One of the most elegant addresses in Bahrain is set within 20 acres of lush gardens and golden sandy beaches right on the Persian Gulf. Located just seven miles from the Bahrain airport, the Ritz-Carlton consists of 245-rooms, a private beach encircling a beautiful lagoon of the deepest blue, an exclusive Royal Beach Club, and the sea-inspired Ritz-Carlton Spa.
Of the various-size rooms on offer, 31 are suites and 42 are Club Level rooms, but the real gems in are the 23 beachfront villas, each with three bedrooms, a private dipping pool, and a personal butler ready to cater to my every whim.
As soon as I stepped inside my luxury villa, I couldn’t ignore the sense of peace and tranquility washing over me. As it turns out, this is exactly what the Ritz-Carlton in Bahrain is all about.
Inspired by ’60s architecture, there is nothing old-fashioned about the hotel facilities; the entire villa boasts state-of-the-art amenities designed to make the guest’s stay as relaxing as possible. The most striking characteristic of the villa is indeed the tranquility. Nestled amidst the lush gardens, it feels secluded without being isolated and offers the perfect antidote to the guests’ hectic lifestyle. I was also struck by the seamless blend between sophisticated elegance and laid-back, beach-vibe design. The only downside? You may never want to leave.
After wandering around the premises and leaping onto one of the softest beds I have ever slept in, I turned my attention to the view. From many parts of the resort, guests have a lovely view of the Persian Gulf. However, from the villa I was treated to a fabulous, unrestricted view of the picturesque lagoon, like being in the beautiful Maldives right at the heart of Manama.
Access to the beach is key. The Kingdom of Bahrain can reach as high as 104 degrees and more in August, so the best time to travel is October to May when the weather is pleasant yet not overpowering. Even so, being able to dip into the crystal waters of the lagoon at any time is a luxury that cannot be overstated.
When I finally tore myself away from the villa, I began to explore the resort and was immediately drawn to The Ritz-Carlton Spa. A reason to stay all on its own, the spa is a haven offering restorative treatments and signature products. I was particularly impressed with the thalassotherapy pool, a large, warm, mineral-rich pool with hydrotherapy jets to ease away aches and pains so that guests emerge revitalized and oh-so-relaxed.
And if you wish to exert a bit more energy, there is a modern gym, beachfront tennis courts, and an air-conditioned indoor squash court. I chose to indulge in a bit of boat therapy with the resort’s own Pearl 1 docked at the Royal Marina.
Having worked up an appetite, I had some serious decisions to make; The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain has a veritable smorgasbord of 14 restaurants and lounges on offer, and all sound irresistible. La Med offers a fabulous breakfast buffet, while the Ritz Gourmet Lounge specializes in European classics and decor inspired by the Belle Epoque – a truly regal dining experience.
If you’re looking for something a little more exotic, Nirvana is the place for you, offering tantalizing dishes complemented by a rich, sultry decor. Primavera combines traditional Italian flavors with a refined presentation, while the Plums is the place to experience some real nouvelle cuisine. Lighter bites are available at La Plage, the resort’s poolside restaurant, as well as the Thai Lounge. The famous Ritz-Carlton afternoon tea is served at the Lobby Lounge, but my personal favorite was the authentic Mexican restaurant, Cantina Kahlo, where guests can experience the rich culinary traditions of Mexico and wash them down with a variety of margaritas.
Another aspect of the hotel that makes it a destination all on its own is the Club Level. This is designed to create the feeling of a hotel-within-a-hotel, offering an extra level of exclusivity, comfort, and personalized service. It is located on two dedicated floors to ensure the guests’ complete privacy, with a separate lounge area, a small complimentary buffet, and complimentary beverages throughout the day.
It was truly hard to leave, as I could have spent weeks at the resort without ever needing (or wanting) to venture out. The amenable staff, exquisite design, and excellent facilities put the Ritz-Carlton among the leading luxury hotels in the world, without a doubt.
For more info or reservations, visit the hotel website.
Posted in partnership with the Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain
