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.

1. Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay, for utmost exclusivity

Spa Hotel, Chain Hotel

An elegant room with floor-to-ceiling windows, a gray velvet couch, hardwood floors and floral details at Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay

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.

2. The Ritz-Carlton, for a bespoke getaway

Hotel

Modern-looking large indoor pool and hottub at the Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain

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.

3. The Merchant House, for boutique chic

Boutique Hotel, Luxury

Elegant bedroom with a separate living area with a white couch, a navy chair, a coffee table as well as a taller table and two orange chairs at The Merchant House

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.

5. Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea and Spa, for an indulgent spa day

Resort, Spa Hotel

Outdoor balcony with small infinity pool, sun loungers and a breakfast table overlooking the water at Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea and Spa,

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.

6. Crowne Plaza Bahrain, for business travellers

Chain Hotel

Outdoor pool surrounded by a grass lawn and white tables and chairs set up for a celebration at Crowne Plaza Bahrain

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.

7. Al Areen Palace and Spa, for next-level luxury

Hotel

A traditional Arabian room at Al Areen Palace and Spa with carved headboard, ornate lamp and marble floors

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.

8. Wyndham Grand Manama, for a salty stay

Chain Hotel

Modern bedroom with a four-poster bed, a wood-panelled wall and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the water at the Wyndham Grand Manama

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.

9. Gulf Hotel Bahrain, for foodie glamour

Spa Hotel

Elegant cream-toned bedroom with a mirror on the wall behind the bed and floor-to-ceiling windows at the Gulf Hotel Bahrain

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.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.