Pearl of the Gulf
“From barely trodden beaches and cerulean‐washed islands to ancient archaeological sites and sweeping deserts, Bahrain offers plenty to entice – all without the crowds of its better‐known neighbours.”
Words by Laura French
With its unique cultural heritage, intriguing pearling history and string of pristine beaches, Bahrain makes for an idyllic island escape.
Known as the ‘Pearl of the Gulf’ thanks to its millennia‐old pearling past, this culture‐rich kingdom, made up of more than 30 islands, has long been a trading hub thanks to its strategic position in the Gulf. Today its heritage remains; ancient remnants of the Dilmun empire rub shoulders with centuries‐old mosques and bustling souks, while a growing clutch of high-end resorts and restaurants mean there’s plenty to lure luxury travellers too.
Cultural capital
At its heart is capital Manama, where magnificent mosques and colourful bazaars meet towering, shiny skyscrapers and glossy shopping malls.
For a glimpse into the Bahrain of old, wander the maze‐like streets of Manama Souq – filled with stalls selling local spices, handicrafts and Bahraini delicacies – then visit the Al Fateh Grand Mosque, one of the largest of its kind in the world and an ode to opulent architecture with its gold‐hued interiors, glittering chandeliers and patterned ceilings.
Elsewhere in the city, the Bahrain National Museum is well worth a stop with its impressive collection of archaeological artefacts and contemporary art, while the Beit Al Quran complex offers a further glimpse into Islamic heritage, with more than 50,000 books housed here.
Millennia-old history
It’s not only in the capital that you’ll find the remnants of Bahrain’s storied past, though. Just outside the city lies Qal’at al‐Bahrain, a Unesco‐listed archaeological site dating back 3,000 years that was once the capital of the ancient Dilmun civilisation. Today the site is home to an impressive 16th-century fort, with a slew of intriguing relics displayed at the on-site museum.
For more in the way of history, the nearby city of Muharraq, set on its own island, is well worth a visit. Here you’ll find a maze of winding alleys lined with traditional Bahraini houses, alongside the imposing Sheikh Isa Bin Ali House – the former seat of the ruling sheikhs and an architectural feat with its honey‐hued walls and carved archways.
The nation’s capital until 1932, Muharraq has been at the centre of the country’s pearling industry since the second century and is now a Unesco World Heritage Site; wander the two-mile Pearling Path to learn more about its heritage, with various historical buildings and museums designed to offer a glimpse into the lives of the pearl divers that once worked here.
Four Seasons Bahrain Bay
Land and sea adventures
Bahrain isn’t only about the history and culture, of course. It’s also a hotspot for adventures – not least scuba diving and snorkelling. Various reef and wreck dives are available across its smattering of isles, with whale sharks, turtles, clownfish and dugongs among the creatures to spot.
Visitors can also book a pearl diving trip from Muharraq to seek out oysters and learn about the process first‐hand, or head to Dive Bahrain, located just off the Diyar Al Muharraq archipelago. Here you’ll find the “world’s largest underwater theme park”, built around a sunken Boeing 747 and spanning an area the size of 14 football pitches.
Back on land, there’s plenty more in the way of adventure. The now-famous Formula 1 Bahrain Grand Prix brings motorsports fans flocking from across the world and was the first F1 Grand Prix in the Middle East. Golfing enthusiasts, meanwhile, will find a slew of world‐class courses, among them the Royal Golf Club, home to an 18-hole championship course designed by Colin Montgomerie, and the Awali Golf Club, built on the sand and the oldest course in the Gulf region.
Island life
A visit to Bahrain doesn’t have to mean doing anything at all, though. For visitors more in the market for a fly-and-flop break, there’s plenty to cater, with a slew of sandy beaches scattered across the country’s 30‐plus islands.
Among the most popular is Al Jazayer, the biggest public beach on Bahrain’s main island and a hotspot for swimming and windsurfing. Closer to Manama, Abhu Subh Beach in Diraz is a postcard-pretty curve of fine white sand, with calm, shallow waters and fresh seafood trucks lining the front.
Away from the main island, the Hawar archipelago boasts pristine coastline complete with seabirds and other wildlife, while Jarada Island looks like it’s been plucked straight from the pages of a brochure, with rings of curacao‐blue lapping snow‐white sand.
Luxury retreats
For travellers after an added dose of extra exclusivity, Bahrain isn’t short on private beachfront retreats.
On Reef Island, the Reef Boutique Hotel offers one of the country’s chicest stays, with villas scattered among date gardens and lagoons. On the Amwaj Islands development, you’ll find a myriad other deluxe properties – not least the Grove Resort, home to villas and apartments overlooking an idyllic private beach and offering plenty of watersports.
A host of bigger brands have made a name for themselves here too. Among them is the palatial Ritz‐Carlton Bahrain, set on a 20-acre seafront development close to Manama and boasting 11 restaurants and bars – including renowned steakhouse Plums, and Primavera, led by two-Michelin-starred chef Oliver Glowig.
Living up to its ‘hotel with a view’ tagline, the Address Beach Resort Bahrain is one of the newest arrivals overlooking the spectacular Marassi Al Bahrain shoreline. Dining options offer Arabic bites and international cuisine. For the ultimate relaxation, guests can lounge by the pool or on the private beach, or opt for a signature treatment at The Spa.
Along the southwest coast of Bahrain lies Jumeirah Gulf of Bahrain Resort & Spa. From the serenely styled rooms and houses that ooze Arabian luxury, to the traditional boat rides, blissful treatments and private cinema, Jumeirah has it covered for locals and visitors alike.
Just as impressive is Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay, set on its own island on Bahrain Bay and boasting skyline views alongside a spa and two Wolfgang Puck restaurants – CUT and Re/Asian Cuisine.
They aren’t the only fine‐dining spots you’ll find across Bahrain, of course. Among the destination’s growing horde of culinary haunts is Rasoi by Vineet, offering creative Indian cuisine by Michelin-starred chef Vineet Bhatia; and Masso, inspired by the French Riviera and ranked among the Middle East & Africa’s 50 Best Restaurants.
They’re just a few of the lures giving Bahrain’s Middle Eastern neighbours a run for their money – and a peep into the lavish future of this oft-underrated, culturally rich destination that fuses history, luxury and adventure together in one enticing mix.