The Best Luxury Hotels to Book in Bahrain
As it’s one of the richest countries in the world, we were expecting to find a luxury hotel or two, but this island country has next-level offerings. Among the five-star hotels in Bahrain, you’ll find suites bedecked in health-giving Himalayan salt, curated libraries and a restaurant that pairs its dishes with Krug champagne – all bookable on Culture Trip.
Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay, for utmost exclusivity
Spa Hotel, Chain Hotel
An exclusive island plays host to this luxury hotel in Bahrain. Behind the doors of each suite, you’ll find polished zebra-wood lined walls, a king-sized bed and views of the Arabian Gulf or Manama skyline. If you really want to push the boat out, book the Royal Suite on the top floor – which is filled with original artwork, an 84” flat-screen TV and an elegant office should you need to work from home. While it may be difficult to tear yourself away from your suite, the fact that Chef Wolfgang Puck has not just one, but two restaurants might just do it.
The Ritz-Carlton, for a bespoke getaway
Hotel
Found at the edge of Manama Bay, this elegant hotel not only comes with glamorous rooms, king-sized beds and rainwater showers but a three-bedroom villa on its grounds. This bespoke hideaway comes with a Bose Sound System, Asprey amenities and butler service. The restaurants also don’t disappoint – among the 14 eateries is La Table Krug by Y, where each dish is paired with a glass of bubbles. If you want to relax, you can visit the Dead Sea-inspired spa or the Royal Beach Club – with its own private beach.
The Merchant House, for boutique chic
Boutique Hotel, Luxury
The former 1940s government office – which was once visited by sea merchants – is now welcoming travellers of another kind as Bahrain’s first boutique hotel. More than 200 original artworks decorate the walls that house 46 suites, a Natura Bisse spa and a Technogym-filled fitness centre. It also has three picture-perfect eateries – including the Library where you can sip tea and read over 1,000 books curated by the Ultimate Library of Oxford.
Reef Resort, from chocolate to caviar
Resort, Spa Hotel, Luxury
Set among date palms on the edge of a pristine lagoon is this five-star hotel in Bahrain. Choose from rooms, suites or villas decorated in rich silks and opulent furniture. There are three eateries – including a chocolaterie that turns into a caviar lounge at night. At the spa, you can enjoy facials, wraps and massages as well as mother and daughter treatments where stylish tweens can enjoy a spot of pampering.
Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea and Spa, for an indulgent spa day
Resort, Spa Hotel
Bahrain five-star hotels love to pamper you and particularly the Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea and Spa. Home to the only Thalassa Sea and Spa in the Middle East, it brings you the ultimate in seawater treatments. Clear your diary for anywhere between one to six days to enjoy revitalising programmes that are designed to put a spring in your step. But even if you don’t visit the spa, the views of the crystal-clear waters of the Arabian Gulf from your room are sure to put a smile on your face.
Crowne Plaza Bahrain, for business travellers
Chain Hotel
Set in the heart of the Manama Diplomatic Area, this business hotel is only minutes away from the embassies, World Trade Centre and the designer boutique-filled Avenues Mall. The 278 contemporary rooms include quiet zones and guaranteed wake-up calls so that you can catch some zzz’s in peace. If you’ve overindulged at the Friday brunch, you can burn it off at the gym or just relax by the outdoor pool.
Al Areen Palace and Spa, for next-level luxury
Hotel
Decadent villas with private pools are the norm at Al Areen Palace – find your own one-, two- or three-bedroom oasis here. Picture king-sized beds under vaulted ceilings, a standalone jacuzzi in your suite and floating breakfasts in your private pool. The award-winning 10,000sqm (107,639sqft) spa features a hydrotherapy garden decorated with muscle-easing jets, a revitalising ice igloo and an emerald and gold bedecked hammam.
Wyndham Grand Manama, for a salty stay
Chain Hotel
The twisting glass tower here offers endless views over Manama. You can choose a perfectly appointed suite or stay in a Himalayan Salt Room. This extra spacious suite features 800-million-year-old Himalayan salt walls designed to exude health-giving benefits. It’s no surprise the hotel has an equally impressive spa – which features a snow room, steam room and sauna, as well as a swimming pool that overlooks the sea.
Gulf Hotel Bahrain, for foodie glamour
Spa Hotel
Gourmands will want to book into this hotel that has 10 restaurants under its roof – including Rasoi by Michelin-starred chef, Vineet Bhatia. Guest rooms are glamorous here – where the most prestigious are the Platinum Suites that give you entrance to the Platinum Lounge. Dine on hot and cold canapes or hold high-powered talks in the private meeting room.