It’s a long way off yet, but the rumble of the World Cup is never too far away, and the convoy of FIFA fans expected to descend on the buzzing desert metropolises of Doha is enough to accelerate booking plans far in advance. Where to say then, to enjoy the buzz of the games and easily explore this rich desert city? Split between the old Arabia and the new, the several hotels owned by Tivoli across Doha offer ample accommodation for all tastes and budgets.
Souq Al Wakra Hotel Qatar
For those hoping to blend FIFA excitement with a slice of holiday relaxation in the city’s 30-degree winter heat, Souq Al Wakra Hotel by Tivoli is located in the up-an-coming seaside district of Al Wakra.
Located 10 minutes from Hamad International Airport and 20 minutes from central Doha, the hotel is far enough to escape the hordes of football fans but close enough to easily jump into the action. A slick renovation of 17th century heritage buildings, the 101 room complex maintains the original architectural features built by local fishermen and pearl divers from way back when.
Terracotta walls, ambient fountains and minimalist interiors ooze a simple beachy vibe. Though rooms are small due to the structure of the old fishing huts that once stood here, the space is used effectively, with larger suites formed from interconnecting rooms. The surrounding area boasts a beachfront promenade peppered with restaurants, leading to the labyrinth of market stalls within the local Souq – perfect for glimpsing the essence of Qatari life outside of the city.
Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels
For guests yearning to be right in the thick of it, Souq Waqif – Doha’s most famous marketplace gives way to a warren of Tivoli’s boutique hotels that in many ways feel more like an opulent Arabic home than a hotel. Personal touches and rich interiors blend with the ever-present aroma of the Arabic coffee and sweet dates presented to every guest to roll off the street, and into any one of the nine hotel lobby’s peppered through the cobbled streets of the Souq.
Facilities are peppered throughout the hotels; the luxurious spa at Al Jasra boasts Doha’s only Moroccan hammam experience, while Al Mirqab is home to the Souq’s only outdoor swimming pool – available to all guests, whichever hotel you’re staying in. Guests can choose from six restaurants, offering a mixture of Indian, Moroccan and Lebanese cuisines amidst rooftop views and opulent dining spaces.
La Piazza at Al Bidda houses the breakfast buffet for all Tivoli hotel guests, where classic continentals and authentic local specialties sit side-by-side, below an azure glass ceiling which glints in the morning sun. Al Shurfa restaurant at Al Jomrok Hotel is the perfect place in old town for a rooftop dining experience. Overlooking Doha’s imposing skyline, the terrace is most beautiful at sunset over platters of hot mezze and Arabic coffee, while its indoor rooftop lounge is a popular shisha haunt for locals and guests alike.
Al Najada
Located in the heart of central Souq Al Najada, the 151 roomed hotel stands as a vast Arabian sanctuary. The lobby boasts high ceilings and immediate indulgence, blending traditional architecture with a contemporary colour palate.
With 3 restaurants, a swimming pool area (and pool bar), fitness centre and an elegant ballroom to boot, Al Najada is particularly popular with European guests for high quality amenities and easy access to the city’s attractions.
Al Baraha Restaurant offers a sprawling daily breakfast buffet, where guests can drink coffee al fresco on the Italian style piazza. Missan is the hotel’s newest addition – a mesmerizing dessert-only restaurant featuring the sweetest gastronomic experiences in the city.
Looking for the hottest new destination this summer? Bahrain certainly ticks all the right boxes and then some and is fast becoming the must-visit place of the Arabian Gulf. It is small but beautiful, making it an ideal place to explore for a long weekend or longer. Comprised of an archipelago of 33 islands, Bahrain strikes the perfect balance between modern and traditional living.
Here’s why you should book your ticket to the ‘Island of smiles’ right now.
The most incredible hotels
Bahrain is home to countless amazing luxury and boutique hotels, but our favourites have to be the ART Rotana and The Four Seasons.
The ART Rotana is situated on the Amwaj Islands in Bahrain and is without doubt one of the most spectacular five-star hotels that I have ever stayed in. We stayed in a premium king room that had the most stunning views over the hotels private beach and swimming pool with the cityscape of Manama in the background. There are eight different restaurants within the hotel – we chose to eat at Flames Steak and Seafood where we enjoyed a plethora of seafood specialties.
If you are looking for the ultimate luxury hotel experience, you probably don’t need to look any further than The Four Seasons, Bahrain Bay – upon arrival, we marvelled at the striking architecture which can be seen from The Avenues Park across the water. Despite the very contemporary exterior, the interior has been designed in an art-deco style and the elegant lobby has real olive trees and features a live piano recital every afternoon. There are four eateries (including two Wolfgang Puck restaurants) we ate at CUT by Wolfgang Puck which serves the most delicious Japanese Wagyu rib eye.
The rooms at The Four Seasons are exquisite and every fine detail has been carefully thought out. From the Murano glass chandeliers to the elegant marble bathroom with its spa bath, you can’t fail to be wowed.
If relaxing by the pool doesn’t float your boat, then you can partake in a variety of water sports to include kayaking, swimming and paddle boarding.
A need for speed
Without a doubt, Bahrain is the true home of motorsport in the Middle East and the Bahrain Grand Prix is one of the sports absolute highlights. Can’t make it to the Grand Prix to watch the likes of Lewis Hamilton and Kimi Raïkkönen race? You can pay a visit to the renowned Bahrain International Circuit and take an unforgettable behind-the-scenes tour.
If you want to emulate your driving heroes, then you may have to forsake a Formula 1 car for a go kart, but you can still enjoy driving around a state-of-the-art facility that has been designed to cater for aspiring F1 fans. There are 14 turns in total and you can’t help but embrace the competition when racing against your friends, family and fellow writers.
Awesome attractions
Do you love ancient civilisations, far-reaching views and epic architecture? Good! Then the Bahrain Fort or as it is more commonly known – the Qal’at al-Bahrain is the place for you. If you are not content with meandering around this beautiful place, why not try it on horseback? You can ride a majestic Arabian horse around the fort down to the nearby beach. One of the best times to do this is as the sun sets which makes for the most magical experience.
Looking to defy gravity? If the prospect of an actual sky dive leaves you a little shaken and not stirred, why not test the water with an indoor skydive? Gravity Skydive is one of the world’s largest indoor wind tunnels and you can experience wind speeds of up to 250kmph. If you are an adrenaline junkie what better way to get your fix than flying high up in the air.
Take a dip in the azure waters and see what treasures that you can find. Visitors to Bahrain can try pearl-diving – Bahrain has traditionally been known as the pearl capital of the world and this forms a significant part of the Island Kingdom’s cultural identity. Bahrain is one of only a handful of places where you can dive for these precious gemstones.
Fantastic food
If you are looking for a traditional Bahraini breakfast, then look no further than the charming Saffron by Jena who aims to keep the legacy of delicious Bahraini cuisine alive and stronger than ever by offering diners a unique combination of flavours.
Located in Muharraq’s Souq Al Qaysariya, you can enjoy carefully crafted dishes which will invigorate your taste buds and give you a true sense of traditional Bahraini pastries and dishes like dhal, khubz and balaleet (sweet vermicelli and eggs), The restaurant is based in a renovated traditional Bahraini home and has a glass floor where you can see an original date palm press.
Bahrain is a cultural melting pot and is home to a multitude of different nationalities. Over half of the city’s population are expatriates from all over the world, making Bahrain a wonderful country of multiculturalism. This is reflected in the diversity of the restaurants and cuisine on offer. One of the highlights has to be Attic in Block 338 – a hypnotic and bustling Greek restaurant in the upbeat Adliya district. Expect delectable food, eccentric cocktails and above all – a relaxed yet sophisticated ambience.
If Mexican food is more your thing, head over to the cool cantina that is Calexico (also at Block 338) the name originates from a small town that is on the border of Mexico and California. If you are looking for simple, but perfectly executed Mexican fare, Calexico won’t disappoint.
From mystical dishes that smoulder with smoke to exquisitely-cooked seafood that melts in your mouth, PLAY at the Jumeirah Royal Saray has to make your must-visit list and offers stylish dining with a sophisticated ambience.
Awe-inspiring culture and fabulous fun
The Al-Fateh Mosque is the largest place of worship in Bahrain and is one of the most stunning mosques in the Arabian Gulf. If features a large dome at the top of the mosque which is made entirely out of fibreglass, making it currently the world’s largest fibreglass dome and something truly unique. Inside, you can take a tour and admire the intricate Islamic patterns.
From tradition to street art and everything in-between, take a guided tour of Muharraq UNESCO World Heritage Pearling Trail which is home to old merchants houses and some striking examples of street art. Look out for a colourful mural created by esteemed international artist eL. Seed.
One of the best times to visit Bahrain is in December, this is also the month that the Bahrain Ironman competition takes place. If taking part seems like a little bit too much hard work, then enjoy being a spectator instead. This fun event takes place over a weekend and combine the triathlon with fun-filled activities that cater for every whim.
Who doesn’t love a spa treatment? One of the best places to receive some serious R&R on the island is at the Hotel Sofitel where you can indulge your senses at the seawater pool or enjoy a spa treatment that has been designed to rebalance, revitalise and reinvigorate. Total bliss!
For more info
Bahrain Tourism & Exhibitions Authority (BTEA) – For more information on the Kingdom of Bahrain, events and attractions please visit: www.bahrain.com
Gulf Air – Gulf Air’s Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner passengers will experience many improvements with the 787 family. Onboard, you can enjoy the largest windows of any jet, air that is cleaner, more humid and at a higher pressure for greater comfort, large overhead bins with room for everyone’s bag, soothing LED lighting and technology that senses and counters turbulence for a smoother ride. Gulf Air’s Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner offers 26 Falcon Gold Class seats and 256 Economy Class seats with greater pitch, larger IFE screens, enhanced on-board comforts and greater entertainment choices. For further information, fares and reservations contact: (+973) 17373737 or visit: www.gulfair.com
ART Rotana – The ART Rotana is in Amwaj Islands, a group of man-made Islands in the northeast region in Bahrain and only few minutes’ drive from Bahrain International Airport. ART Rotana has 311 luxurious rooms and suites, all ocean front facing and is a haven for families and individuals that appreciate the refined qualities of life. The property provides guests with the cosiness and warmth of a home as well as the splendour of modern luxury. The Hotel boasts a collection of eight international restaurants, ranging from Italian to Asian cuisines. The hotel beach club has five-star facilities and guests can get active with various water sport and fitness activities on offer or simply unwind at the spa.
Prices start at £175 per night.
The Four Seasons – In the Kingdom’s capital city of Manama, Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay is a soaring architectural statement on its own exclusive island. Convenient for business and breath taking for Bahrain holidays, this unique-in-the-world urban resort blends innovation and relaxation. Discover the height of stylish dining at Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay, featuring the Kingdom’s highest bar and restaurant on the 50th floor. Choose from a total of seven restaurants and lounges, including three venues by internationally renowned celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck.
While all-singing, all-dancing, all-inclusive resorts are not to be sniffed at, here at House of Coco we also have a penchant a boutique bolthole; the kind of hotels that may be small, but are perfectly formed, with the dedicated attention to detail that sets it apart as a truly luxurious experience.
Since launching in 1990, the Small Luxury Hotels group has turned the luxury boutique hotel into a global phenomenon. Today the team has personally visited, vetted and verified over 530 properties in more than 80 countries across the globe and 2019 has seen the addition of another stellar batch of small, but perfectly formed, hotels to their ever-growing portfolio. From Arizona to Bahrain, we’ve handpicked some of our favourites…
Aguas de Ibiza Grand Luxe Hotel, Ibiza
Ibiza regulars may have noticed something of a step change in recent years. Fear not, its iconic hedonism still prevails, but there’s been a wave of quiet luxury subtly weaving its way across this most magical of Balearic islands, with a host of elegant properties providing partygoers a wind-down a world away from the main haunts. For 2019, Santa Eulàlia’s Aguas de Ibiza Grand Luxe Hotel has opened a new rooftop area with a soon-to-be-announced gastronomic concept, along with the addition of 32 new rooms. One of the island’s premier hotels – the perfect location for a peaceful retreat – the views out to Formentera are the ideal refreshing tonic.
Casa Angelina, Praiano, Italy
Since my inaugural trip to the Amalfi Coast last summer I’ve been itching to return, and when I do it shall be to Casa Angelina. Perched atop the majestic cliffs above the fishing village of Praiano, with views out to the endless blue of the Tyrrhenian Sea and Positano, you’d be forgiven for imagining yourself in some kind of romantic 1950s movie scene…
Understated chic is the hotel’s design ethos with elegantly refined relaxation at its core and Amalfi-style fine dining in its restaurants. For the first time this year, guests can also add private cooking experiences to their stay, learning to make authentic, local dishes from the region, including variations of just-caught fresh seafood. Those looking for an unrivalled experience can book a unique authentic night-time squid fishing excursion led by local experts before returning to the hotel to make the area’s traditional “Totani e Patate” (squid and potatoes) with their catch from the excursion.
Ett Hem, Stockholm, Sweden
Stockholm is ALWAYS a good idea, but no more so than in midsummer, as anyone who’s experienced an endless Scandinavian summer evening will confirm.
Set on a quiet cobbled street in an exclusive Arts and Crafts townhouse, Ett Hem’s 12 rooms each have their ownunique character, mixing modern and vintage style with a sophisticated blend of contemporary and vintage materials such as cane, wood, leather and velvet. From the courtyard garden to the library and relaxation room, every corner exudes low-key ambiance, making a real home from home.
The Merchant House, Manama, Bahrain
Bahrain’s tourism star is on the rise and the January opening of Manama’s The Merchant House has certainly cemented its place in our lust list of must-visit new properties.
The all-suite boutique hotel features striking artwork throughout from both well-established Bahraini artists and up and coming talent, while the rooftop restaurant offers the ultimate dining experience indoors and on the terrace pool. With over 1,00 books in the lobby library you’d be forgiven for fighting the urge while away the hours by the pool, but given the hotel is mere moments away from the vibrant Bab el-Bahrain souk you’ll want to get out and explore what this intoxicating city has to offer.
The Outpost at Sentosa, Sentosa Island, Singapore
In recent years Singapore’s Sentosa Island has gone from a fun family day trip to a seriously hot leisure destination. The Outpost Sentosa only opened in April, but this adults-adults-only retreat is sure to make a big impressions.
Inspired by Sentosa’s heritage as a colonial military base, the 193 guestrooms are a stylish interpretation of black and white design, with crisp lines, hints of gold and a sharply contrasting palette. Set on a hilltop overlooking the beautiful Singapore Strait, it’s a romantic island getaway for the fun and the fearless.
The breathtaking infinity pool takes in a dazzling view of the seaside on the horizon, while perched on the rooftop of the hotel is an exciting new restaurant and bar concept due to be unveiled later in the year that promises revolutionary dining with panoramic views of the South China Sea. This is one playground you’ll want to make a pitstop for.
The Plymouth South Beach Miami, USA
The Plymouth South Beach has stepped straight out of a retro album cover. This peaches and cream Art Deco icon has hardly changed since it was built in 1940 and its slick design shines through. Think metro-tiled bathrooms, vintage- inspired Restoration Hardware furnishings and a dash of golden-age Gatsby glamour.
Book a pool view room for that iconic Miami sunrise, and don’t forget the Sunday night outdoor cinema, the perfect excuse to cosy up by the pool with a cocktail.
Castle Hot Springs, Arizona, United States
Hidden along the rugged Bradshaw Mountains, Arizona’s Castle Hot Springs is the ultimate getaway for guests seeking seclusion.
Newly re-opened in February, the prestigious desert retreat became a haven for the well to-do over the years since it originally opened its doors in 1896. Restored to its former glory, guests can enjoy the rock pool thermal springs whilst sipping a lager made from its own spring water or enjoy exclusively curated activities, from starlight yoga and horseback rides, to exploring the rugged Arizona outdoors and stargazing in one of the USA’s most incredible Dark sky locations.
For more information on any of Small Luxury Hotels’ locations, visit www.slh.com
As a reader of House of Coco, I’m going to wager that you like travel – and maybe get to do it for work. Lucky you, right? Well, no, not really. Let’s say you’re planning a day trip to Ritz-Carlton Bahrain.
Travelling for work is like the last unicorn…we all want it, but when we’re stroking its glittery mane we’re sleep deprived, air conned to the max and have eaten way too many processed foods – any conference venue will have the most addictive, crappy quality biscuits and you will eat c. 12 a day. More if you suffered through drinks with clients the night before. You realise why it was the last unicorn standing, no one wanted to keep him. Some of our top tips on how to make the most of your trip can be found here.
Then we get home and people are jealous we’ve been away, curious to see what tourist stuff we did and how many hours of sunbathing we crammed in.
Answers: 1) are you actually mad?
2) does the mall count?
3) how much sunshine exists outside of the hours 8 am to 6 pm when I am WORKING, pray do tell me.
On a recent event management trip to Bahrain, our girl Anna vowed to get out and see some authentic sites and also indulge in a day of luxury at the Ritz Carlton – hah, that’ll give them something to be jealous of.
Indulge in Luxury at The Ritz Carlton: A Day Trip Haven
The Ritz Carlton is set within 20 acres of lush gardens and golden sandy beaches, has a private island, 11 restaurants, a seriously well-equipped spa, 245 rooms and 23 seafront villas with private infinity pools. It’s a town in itself and I happily spent a good 8 hours there on my day trip….
If you aren’t able to stay at the hotel, don’t despair as you can purchase a one-day Royal Beach Club Pass for weekdays (BHD 25 per person) which gives you access to all the facilities so, you can slam your laptop closed and then head for the beach cabana for a long G&T.
The Ultimate Spa Experience at The Ritz Carlton
While at the resort, book in for an hour-long massage and be sure to ask for Betty. You know when you have one of those treatments where you come to, from a dozy state and realise that you are about to drool on the therapist’s floor? It was one of those. From travelling and hunchbacking over my laptop for a week my back was, how shall we put this – buggered – and Betty got stuck in. I’m always reminded of the Clueless quote “Even Fabian, my masseuse, said I had a lot of tension in my back” when having a treatment and remember how teenage me had no clue why you would need a massage, how little I know… In addition to Betty’s badass massage skills, the spa has deliciously heated adjustable beds so sorry loves, you are going to drool.
Before/after treatment the spa area was blissfully quiet so I could live my best life, alone, in the salted thalassotherapy pool and sip the spa’s signature delicious ginger tea. Putri the Spa Manager confided in me that the guests sometimes bring their thermos’ along to take the tea home. Note for next time.
Showered and looking presentable and peaceful, I drifted to the hotel’s Gourmet Lounge for a spot of afternoon tea. The lounge is decorated like a chic Parisien bistro and plays chansons. The teapots are kept warm over tealights and, in a real triumph in a country full of delightful-looking desserts that just don’t taste like all that much, the treats are incredibly high quality and presented beautifully.
I dwelled over afternoon tea, catching up, fittingly on our recent FOODIE volume before wandering outside to snag a cabana and watching the moon come up over the hotel’s bay and marina.
Sunset Strolls, Exotic Cocktails, and Authentic Cuisine
As sunset greeted the resort, I walked along the seafront to visit the hotel’s resident flamingos, on the way to treat myself to a Zombie tiki cocktail at the resort’s outpost of the famous chain, Trader Vic’s. Sadly the cocktail didn’t come in a classic tiki mug on this occasion but it was beautifully presented and mixed.
I then moved outside for tacos from the adjacent Cantina Kahlo, led by chef Hector Miguel Mendoza Becerra, a delicious authentic Mexican restaurant. When you go, order a Silver Margarita and the tequila taco selection for the best dinner you can buy in Bahrain (which is notoriously expensive) for only BHD 18, including tip. Try and catch their Mariachi band who play outside on the terrace most evenings and cosy down with a blanket for an entertaining early evening with the stars and lanterns winking at you.
I essentially packed a long weekend resort trip into only 8 hours meaning I have NOW something exciting to tell those at home about.
Explore the vibrant culture and scenic beauty of the “Island of Smiles” in our latest feature. Discover more about this enchanting destination.
Now, back to cabin fever in that conference centre…
Ritz Carlton Bahrain, Bldg. 112, King Mohammed VI Ave. Block 428, Al Seef District, Manama
