Bahrain Luxury Guide
Bahrain is an archipelago of 33 islands. Here, Unesco World Heritage Sites tell the story of the ancient Dilmun empire, while glamorous skyscrapers of the capital, Manama, fill the skyline. The depths of its lapping Arabian waters sparkle with treasured Bahraini pearls. At the National Library of Bahrain at Al-Fateh Grand Mosque, it feels like the pages of history come alive.
How to get there?
Being an important transportation hub of the Gulf, Bahrain has long facilitated travel and trade. With numerous flights, it’s undergoing significant expansion projects to draw international crowds.
Bahrain International Airport is located in Muharraq, 4.5 miles east of the capital. Major international airlines such as Gulf Air, British Airways, Turkish Airlines, Lufthansa, Emirates and Qatar Airways operate flights (many of them, non-stop) to and from various destinations, including the UK, Europe and the United States.
An arsenal of adventures
Gather around cosy bonfires or fire up barbecues under a canopy of stars. The Sakhir Desert turns into a playground for adrenaline junkies during the annual camping season.
For an especially memorable time, go kayaking through the Disappearing Island of Jarada. This hidden gem is an hour-long boat ride from the mainland and features a stretch of sand that appears and vanishes with the tides.
Retail therapy & cultural hotspots
Drench yourself in opulence at the many souqs dotted across the country. Al Qusayrya Market (a Unesco site), Souq Al Haraj and Manama Souq are famous for Bahraini pearls, precious antiques and gold.
You’ll find a cluster of shopping malls near Government Avenue in Block 301 and close to the Sheikh Khalifa Bin Salman highway along the waterfront of Manama. Among these, the most sought-after include The Avenues and Moda Mall, housed within the Bahrain World Trade Center.
Keep an eye out for Time Out Market scheduled to open at the end of this year in Manama’s City Centre Bahrain. This upscale food and cultural market is brought to you by the same teams behind the popular Time Out Lisbon and Time Out New York. It features two floors of top-notch restaurants, chic pubs, art displays, breezy rooftop hangouts, cosy cafes and dessert counters. With about 17% of mall-goers being tourists, it’s the ultimate spot to mingle with travellers and locals over cocktails. Exquisite food, upbeat music and non-stop entertainment – it’s all happening here!
Luxe abodes
Earlier this year, Raffles Al Areen Palace Bahrain opened its doors in Manama, marking the country’s inaugural all-villa resort. Embracing the rich hues and distinctive forms of Arabic art and architecture, the resort’s restaurants and communal spaces are adorned with striking pieces.
Guests are treated to Raffles’ prestigious butler service, while a palace botanist is available to impart valuable knowledge and conduct exclusive workshops. These sessions cover a range of topics — from organic gardening to the art of tree planting, date harvesting and the therapeutic properties of various herbs.
Situated in Juffair, along the Al Fateh Highway, the towering 45-storey Hilton Bahrain offers elegant studios and one-bedroom apartments. Each unit features fully-equipped kitchens and boasts stunning sea views from private balconies. The hotel is committed to sustainability with initiatives such as a ‘smart garden,’ which supplies fresh herbs and produce for its culinary offerings. This not only reduces the carbon footprint, but also promotes healthy and local dining options.
Origin Kitchen & Culture, the hotel’s all-day dining restaurant, impresses guests with authentic delicacies and live cooking. Meanwhile, CocoLuna, the chic lounge, exudes a playful and vibrant atmosphere, offering a unique social experience.
Words: Katha Nauriyal
Pictures: Best of Bahrain; Unsplash/Ajmal Shams, Bahrain Tourism & Exhibition Authority
Looking to connect with Bahrain’s premium properties and luxury travel brands?
From 4–7 May 2025, luxury travel designers from the UK, Germany, China and India are invited to join us for the third edition of Connections Luxury Bahrain, in partnership with Bahrain Tourism and Exhibition Authority. Find out more and apply here.