Do you want to get away from everyday life and set sail on a pampering escape? The Ritz-Carlton Bahrain is the answer, and this editor had her luggage packed even before the end of the word staycation. Check it out and plan your very own well-deserved break
The Brazilian writer Paulo Coelho once said: “If you think adventure is dangerous, try routine, it is lethal.” He was definitely a bit too dramatic, but yes, a routine can drag you down and looking for new things to do is a necessity. Travelling was a way of changing scenery but, as we are well aware, Covid-19 made going on a trip a distant memory. The solution to embarking on a new adventure without leaving Bahrain – a staycation! I have to confess that I was unsure what to expect when we checked in at The Ritz-Carlton Bahrain. I was excited to get away from our home and tiring routine, and I certainly knew that I was ready to experience a beachfront resort with a Maldivian feel in the heart of the Kingdom. This sounded like one of the best ideas of all time, but would this feel like a real escape? Keep reading if you want to find out!
At the reception, you can already feel that an incredible stay is waiting for you; the welcoming feeling at the lobby and helpful staff are a fantastic start. We arrived at this city resort in the middle of the afternoon, and Avee, the lovely receptionist at the check-in, explained all about the hotel and wished us a pleasant stay. The weather was just perfect, and we couldn’t wait to explore this beautiful property spanning 20 acres of lush gardens and golden sandy beaches. We are a family of four, and my eldest child was turning 16, so we had an extra reason to plan something special over the weekend. And the team at The Ritz-Carlton Bahrain couldn’t have made her happier with balloons and decorations plus an awesome cake waiting for us in our room. Which, by the way, was located on the seventh floor, The Club Lounge floor. The view, as you can imagine, was breathtaking! We had an unobstructed picture of the immense pool, white-sand beach and the open sea that shows its expanse behind the lagoon that’s been created to make your beach experience safe and private. The room was the perfect size with a comfortable king-size bed, a separate wardrobe area, a sofa and a centre table. The big screen TV can be rotated to be watched from the lounge area or the bed. However, the highlight has to go to the bathroom. A big and deep bathtub was waiting for us, and my kids couldn’t wait to get in.
A massive separate area with a state-of-the-art rain shower and toilet was hidden behind glass doors, making these bits entirely private. Perfect for a family with many members and all sorts of needs.
We quickly got changed into our swimsuits to enjoy the rest of the day (I promised my kids they could get in the bathtub before dinner). We crossed the bridge over the extensive pool, thinking of returning to it later because we had our eyes on the beach. Bahrain doesn’t offer many good beach areas, and we absolutely love a beach vibe. Sandcastles and crystalline water were all we wanted. As I mentioned previously, the weather was just perfect, not too hot and not cold at all. We enjoyed the beach until sunset, when it was time to go back to our bedroom and get ready for dinner (don’t forget that a relaxing time in the tub was also in the schedule).
Our evening meal was reserved at the Ritz Gourmet Lounge, a restaurant that transports you to Paris with its Belle Époque décor and elegant features such as rich velvet upholstered Napoleon chairs and sofas for a chic ambience like a ‘salon de thé’. Our eyes were immediately directed to the ceiling, where you can spot paintings in golden frames, fighting gravity. The menu is not extensive and serves straightforward and comforting food. We ordered a Mezze (because I am a hummus lover), two pasta dishes (the vegetarians needed something soothing), the local Sea Bass and the Fennel and Halloumi Salad. All to be shared and enjoyed by the four of us. The Executive Pastry Chef Jonathan Challenor came to our table right when we were eating our ice-creams and insisted that we had the famous Classic Cheesecake. We were feeling satisfied; however, we had to try it, and it was the best decision of the night! We are still dreaming of it. I highly recommend it if you haven’t tried it yet, and if you have, I’m probably making you drool at the memory of its flavour and unique soft texture, well balanced with the crunchy biscuit dough.
The Ritz-Carlton Bahrain offers 13 dining experiences, all with their own characteristics and personality. From Mexican flavours at Cantina Kahlo to Nirvana, led by Chef Mahipal Singh, reflecting the decadent décor of India’s palaces. This fine-dining restaurant offers authentic dishes, including kebabs and grilled seafood. An invitation, if one were needed, to stay even longer to truly savour this city resort’s extraordinary cuisine selection.
The night was enjoyable, and we decided to go for a walk. The hotel is beautifully illuminated at night, and the track that takes you to the island in front of the beach is the perfect setting for some exercise.
A few joggers and guests passed us by, appreciating the pleasant evening, just like us. It was time to go to bed and wake up early to enjoy this amazing stay at its most. The breakfast was served at the Ritz Gourmet Lounge, so we headed back to this dessert and pastry sanctuary. The fresh bread and hot black coffee were all I needed to start the day. We went back to our room, and once again, were in our swimsuits to enjoy the morning. As beach aficionados, we went straight there to lay down in the beach lounges, play once again in the sand and walk in the low tidewaters.
We remembered that we didn’t go to the pool the day before, so we decided to spend the rest of our day in the cooling pool water, kids playing and adults just relaxing under the shade of the enormous umbrella. The warm breeze blowing was a blissful touch to a very pleasant ‘by the pool’ atmosphere.
The Ritz-Carlton Bahrain has an incredible location at the heart of Seef, though you completely forget that the city is behind you and functioning at full speed. Time stopped for us. We fully embraced relaxation mode, and when leaving the hotel premises, we were happy that we didn’t have to go to the airport and wait for a flight back to Bahrain. We could just drive home. My staycation at The Ritz-Carlton Bahrain ticked all the boxes and more. I completely disconnected and forgot about worries and routine and was able to embrace this mini holiday with all my passion for travelling. This is a perfect Eid escape where your mind and soul can delight in a beautiful scenario and where you can nourish your body and replenish your energy.
For more information or to make a reservation, please call The Ritz-Carlton Bahrain on 1758 6868 (to book a room) and 1758 6499 (for a restaurant reservation). @ritzcarltonbahrain
