DESTINATIONS BAHRAIN MIDDLE EAST


SAMPLE PRODUCT


Elegant Resorts offers a seven- night, room-only stay in a Deluxe Room at The Ritz- Carlton, Bahrain, including


economy flights, private transfers and UK airport lounge passes,


from £1,960. Valid until December 31. elegantresorts. co.uk


Premier Holidays offers three nights at Sofitel Bahrain Zallag Thalassa Sea & Spa, from £699 staying B&B in a Superior King Room, including flights from


Heathrow with Gulf Air. Based on selected dates in May 2019.


trade.premier holidays.co.uk


Gulf Air, Bahrain’s


national carrier, operates two daily flights from Heathrow, with return fares from £456. gulfair.com


FCO travel advice


Foreign Office advice states there is a heightened threat of terrorist attacks in Bahrain, including places visited by foreigners, and suggests visitors remain vigilant, especially at high-profile events. There is an increased security presence around the country. Bahrain suspended diplomatic relations with Qatar in June 2017, and it is an offence to show sympathy for Qatar on social media or any other means of communication.


LEFT: Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel wins the Bahrain Grand Prix in 2017


FAR LEFT: Bahrain Fort


BELOW: Marina at The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain


shallow waters, while those with Padi licences scuba dive farther afield. The local laws also allow divers to keep any pearls they find, up to a limit of 60.


◗ SEE: ANCIENT WORLD Bahrain Fort, or Qal’at Al Bahrain, was an ancient harbour and capital of the Dilmun civilisation and once protected key trade routes with southeast Asia. Around a quarter of this awe-inspiring site has been excavated to date, with restorations continuing since it became Bahrain’s first Unesco World Heritage Site in 2005. Interestingly, as you stand among the enormous remains, some of which date back as far as 2300BC, you will see the high-rise buildings of the Bahraini capital in the distance. A visit to the Manama souk, known locally as Bab Al Bahrain, should also be on the itinerary here. Hundreds of traders line a narrow maze of streets


selling everything from handicrafts and spices to western clothes, souvenirs and jewellery. Come prepared to haggle. Any good city tour will also include


a visit to the Al Fateh Grand Mosque in the Juffair district of Manama. Female visitors will be provided with an abaya (robe-like dress) before entering the 7,000-capacity place of worship.


◗ STAY: GOURMET HEAVEN Last year, the Bahrain Economic Development Board revealed plans to establish 15 new four and five-star hotels and beachfront resorts by 2020, with brands including Jumeirah, Fairmont, Wyndham and The Address, together adding up to an investment of more than $10 billion, according to tourist board figures. The all-suite Merchant House is set


to open at the end of this month, while the Four Seasons Bahrain Bay has developed a new beachfront area.


But arguably the destination’s most luxurious and opulent hotel at present is The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain, in Manama. Boasting a private beach and secluded island, with 245 rooms and suites plus spacious three-bedroom villas, the resort delivers a holiday experience that lives up to the brand’s reputation. There are 11 dining venues set across a 20-acre seafront complex, including the signature Plums steakhouse, the artist-inspired Mexican restaurant Cantina Kahlo, La Med, famed for its extravagant weekly brunches, and the Indian restaurant Nirvana. The sea-inspired spa is equipped with a thalassotherapy pool and hammam, plus there’s a members- only Royal Beach club with tennis and squash courts and a fitness centre. Not forgetting the flamboyant flamingos, unofficial ambassadors of the resort, that also have residence here. Room rates start at £338 per night.


66travelweekly.co.uk29 November 2018


PICTURES: SHUTTERSTOCK


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