MIDE 6-7 9/2/10 13:27 Page 40
knowledge middle east
ttglive.com
Checking out
ain
London to Bahrain with
Gulf Air, flying First Class
The Gulf Hotel Bahr
Seat: The 180-degree flatbeds
were very comfortable. But it
was a shame there wasn’t a
68
%
greater partition between the
“kitchen” and our front-row seats
as the constant clashing and clanging
prevented me from getting any sleep –
even wearing the supplied earplugs. 6/10
Service: In their favour, the service from
staff was far better, and in the main they
were attentive, chatty and polite. 7/10
Clockwise from top: The Gulf Hotel Bahrain; Al Fateh Mosque; and Unesco Heritage Site of Qal’at Al-Bahrain Dining: My roast vegetable salad starter was
delicious and would have sufficed without a
heart of the Arabian Gulf, there is easy ac- who also happens to be a well-known volley- main course. However, the fish which fol-
cess from Bahrain to most other destinations ball player for Bahrain’s national team, was lowed was dry, and the fennel and potato
in the Middle East, making it a perfect desti- stopped by the police for not having a num- rosti served with it over salted. The straw-
nation for a twin- or three-centre holiday. ber plate clearly displayed. berry mousse wasn’t much better. 6/10
The UAE and Qatar for example are all One signed autograph later and all was Entertainment: Good variety of magazines
under one-and-a-half hours’ drive or flight resolved. were offered around as we boarded and
away, while the King Fahd causeway links there were several films to watch, although
Bahrain to Saudi Arabia where many Bahrai- Sample package: We stayed at The Gulf Hotel, no recent blockbusters. Other nice touches
nis commute to work. In 2012, a second a member of Worldhotels (worldhotels.com), included a set of pyjamas and a changing
causeway will link Bahrain by road with and the first five-star hotel in Bahrain. It fea- room to get dressed in. 8/10
Qatar and create a single highway from tures 14 restaurants and bars, having recently Overall: Interestingly, my return leg in
Saudi Arabia through Bahrain to Qatar, the added a superb Mexican themed restaurant business class was a better experience. Seats
UAE and Oman. where the waiters make fresh guacamole to aren’t flatbeds but recline enough t lull you
But if anything is going to bring people your taste at your table. Rates vary from £144 to sleep. The food, this time Middle Eastern-
back to Bahrain it has surely got to be its for a standard room to £760 for a royal suite. inspired, was good and service top-notch.
people who are considered to be the most Flights with Gulf Air and tours with Ghadeer Overall, this proved better value and worth
friendly – and I would add among the most Tours from £22 per person. recommending to clients. 7/10
liberal – in the region. On the way back ■
gulfair.com
from our Hummer experience, our driver, ■For Ghadeer tours, email
ghadeer4@batelco.com by Oliva Hemmings
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