The Ritz-Carlton Bahrain Review: A Pearl in Arabia

Serenely located on a 20-acre private beachfront, offering panoramic views of the Arabian Gulf is the award-winning, The Ritz-Carlton Bahrain.

Soaking up the beauty of the landscape, the hotel offers guests a secluded and tranquil stay that is basked in culture and charm right in the heart of Manama’s Seef District.

Driving through the decorated and private driveway, the exclusivity of the hotel is immediately felt. Lit up in vibrant pink the hotel shows its support for Breast Cancer month, a theme that continues throughout the resort for the whole of October.

Welcomed at the entrance, our suitcases taken to our rooms as we explore the grandeur of the lobby; elegant yet extravagant, it combines traditional culture with modern decor.

Location

The scenic location has allowed The Ritz-Carlton to create its own personality, one that is not easily replicated.

Only a ten-minute drive from the center of the capital, Manama, guests can explore the bustling city life and immerse themselves in the culture before returning to the peacefulness of the hotel with precious memories of the day.

Its central location offers quick access to attractions such as the Royal Golf Club, Shaikh Isa’s house, Bahrain Fort and the Bahrain International Circuit.

From one of the largest mosques in the Middle East to endless winding streets through the souqs, the country stays true to Islamic culture and art while also racing ahead into the modern world with towering skyscrapers canvassing the coastline.

Meeting the ocean with a vast span of sandy beaches that almost create a full circle private lagoon, guests have both the sea and land to fully explore and enjoy.

Stay

The 245-room hotel is surrounded by rolling gardens, winding paths and palm trees that spread out to the edge of the grounds. The hotel has a range of room options available from suites to villas and additional services on the Club Level.

Designed to fit every need of the modern-day guest, the spacious rooms offer either a sea or garden view. Sliding doors separate the bedroom and the spacious bathroom.

The full marble bathrooms have deep soaking tubs and Rainforest showers, complete with a variety of signature Asprey treats and a vanity mirror. Robes, slippers and tea and coffee facilities create a comforting and relaxing ambiance.

The suites range from a Club Suite to the strikingly grand Royal Suite. They all prioritize privacy and peace for the occupiers while also boasting incredible panoramic views of both the Arabian Gulf and the Manama skyline.

With three large bedrooms and bathrooms the villa can host up to six people. A home away from home, it has high-speed internet throughout the property, large-screen LED TVs and access to a personal beachfront for your exclusive use. A personal outdoor pool looking out to the Arabian Gulf and a 24-hour Butler service makes the villa the perfect choice for a secluded and indulgent stay.

Dine

Keeping true to traditional Bahraini cuisine but adding global touches, the 12 unique restaurants and lounges take influences from all over the world. The Ritz-Carlton Bahrain draws on its vibrant settings, combining taste with sights to create memorable dining experiences.

For breakfast, the Club Level lounge is the perfect place to catch the morning views. The lounge welcomes guests with an impressive buffet featuring a large selection of hummus, fruits, yogurts, olives and also savory delicacies. Western favorites are also available with a chef on hand to create omelets of your choosing.

For lunch, enjoying the outdoor grounds of the hotel is ideal. Steps away from the beach and surrounded by palm trees and gazebos is the restaurant, La Plage.

Bringing together the best of Arabian and Mediterranean cuisines, La Plage delivers fresh and healthy dishes. The Bar de La Plage menu is inspired by the world’s most famous beaches. It’s the perfect place to relax and enjoy a cocktail from its diverse mixology menu.

The hotel’s expansive dinner options are plentiful. Italian restaurant, Primavera comes highly recommended. Led by two-Michelin starred chef, Oliver Glowig, and inspired by Chef Delfino Sanfilippo Chiarello’s childhood in southern Italy, the restaurant embraces local ingredients to create sensational Italian menus. With a private dining room, guests can view the chefs hard at work and on many evenings are entertained by Italian singer Stefano Arcieri.

Indian restaurant, Nirvana celebrates traditional Indian cuisine and culture in a fine-dining setting. Walking through its archway, the restaurant is immersed in deep red decor showcasing intricately carved wood screens and lit by candlelight. Traditional santoor players enhance the decadence of the restaurant while guests peruse the large selection from the menu.

A large array of choices from traditional curries to fresh grilled seafood and kebabs make Nirvana the ideal place to delve into Indian dishes in a romantic and elegant setting.

In April this year, the Ritz-Carlton opened the region’s most exclusive fine dining experience, La Table Krug by Y. Here, Executive Chef Yann Bernard Lejard has created a sensational culinary experience that awakens the mind and palate with every bite.

In partnership with Krug Champagne, La Table Krug by Y at The Ritz-Carlton Bahrain is the first-ever concept in the Middle East and the fourth La Table Krug restaurant after Vienna, Mexico City, and Berlin.

An experiment for the chef and an experience for the guest, the EXPeRiMENCe menus unveil unique and daring courses every day based on Lejard’s inspiration and ideas.

Trying EXPeRiMENCe 0.26 was truly an unexpected, bold and inspiring experience. The menu resonated with elements of the world; earth, water, wood, fire, ice and also fruit. With each dish artfully plated, the menu highlights the most divine experimental cuisine including signatures like Wagyu beef with white pepper powder and wasabi, portobello ravioli with a white truffle foam and a playful balloon dog desert.

Not only did this menu deliver astonishing tastes, but it was also presented as artwork to admire. It was also accompanied by ambient music from the Krug Music Experience series which elevated the experience further.

At the bottom of our menu, a quote from street artist Bansky echoed the ambition to take ingredients to another level and bring art to the plate: “Art should comfort the disturbed and disturb the comfortable.”

Relax

Surrounded by green gardens and palm trees, the glittering blue pools by the private beach offer the perfect place to unwind. Complete tranquility can be found at the hotel’s sea-inspired spa. Mind and body are brought together in peaceful harmony with personalized treatments.

Many of the treatments draw on traditional Arabian rituals and the rich natural elements of the sea such as the Herbal Poultice Massage and the Secrets of Argan. The Secrets of Argan focuses on the Argan nut from Morocco which is renowned for its hydrating and healing abilities. Mixing in a variety of Arabic ingredients, the treatment deeply cleanses and nourishes the skin.

Guests can also opt for a traditional hammam ritual. The purifying process involves a number of authentic Arabian products to create an overall experience of wellbeing and a sense of calm.

Often complimented with a massage after, your mind and body will reach complete relaxation. Unique minerals from the Dead Sea and several plunge pools are among the many water-inspired elements that make the spa an aquatic oasis.

After treatments, simply sit back and enjoy one of the spa’s relaxation rooms that welcome guests with calming music and herbal tea.

Activities

Although the hotel is the perfect launching pad to explore the country, there is plenty of aquatic and land activities for guests to enjoy.

For those wanting to set sail and discover the wonders of the Gulf, Bahrain has 33 islands across its turquoise waters to explore. An excursion to Jarada Island is a must. Approximately nine miles from the hotel, the strip of golden sands is perfect for an afternoon picnic. However, watch your time as the exquisite island is only accessible for two hours a day before its vanishes below the shimmering waves.

Hidden enclaves cover the Kingdom and with daily excursions, there are plenty of opportunities for longer and short sea trips. For those wanting to stay on dry land, the hotel has created its own bustling community. Top-quality tennis and squash courts and a jogging trail are great ways to get active and explore the hotel surroundings.

In line with its wellness focus, guests can sign up for group workouts and one-to-one training at its state-of-the-art fitness center plunging into one of their temperature-controlled pools after.

A secluded, luxury retreat, the Ritz-Carlton Bahrain is a gateway to an Arabian paradise.

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