A beachside retreat that is the very embodiment of heritage, culture and luxury, The Ritz-Carlton Bahrain is the crown jewel of the archipelago Kingdom of Bahrain that is blessed with 33 islands and a family-friendly liberal lifestyle. Conveniently located overlooking the Arabian Sea, the resort hotel is home to 600 meters of white sandy beach and a secluded island, a perfect sanctuary to enjoy a sybaritic couple of days in a unique and sophisticated setting.
Hotel
In a short span of time, this iconic Bahrain landmark has become synonymous with luxury and the good life. Renowned for its high level of exceptional service, perfect location and immaculate facilities and surroundings, this property is the ideal destination for both the discerning leisure and the business traveller alike. Set within lushly landscaped gardens, the main resort building opens its wings to azure seas on one side and the vibrant Manama Bay on the other and presents an oasis that appeals to the most refined travellers.
Room
To start off, the resort has an impressive cache of 245 well-appointed rooms and suites, a select handful of which can be found at the exclusive The Ritz-Carlton Club Level. This luxurious haven offers two dedicated floors with distinctive amenities including a separate lounge area with continuous complimentary food and beverage presentations throughout the day. But the piece de resistance has got to be the resort’s collection of 15 private villas.
Ensconced within lush gardens and overlooking the serene Manama Bay, the villas of the Ritz-Carlton Bahrain bring home the signature sophistication of the Ritz-Carlton brand, imbued with an effortless coastal vibe. Inspired by ‘60s architecture, with generous South American and Mediterranean influences, these lush abodes are thoroughly modern in nature, sporting state-of-the-art amenities and features. Also, their location on the beachfront instills a sense of calm isolation whilst maintaining a connection to the hotel, spa and restaurants.
Food
Speaking of which, the resort offers 11 international restaurants, lounges and bars to provide the discerning diner with an array of delicious dining possibilities. Enjoy lavish buffets at La Med, Old World classic in The Ritz Gourmet Lounge, exotic Indian fare at Nirvana, authentic Italian food at Primavera, or prime steaks in the vibrantly decorated Plums.
One can enjoy lighter fare at the poolside La Plage, meet for afternoon tea in The Lobby Lounge, enjoy cocktails and a fine Cuban cigar in the Burlington Club or relax over a light snack at Thai Lounge. But for me, the ultimate spot for an evening fiesta has got to be the colourful (in food, drink and ambience) experience and authentic taste of Mexico that the twin Cantina Kahlo and Kahlo Club provide. Take a bite off the cantina’s divine barbacoa lamb flautas, sip on a tangy tamarind frozen margarita from the club’s bar menu and thank me later.
Spa
Imagine coming back from a business meeting or a day of beach hopping feeling tired and worn out only to find yourself in the luxury of The Ritz-Carlton Spa which is guaranteed to leave you relaxed and fresh. And if you are one of those water-lovers then the spa has two of the best solutions for you: the traditional hammam or perhaps the Thalassotherapy pool – a large, warm, mineral-rich pool with hydrotherapy jets to ease away aches and pains, allowing you to appear revitalised and oh-so-relaxed after that long day.
Or if you are one of those enthusiasts who like to hit the gym after a strenuous day at work or otherwise, then the resort has just the solution for you in the shape of a fully-fledged gym and a functioning outdoor tennis court with a beautiful view of the beach.
To do
On weekdays, visitors can make Jarada island their own getaway. This private tidal island located approximately 14km from the capital, Manama, is one of the best attractions in Bahrain, with golden sands and blue clear waters.
The Ritz-Carlton Bahrain organises pearl diving experiences for in-house guests at one of the few places in the world that offers the PADI Pearl Diver Program. The program is a dive training course that prepares guests to pearl dive in a single day. The experience of pearl diving is memorable and often rewarding where guests locate and take home their pearls.
The resort also offers daily Gold Souq trips at the convenience of the guests, since Bahrain is, without a doubt, a one stop experience for its wide variety of gold jewellery, from 14 to 24 carat masterpieces.
In a nutshell
Being the only city resort, The Ritz-Carlton Bahrain offers the perfect place from which to explore this mesmerising country. The iconic building is the landmark of hospitality and remains the venue of preference for locals, expatriates and travellers seeking the luxe life.
Factbox
Rooms start from BHD 97.
Address: The Ritz-Carlton, Road 2803, Al Seef, Block 428, Manama, Bahrain
Phone: +973 1758 0000
Website: ritzcarlton.com
Photography courtesy of The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain
