trading industry.
For culture vultures, art addicts, motor-racing enthusiasts and sun-seeker purists, there’s so much more to Bahrain than meets the eye. Scratch beneath the surface to reveal 15th-century forts and Formula 1 experiences, sitting pretty alongside beautiful wildlife reserves, water parks and relaxed five-star hotels.
The Ritz-Carlton Bahrain is a property that lets you experience both the city and sea from its home along the bay in Al Seef. It’s a secluded slice of paradise in Manama, with relaxation sewn into the fabric of the resort – five-star luxury, with an easy sophistication that almost belies the level of personalised service on tap.
With its golden sands hugged by the Gulf of Arabia and a private lagoon, on land 20 acres of verdant landscaping roll out to create a sort of palm-fringed playground that, with the backdrop of bright blue waters, feels almost Maldives-esque. The Maldives in Manama... It has a nice ring to it.
The hotel itself is an ode to contemporary design – sleek, minimal in design but without foregoing the warmth and comfort one wants from a hotel-away-from-home. The 245 rooms are spread across the main building and throughout the bucolic grounds, starting from Deluxe Sea, City or Pool View Rooms, each with floor-to-ceiling windows to maximise the sense of place; Club Suites with a separate living room, and access to the Club Lounge; A more traditionally-designed Diplomatic Suite with living room, dining room, Majlis and Jacuzzi; all the way up to a Villa, which sprawls over 450 square metres, can be seafront if you choose, and has three bedrooms, Asprey bath products, an outdoor swimming pool, private garden, access to an exclusive-use personal beach and a 24-hour butler service.
Whilst the accommodation certainly evokes ideas of rest and relaxation, guests seeking a more immersive R’n’R experience can find it at the sea-inspired The Ritz-Carlton Spa. Soak up the wellbeing benefits on offer at this temple of tranquility, then relax by the indoor pool under the watchful gaze of a Grecian goddess. Borrowing minerals from the Dead Sea, treatments draw on different rituals from Arabian history, taking your mind, body and soul on a journey with every sense.
The spa is home to plunge pools, thalassotherapy and a hammam, as well as treatments that cast the net wide, from a Herbal Poultice Massage or Personalised Body Wrap to a Cellular Anti-Ageing Facial and G3P Glyco 3 Peel.
Once the spa rouses you from your reverie, the resort promises to shake you awake with a world of different things to try and do. The hotel has its own Pearl 1 boat available for day trips, taking seafarers to explore hidden enclaves and sandy inlets along the kingdom’s coastline, hopefully with the added bonus of spotting a pod of dolphins. Order ahead for a hamper picnic for a more personalised touch to your trip.
There’s also paddle-boarding, kayaking, tennis courts, squash courts, a fitness centre, marina and newly-renovated indoor pool, and the use of The Royal Golf Club Bahrain’s courses just a drive away. With family time such an intrinsic part of Arab life, children are well catered for, too. Beyond the pool and beach, the Ritz Kids Club experience taps into the innate curiosity of little minds, focusing around four pillars of edutainment: water, land, environmental responsibility and culture. The kids get to try pretty much everything here, from swimming to cooking classes to talent shows, making time spent here both inspiring and exciting.
With family such an intrinsic part of arab life, children are well catered for too, the Ritz Kids Club tapping into the innate curiosity of little minds
Outside of the resort, the culturally-curious can book day trips to discover different heritage sites around Bahrain – meandering through the bustling Manama Souq or exploring the city’s forts and century-old pearl diving UNESCO sites. For something full of both nature and wonder, use the hotel’s concierge to book a trip to see the only ‘tree of life’ in the world that lived for over 100 years in the middle of the desert. With its water source still unknown, the tree is one of Mother Nature’s mysteries.
Naturally, food comes into play on holiday, and
The Ritz-Carlton Bahrain rises to the challenge of catering for myriad cultures and experiences. It has eight-award winning restaurants to its name, under the expert eye of Yann Bernard Lejard, the resort’s Director of F&B. La Table La Krug by Y is the first in the Middle East and offers a ‘Rough Luxury Cuisine d’Author’, where dishes are paired with La Krug’s signature sparkling drinks. Cantina Kahlo takes guests on
a South American journey through Mexico’s colourful art scene, with its dishes and décor both as kaleidoscopic as each other.
Easy, breezy dining perfect for the family can be found at La Plage, the beachfront restaurant that merges the culinary worlds of East and West, with Arabian and Mediterranean flavours, while Indian spices are celebrated at Nirvana, with fine dining centred around kebabs, grilled seafood and the accompanying sounds of traditional live music.
That’s The Ritz-Carlton Bahrain’s distinguishing feature really – its diversity in celebrating the richness of its own culture and history whilst simultaneously championing that of the world around it. It will take you from the coast of Manama to the metaphorical shores of the Maldives; from centuries-old pearl diving days to 21st-century style and design; an urban ambience that also exudes nature and serenity. It’s a refreshing ambidextrous approach unique to the hotel, and one deserving of a bookmark when researching your holiday.