The ROYAL Treatment in Bahrain

Words Sherif Shaltout

On stepping inside our luxury villa it is impossible not to let a sense of serenity and peace wash over me. As it turns out, this is exactly what The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain is all about. Located a mere 11 km from the airport, the hotel consists of a 245-room resort located on 20 acres of private beachfront encircling a beautiful lagoon of deepest blue. Of the nearly 250 rooms on offer, 31 are suites and 42 are Club Level rooms but the real jewels in The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain’s crown are the 23 stunning seafront villas. These each boast three bedrooms, a private pool, beach access and a 24-hour butler service ready to cater to your every whim. The interiors are inspired by ‘60s architecture, with vibrant colours, wood panelling and exposed beams. There is also a generous dollop of South American and Mediterranean influence which melds together to create a uniquely engaging environment. Although inspired by ‘60s cool, there is nothing old fashioned about the facilities; the entire villa is kitted out with state-of-the art amenities designed to make a guest’s stay as relaxing as possible. Their only drawback? You may never want to leave.After wandering around for a good fifteen minutes, fiddling with air-conditioning settings and leaping onto one of the softest beds I have ever encountered, I finally turn my attention to the view. From some parts of the resort, guests can see the Arabian Gulf; from our villa we are treated to a fabulous, unrestricted view of picturesque Manama Bay. The most striking characteristic of the villas, however is their tranquillity. Nestled amidst the lush greenery of the gardens, they feel secluded without being isolated and offer the perfect antidote to the hustle and bustle of modern life. I am also struck by the blend of sophisticated elegance and laid-back, beachy vibes in the design.

Access to the water is also key. The Kingdom of Bahrain boasts beautiful sunshine and warm temperatures attracting holidaymakers year-round.
So, being able to dip into the crystal waters of the lagoon at any time is a luxury that cannot be overstated and one that is valued highly by visitors to The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain.

The spa is a haven offering treatments to leave guests restored and relaxed

When I am finally able to tear myself away from the villa, I start to explore the resort. Aside from the lovely decor and the many restaurants (which I will expand on later), I am drawn to The Ritz-Carlton Spa. A reason to stay all on its own, the spa is a haven offering relaxing treatments and signature products to leave guests refreshed and restored. I am particularly impressed by the thalassotherapy pool, a large, warm, mineral-rich pool with hydrotherapy jets to ease away aches and pains, allowing visitors to emerge revitalised and oh-so-relaxed. There is also the usual spa offering of massages and beauty treatments but all with that specific Ritz-Carlton finish that seems to add a sheen of luxury and of going the extra mile. For anyone wishing to exert a little energy, there is a fully stocked gym and also beachfront tennis courts and an air-conditioned indoor squash court. I am even able to indulge in a little retail therapy in the shopping arcade as I wander.Having worked up an appetite, I have a serious decision to make; The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain has a veritable smorgasbord of restaurants and bars on offer and all sound irresistible. La Med lays on a fabulously lavish buffet, while The Gourmet Lounge specialises in Old World classics with decor inspired by La Belle Epoque – a truly regal dining experience. If you’re looking for something a little more exotic then Nirvana is for you; Executive Chef Mahipal Singh creates tantalising dishes complemented by the rich, sultry decor all set to the live music of the ‘Santoor’. Primavera serves up excellent Italian while Plums is the place to go for a really good steak. Lighter bites are available from La Plage, the resort’s poolside restaurant (perfect for a lazy lunch with plenty of wine) and from Thai Lounge. A quintessential afternoon tea can be had at The Lobby Lounge but my personal favourite is the Burlington Club where guests can stop for a cocktail and a fine Cuban cigar before or after dinner.

Another aspect of the hotel that makes it a destination for travellers is the Club Level. This is designed to create the feeling of a ‘hotel within a hotel’, to extend an extra level of exclusivity, comfort and personalized service. It is located on two dedicated floors to ensure privacy and offers a separate lounge area with complimentary food and drink throughout the day.

It is a wrench to leave at the end of my stay as weeks could be spent here without ever needing (or wanting) to venture out of the resort. The amenable staff, glorious design and excellent facilities without a doubt put The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain among the leading luxury hotels in the worldThe Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain – The villa rate starts at GBP 2112 per night excluding taxes. The villa has three bedrooms and can accommodate up to 6 guests – ritz-carlton.com