AT just an hour out of the UAE with Air Arabia the Bahrain capital Manama is an easy weekend getaway.
GO WITH THE GLOW: Enjoy the warmth of sunset over the Manama skyline
Casual observers might imagine living so close you’re in for ‘more of the same' - but they’d largely be wrong.
As we learned the moment we stepped into a local cab and the Bahrain-born driver revealed he'd been a policeman – until taxi driving provided a better income.
Now, that’s a conversation you’re unlikely to have in Dubai. And, as the meter clocked up a sum as much as our usual airport run from Sports City, for a relatively short hop to Bahrain’s main mosque and museum in Manama, we agreed his career decision had been a sound one.
As we learned the moment we stepped into a local cab and the Bahrain-born driver revealed he'd been a policeman – until taxi driving provided a better income.
Now, that’s a conversation you’re unlikely to have in Dubai. And, as the meter clocked up a sum as much as our usual airport run from Sports City, for a relatively short hop to Bahrain’s main mosque and museum in Manama, we agreed his career decision had been a sound one.
THE sun seems to sink impossibly slow and large over Manama.
It soaks the Bahraini capital with a golden light that hints at the heat of the day and the pleasant autumnal warmth of the evening to come.
Such views are easier to come by since Downtown Rotana Hotel opened its doors in the spring of 2016.
And it’s fair to say the ‘executive’ lounge in Bahrain’s high-rise new landmark makes the most of location.
Club Rotana, on the 24th floor of this smart, modern tower, is tranquil and comfortable – and the panoramic view across Manama can totally steal your attention.
It soaks the Bahraini capital with a golden light that hints at the heat of the day and the pleasant autumnal warmth of the evening to come.
Such views are easier to come by since Downtown Rotana Hotel opened its doors in the spring of 2016.
And it’s fair to say the ‘executive’ lounge in Bahrain’s high-rise new landmark makes the most of location.
Club Rotana, on the 24th floor of this smart, modern tower, is tranquil and comfortable – and the panoramic view across Manama can totally steal your attention.
NEW ADDRESS: The Downtown Rotana gives Manama visitors even more choice
Centrally located and opened last March, the UAE hotel brand’s latest property is an ideal base for seeking out what the city has to offer – by both car and on foot.
After that short taxi ride, we arrived at Al Fateh Grand Mosque, the city’s showpiece place of worship.
This elegant building operates free guided tours throughout the day and makes extra clothing available to visitors who arrive attired more for heat than Islamic modesty that a mosque requires.
After that short taxi ride, we arrived at Al Fateh Grand Mosque, the city’s showpiece place of worship.
This elegant building operates free guided tours throughout the day and makes extra clothing available to visitors who arrive attired more for heat than Islamic modesty that a mosque requires.
ELEGANT: Al Fateh Grand Mosque offers guided tours to visitors
Bahrain National Museum – a short drive back towards downtown – proved almost as tranquil as the mosque during our visit.
Situated on the waters edge, this impressive modern building explores the history and culture of Bahrain and reveals antecedence stretching back millennia and of marked contrast to the country’s better known Arab neighbours.
Some of the village displays are worn to the point of being a tad scary – and a startled looking cat raised a few titters as we passed – but overall the museum is a worthwhile stop.
The city beyond, meanwhile, is pedestrian-friendly and we easily navigated our way back to Downtown Rotana, once across a major highway.
Essentially a business hotel during weekdays, at weekends this new property buzzes with families and couples, some attending the Friday brunch in international dining restaurant Flavours On 2.
Situated on the waters edge, this impressive modern building explores the history and culture of Bahrain and reveals antecedence stretching back millennia and of marked contrast to the country’s better known Arab neighbours.
Some of the village displays are worn to the point of being a tad scary – and a startled looking cat raised a few titters as we passed – but overall the museum is a worthwhile stop.
The city beyond, meanwhile, is pedestrian-friendly and we easily navigated our way back to Downtown Rotana, once across a major highway.
Essentially a business hotel during weekdays, at weekends this new property buzzes with families and couples, some attending the Friday brunch in international dining restaurant Flavours On 2.
HISTORY IN STYLE: Bahrain National Museum offers a glimpse into island's past
Something of a tradition among ex-pats in Bahrain, as it is in the UAE, the brunch in a well-presented affair with some striking and varied food, enjoyed by a crowd that doesn’t get rowdy amid the free-flowing adult refreshments.
Upstairs the guest rooms are fresh and modern but comfortable with floor to ceiling windows to maximize those views.
We stayed in a Classic Room, close to the Club Rotana (you have to stay on a different room rate or pay extra to use the facilities, so inquire before you book). This sanctuary offers a variety of places to sit and relax over complimentary hot and cold drinks and snacks. The lounge also serves complimentary canapés and beverages in the evening.
Down below, there’s a generous pool deck with bar service, more city glimpses and an adjacent well-equipped gym.
Upstairs the guest rooms are fresh and modern but comfortable with floor to ceiling windows to maximize those views.
We stayed in a Classic Room, close to the Club Rotana (you have to stay on a different room rate or pay extra to use the facilities, so inquire before you book). This sanctuary offers a variety of places to sit and relax over complimentary hot and cold drinks and snacks. The lounge also serves complimentary canapés and beverages in the evening.
Down below, there’s a generous pool deck with bar service, more city glimpses and an adjacent well-equipped gym.
MODERN COMFORT: A Classic Room at Downtown Rotana with a pool view
You might wish to indulge the latter if you succumb to the temptations at Teatro Downtown, an imaginative concession that serves Indian, Japanese, Chinese, Southeast Asian and Italian food.
It may sound like an incongruous mix, but the reality is delicious, imaginative and on view as it is put together in an open kitchen.
The stylish restaurant is also flanked by an industrious bar serving inspired signature cocktails, such as the Downtown Tokyo and the Tiffin Punch.
You could walk off the calories at the nearby Manama Souq...
This crisscross of narrow, partially covered streets sell everything from fabrics, phones and spices to gold, watches and kitchen equipment. Expect to be enthusiastically courted for your Bahraini Dinar, but be sure of what (and if) you want to buy, and what kind of price you are prepared to haggle for.
It may sound like an incongruous mix, but the reality is delicious, imaginative and on view as it is put together in an open kitchen.
The stylish restaurant is also flanked by an industrious bar serving inspired signature cocktails, such as the Downtown Tokyo and the Tiffin Punch.
You could walk off the calories at the nearby Manama Souq...
This crisscross of narrow, partially covered streets sell everything from fabrics, phones and spices to gold, watches and kitchen equipment. Expect to be enthusiastically courted for your Bahraini Dinar, but be sure of what (and if) you want to buy, and what kind of price you are prepared to haggle for.
DHOW TOWN: These traditional fishing boats still operate out of the thriving modern capital
Walk a little further on and Seef Harbour is abundant with working fishing dhows set against a backdrop of swish apartments. Manama is evolving fast, it seems, and this swatch of traditional Bahraini life contrasts adjacent modern architecture rapidly reaching for the skies, from the nearby financial market buildings to the distinctive World Trade Centre beyond.
And if you crave an alternative night, Block 338, in Adliya district is a charming pedestrian quarter that mixes art, boutiques and dining.
The art concept is also applied 30 minutes drive out at Rotana’s beach resort on Amwaj Islands; ART Rotana is a fresh concept that blends stunning design with artistic flourishes for a family-friendly hotel with a difference.
And if you crave an alternative night, Block 338, in Adliya district is a charming pedestrian quarter that mixes art, boutiques and dining.
The art concept is also applied 30 minutes drive out at Rotana’s beach resort on Amwaj Islands; ART Rotana is a fresh concept that blends stunning design with artistic flourishes for a family-friendly hotel with a difference.
SWISH: The entrance to the new ART Rotana, a short drive out of central Manama
For those travelling without kids, Sunset Bar offers a pool and sandy retreat from the family pool with DJ and outdoor jacuzzi.
The spa offers a great range of massages that can be enjoyed solo or as a couple, but just wandering through the hotel with its imaginative, template-setting design has a soothing effect.
Among eight dining opportunities is Rosso, an enoteca/bar serving good Italian food in a casual yet stylish setting where you watch your pizza evolving.
When your appetite returns, Flames Steak & Seafood is sophisticated yet relaxed, serving top-notch dishes ranging from a beautifully textured crab cake and indulgent Burgundy snails to a lavish Aussie Wagyu rib eye.
It's an extensive, stylish venue with good breathing space between tables and a menu that offers great choice without going overboard. Some items seem a little pricy, but the quality of what we ate warranted the cost.
The spa offers a great range of massages that can be enjoyed solo or as a couple, but just wandering through the hotel with its imaginative, template-setting design has a soothing effect.
Among eight dining opportunities is Rosso, an enoteca/bar serving good Italian food in a casual yet stylish setting where you watch your pizza evolving.
When your appetite returns, Flames Steak & Seafood is sophisticated yet relaxed, serving top-notch dishes ranging from a beautifully textured crab cake and indulgent Burgundy snails to a lavish Aussie Wagyu rib eye.
It's an extensive, stylish venue with good breathing space between tables and a menu that offers great choice without going overboard. Some items seem a little pricy, but the quality of what we ate warranted the cost.
COOL CONCEPT: The lobby at the ART Rotana gives a taste of this refreshing new brand from the UAE group
Again, this restaurant offers imaginative cocktails, a very cool bar at which to enjoy them pre-dining and a terrace with tables boasting a view of the fountains dancing in the night air.
DETAILS:
THE five star Downtown Rotana, Manama, costs from about 600AED (£130) per Classic Room, per night inclusive of breakfast based on two adults sharing. Access to Club Rotana involves a different room and rate.
STAY at the five star ART Rotana from about 690AED (£150) per Classic Room, per night, inclusive of breakfast, based on two adults sharing. For more on both hotels: www.rotana.com
DETAILS:
THE five star Downtown Rotana, Manama, costs from about 600AED (£130) per Classic Room, per night inclusive of breakfast based on two adults sharing. Access to Club Rotana involves a different room and rate.
STAY at the five star ART Rotana from about 690AED (£150) per Classic Room, per night, inclusive of breakfast, based on two adults sharing. For more on both hotels: www.rotana.com
CONVENIENT COMFORT: Bahrain is within easy reach of the UAE with Air Arabia's regular flights out of Sharjah
DAVID flew to Bahrain with Air Arabia, the Gulf’s first and leading low cost carrier, from Sharjah International Airport, UAE. The airline connects to dozens of destinations and has hubs in Morocco, Egypt and Jordan, as well as Sharjah, and offers 17 flights weekly to Manama.
THE Air Arabia fleet is fully comprised of the A320, the world’s best ever selling commercial jetliner, which is recognized as the benchmark for single-aisle aircraft. All aircraft cabin interiors are fitted with world-class comfort seats, offering the highest seat pitch of any economy cabin across the globe.
FOR schedules and prices for flights out of Sharjah and the UK, visit www.airarabia.com
THE Air Arabia fleet is fully comprised of the A320, the world’s best ever selling commercial jetliner, which is recognized as the benchmark for single-aisle aircraft. All aircraft cabin interiors are fitted with world-class comfort seats, offering the highest seat pitch of any economy cabin across the globe.
FOR schedules and prices for flights out of Sharjah and the UK, visit www.airarabia.com
ECONOMICAL: Make the most of your weekend with Air Arabia's pocket-friendly fares and modern fleet
