Souk it all in
take time immersing yourself in the country’s history, following the
UNESCO Bahrain
Pearling Path, visiting the numerous museums and historical buildings and most definitely stopping off at The
House of Coffee.
Built by the Portuguese in the 16th century, Bahrain fort is another of the country’s three UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It’s worth a visit if only to see the sun set over the city.
Fast cars and vanishing islands
Bahrain made sporting history becoming the first Middle Eastern country to host a Formula 1 race in 2004 and the Bahrain Grand Prix, which takes place in the heart of the Sakhir desert, is the opening race of the 2023 calendar.
I channel my inner Lewis Hamilton on the go-karting track next door to F1’s Bahrain International Circuit and must admit to feeling pretty pumped up, and pretty hot, decked out in racing suit, helmet and gloves. As we line up the adrenaline rush is undeniable and the roar of the engines strangely intoxicating.
The karts are fast, the circuit testing, and it’s fair to say I’m lapped a few times by some of my more ruthless competitors, sadly finishing in the bottom half of the
leaderboard. But I have an absolute ball and, as a slightly alternative holiday experience, karting comes highly recommended.
If fast cars are not your bag then Bahrain is blessed with its fair share of beautiful beaches and a speedboat ride to Jarada Island was an undoubted, blissful highlight of my trip.
Some 8.7 miles from the mainland, sitting midway between Bahrain and Qatar in crystal-clear waters, the disappearing tidal island is a perfect picnic spot. You can come here to swim, snorkel but mainly to relax, unwind and watch Jarada vanish before your very eyes.
Top-class hotels
Neighbouring hotels Vida Beach Resort Marassi Al Bahrain and The Address Beach Resort Bahrain are my holiday bases and both are excellent choices.
Situated on the southern shores of Diyar Al Muharraq, northeast of Manama, this is a brand new development soon to become a destination in its own right with the opening of Marassi Galleria shopping mall housing some of the world’s top retailers.
Both are chic beachside properties boasting elegant, well-equipped rooms and top-class facilities. Vida has a rooftop infinity pool with views over Marassi beach and a floating seawater pool is due to open this year. The breakfast choice is vast while restaurant The Bistro by Origins specialises in Mediterranean favourites made with organic ingredients sourced from Bahraini farms. The Address only
opened its doors in November but has some seriously positive reviews. The pool is classy and the gardens immaculately groomed, but the spa is the real stand-out. In a darkened room I succumb to 60 minutes of massaging bliss. The service at both hotels is impeccable, the staff friendly and attentive and the atmosphere one of understated luxury.
I spend my final night by the pool looking out towards the bright lights of Manama and, glass in hand, toast this captivating island kingdom.