Great Getaways: Escape to Bahrain

WITH A VARIATION of The Muppets theme tune (‘Manama-na dah, dah, dee, dah, dah’) firmly in mind, it was with a degree of excitement that we headed to Bahrain’s capital a few weeks ago. Less than two-hours flight away, it was a wonder that after a long duration in Dubai, this was the first visit to the island kingdom.

Like Oman, or various other emirates, the thinking is that these locations aren’t going anywhere, so a trip to them often gets put off. To stall in this manner, however, is a mistake. Living in a city where the surrounding countries are so easily accessible makes not travelling to them unforgiveable. Yes, we all like to go home, or explore far-off lands, though it only takes a weekend to get to grips with our neighbours and their way of life, so why not jut do it?

Bahrain’s look, admittedly, is a lot like the UAE. Beaches (strictly in hotels) and malls dominate the list of things to do except the destination is perhaps little more laid back. Head into the old town of Manama for example and you’ll find long yet narrow winding streets with shops selling everything from spices to tracksuit tops. And the taxi driver that takes you there will be Bahraini, quite an eye-opener for a UAE tourist.

Move away from the capital city and the surrounding quaint towns and villages are pleasing on the eye, if not extraordinary.

Arguably the greatest reason to visit Bahrain is the food. Specifically the food served in the country’s best hotel, the Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain Hotel & Spa. Now, I know, I know. Why would anyone travel to another state in order to eat in a chain hotel? I would be the first to deride anyone who recommended such a concept. But the cuisine really merits making an exception. Besides the hotel’s ample accommodation, its restaurants are literally worth writing home about.

Thai, Italian, Indian and a French chocolate café, the broad spectrum of dishes is something to behold. Probably a result of the on-site chocolatier, a chocolate cake from the Gourmet Lounge was one of the finest sampled in a very long while. The Thai restaurant, suitably named Thai, makes sesame prawn toast like no other and the Italian Primavera’s mushroom pudding appetiser is one of the many reasons you should book your ticket there tomorrow.

Hotel manager Mark Neukomm says that his Ritz-Carlton has to attract both business customers and tourists alike and that is why they stay one step ahead in the culinary stakes.

“It is well-known that people on the move like food,” he says. “We have a reputation of being one of the best hotels on the island and our restaurants and surroundings, which have been updated, have to reflect that.”

Aside from the feasting, a room at the Ritz-Carlton ranges from the good to the presidential. With 245 to choose from, no chamber is ill-equipped to deal with guests and patrons will leave relaxed and assured their money has been put to good use.

For the really plush, why not try out a villa?

Set amidst lush gardens and overlooking Manama Bay, the villas are a perfect antidote for a stressful week at work or can serve as a holiday home to enjoy quality time with the family.

There are 23 villas on the compound, each with its own swimming pool, private beach, and 24-hour lifestyle butler. Each villa features three bedrooms, a beautifully-styled living room, a spacious dining area and a fully equipped private kitchen. Oh la la.

For more information, visit: www.ritzcarlton.com

How to get there Gulf Air currently operates one of the largest networks in the Middle East with double daily flights or more to ten regional hotspots: Amman, Jeddah, Riyadh, Dammam, Kuwait, Doha, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Muscat, and Cairo. The airline has also recently revamped its Gulf Air Falcon Gold Lounge in Bahrain International Airport. Officially inaugurated in 2012, each different facility/service offered in the lounge has been tested and reviewed by the airline’s passengers who have reportedly embraced the modern surroundings in which travellers can clear their mind and runwind before take-off. The Gulf Air Falcon Gold Lounge is distinct in many ways – specifically, the architectural design of the new 1,720 sq. ft. lounge (which can accommodate up to 200 people) combines the traditional Arabian theme with modern amenities giving guests a sense of space and freedom. The lounge features well laid-out business, dining, lounging facilities and TV areas in addition to offering panoramic views of the runway through a high glass wall. For the first time, premium passengers have the added facilities of the ‘Quiet Lounge’ which holds seven private sleeping rooms with comfortable beds, dimming lights and the ‘do not disturb’ option to rest in complete privacy. The sleeping rooms are also equipped with high definition TVs with wireless headphones for those who want to watch their favourite programmes or listen to their choice of music in private. Additional facilities include a cigar lounge and shower rooms with hotel-style towels and luxury brand toiletries and amenities. There are also separate prayer rooms and secure lockers for those who want to use these facilities. For more information on flights, visit: www.gulfair.com.