2422 TRAVEL TRAVEL ++ LEISURE LEISURE WEDDINGS & HONEYMOONSWEDDINGS & HONEYMOONS
CLOCKWISE: COURTESY OF ART ROTANA; ASHISH CHAWLA (2)Bahrain Comes Alive
The island nation has caught the eye of travellers with its unexplored
attractions and charming new developments. Plan your honeymoon at
a luxury hotel here and discover what’s hot in the country.STAY
ART Rotana (rotana.com),
located on the man-made
Amwaj Islands, gives the
impression of a gallery with
its artistic architecture,
installations and artworks
in the lobby, and in-house
workshops. Lounge by the
private beach, savour Italian
dishes on the terrace of
Rosso restaurant, have spa
treatments together, and
explore the islands that
have water sports, outdoor
activities, and a bird kingdom.DINING
Dine like a Samurai at Bushido
(bushido.com.bh). This is one
of Bahrain’s favourite Japanese
restaurants. The Samurai
theme with dim lights and
vintage Japanese artefacts
is fascinating. Another great
dining option is the complex
of entertainment Gallery 21
(gallery21bahrain.com), which
has a bar, a French bistro, a
café, and an art gallery.ACTIVITIES
The Bahrain International
Circuit (bahraingp.com) hosts
the annual Bahrain Grand
Prix, but it’s worth a visit even
off -season. Take a tour of the
circuit or have a high-speed
chase with your partner on the
tracks—it’s a great venue to
propose too. You can also go on
a safari in the Al Areen Green
Wildlife Park and Reserve
(alareen.org) and meet the
Arabian gazelle, oryx, leopard,
and ostrich. For some fun,
head to Gravity (gravitybah.
com) and fl oat in the air. ▪Y
our first impression of Bahrain will be that it’s different from neighbours Abu
Dhabi and Dubai. Quieter, more rustic, the country is attracting a new generation
of travellers who are looking towards its luxury hotels, happening restaurants
and bars, and vibrant lifestyle. For your first holiday as a married couple, we list
some of the must-dos in the country.Trending
ON THE 13TH FLOOR OF ART
ROTANA, THE CONTEMPORARY
AMWAJ SUITE SPANS ACROSS
274-SQUARE-METRES AND
OFFERS PANORAMIC VIEWS
OF THE BAY. A LOUNGE AND
DINING AREA, AN OUTDOOR
TERRACE, AND A JACUZZI ARE
SOME OF ITS HIGHLIGHTS.Clockwise: Lobby at Art
Rotana; staircase with
vintage magazine covers
at Gallery 21; a restaurant
at Gallery 21.