World Traveller – August 2019

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Known as The Land of the Two Seas, the Kingdom of Bahrain is
something of a double-sided coin. You’ll find all the trademarks
of modern Arab opulence here – stylish mega malls and daringly-
high skyscrapers – but beyond all that glitz and glamour, intriguing
historic sites and a burgeoning culture scene speak loudly of the
city’s proud heritage.
Long considered the epicentre of the Gulf’s pearling past,
Bahrain has been the hub for the world’s richest oyster beds for
centuries, an asset that shaped the island's fortunes for millennia.
It’s also home to one of the oldest civilisations in the Middle East,
the Dilmun civilisation, where ancient burial mounds that date
back to 3000 BCE can be found in A’ali village. Today the kingdom
boasts its own Formula 1 Grand Prix, a thriving art scene and a
globally diverse mosaic of fantastic cuisines. This multi-layered
and multicultural destination is a hidden gem often overlooked
by travellers but scratch the surface and you’ll find an all-
encompassing adventure.
While it may maintain a lower-key reputation among its Gulf
neighbours, Bahrain has its own share of heavyweight attractions
and therein lies the kingdom’s genuine charm. Here’s how to craft
an itinerary that takes in all the best bits...

LONG WEEKEND

STYLISH SLEEPS

Sink into luxury at these chic abodes

from. Also located in Seef,

The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain

has its own private beach,

lagoon and island as

well as 11 dining venues,

including an authentic

Mexican restaurant with

vibrant décor inspired by

Frida Kahlo. Over on the

western shores, Sofitel

Jumeirah Royal Saray sits

confidently on a private

beach in Manama’s new

Seef district, beautifully

enclosed by the Arabian

Sea. The hotel has 167

guestrooms, including

two Royal Suites and

a variety of impressive

restaurants to choose

Perched on a five-hectare

private island in the

kingdom’s capital, Four

Seasons Hotel Bahrain

Bay is an architectural

gem that has a great

view of the bay – you can

opt to arrive by boat for

a glamorous entrance.

A short cab ride away,

Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa

Sea & Spa Hotel is home

to the only sea water spa

in the GCC – ideal for a

detox session without the

hardship. Exciting dining

options and nightlife are

also on menu, from local

specialities to the sway of

belly dancing.

Jumeirah Royal Saray The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain