Mosques, souks and stunning sunsets
No expense was spared, either, in building the Al Fateh Grand Mosque with the world’s largest fibreglass dome, Italian marble floors, doors made of teak wood imported from India, an exquisite Austrian chandelier and carpet crafted in Northern Ireland.
Vast enough to accommodate up to 7,000 worshippers it is one of the world’s biggest mosques. Our guide is compelling and the whole experience absorbing and superbly spiritual.
Of course no visit to the Middle East is complete without a trip to a souk and Bab Al Bahrain, situated in Manama’s business district, certainly ticks that box. Don’t expect the hustle and bustle of Marrakech’s markets but do haggle and bag a bargain or two.
The tantalising aromas of exotic spices waft through the warren of narrow streets making the old bazaar a fascinating place to spend an hour or two. Souvenirs aside, think gold jewellery, interior design-worthy lamps, hand-woven rugs, tailored suits and some budget-friendly restaurants.
You may also stumble across the synagogue serving the country’s 36 Jewish residents and around the corner a Hindu temple. Pope Francis made a historic first papal visit to Bahrain last November and our guide speaks passionately about the kingdom’s religious freedom.
Connected by a causeway to Manama, Muharraq, Bahrain’s third largest city, was once the global centre of the pearling industry which, before oil, was key to its economy. It’s a maze of winding alleyways and getting lost in them is part of Muharraq’s magical and undeniable charm.
A world away from Manama’s futuristic skyscrapers, step back and
A speedboat ride to Jarada Island was a blissful highlight of my trip
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
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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.