Hotel Review: Four Seasons Bahrain Bay
Some call it the best hotel in the country…
For someone who had never been to Bahrain, I don’t think I can top my first trip and first stay in the gorgeous Kingdom of Bahrain. Especially since I stayed in the heart of true luxury itself at the breathtaking Four Seasons Bahrain Bay.
Complete with 273 guest rooms and suites, a private white sandy beach, a water park, a state-of-the-art fitness centres and spa, seven restaurants and five swimming pools, the H-shaped building demands attention, and that it gets, as it houses one of the best, if not the best, stays in the city.
Location
Located in the bustling heart of Manama, 10 to 15 minutes by car from the Bahrain International Airport, Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay sits on its own island connected to the heart of the capital city, Manama, by a causeway. The property is a short trip away from The Avenues Bahrain and renowned attractions like the Bahrain National Museum and the Al-Fateh Grand Mosque.
Look and feel
From the moment you walk in to the moment you leave, you truly feel like you’re in the presence of true, old-school opulence at its finest. We’re talking plush carpets throughout the property, all-marble floors, and awe-inspiring artworks, all done by some very talented local Bahraini artists. And wherever you go, gorgeous views of the sea follow.
Rooms
Designed by Pierre-Yves Rochon, each of the 273 rooms boasts enticing views of the Arabian Gulf or vibrant Bahrain Bay panoramas. There are five kinds of suites, including the royal, presidential, state, deluxe, and executive. Then come the equally enviable, beautiful guest rooms, including the premier, deluxe, and superior.
Facilities
Offering the perfect blend of family-friendly fun and top-class amenities, the resort is the ultimate picture of a stay that will actually make you want to stay all your days.
The Dhow Waterpark, named after a traditional Bahraini sailing vessel, is largely considered the centrepiece of the property and features state-of-the-art water fun with seven slippery slides and a 1,200-litre tipping bucket.
There are also two fitness centres, women’s only and unisex, custom-designed by celebrity trainer and global fitness advisor, Harley Pasternak, five swimming pools, and a beautiful beach club.
Spa
The Four Seasons Bahrain Bay Spa is well and truly in a league of its own. Offering 17 treatment rooms and a naturally lit indoor swimming pool, the spa is the ultimate sanctuary of wellness. Picture all manner of signature facials, holistic experiences and pampering massages, bespoke treatments and ancient therapies. Basically, anything you could ever possibly want in a treatment, it’s highly likely they have it.
The spa offers everything from traditional massages and facials to hammam experiences and beauty treatments, and everything in between. There are also two pools, including the Azure and indoor ones, and the Tigi hair salon to keep you looking fresh.
Food and drink
Often, when I’m checking out glorious, showstopping properties, I find that the F&B options leave a little something to be desired. However, I’m happy to report that was absolutely not the case here. Far from it, actually, I found that every bite was better than the last.
Home to not one, not two, but three Wolfgang Puck outposts, it’s safe to say good food is integral for the property. Starting off with Re Asian, which showcases Wolfgang Puck’s modern take on traditional Asian cuisine, serves the most tantalising and unique dishes, special points if you order the hand-pulled noodles and dumpling platter. There’s also a wonderful steakhouse on deck, CUT by Wolfgang Puck and his Moroccan-inspired Blue Moon Lounge.
Then we moved on to Byblos, where I felt like I was truly floating. I normally favour Asian and Japanese flavours (hence the love for Re Asian), although I did find myself questioning that here; Lebanese cuisine at its best is on full display here. Waiters usher in cold and hot mezze platters (and I fold), followed by delicious grills and salads, and ending with the amazing cheese kunafa. Located right out on the beach, the venue has a truly unique ambience.
All-day dining comes by way of Bahrain Bay Kitchen, which serves international and local breakfast options, among other specials and stunning views of the property.
Lounges also include Bay View and the Cut Lounge, and last but not least, the amazing Pool and Beach Cabanas also serve drinks and small bites.
Room rates
Room rates at Four Seasons Bahrain Bay start at SAR1,845 for a superior room, and go up to SAR10,422 for a state suite.
Verdict
Like many before me, I have truly fallen all the way in love with Four Seasons Bahrain Bay. If you’re a frequent visitor of the land of the two seas, I’d have to say you need to stay here at least once.
Four Seasons, Building 555, Block 346, Bahrain Bay, Road 4606, Manama, Bahrain. fourseasons.com
Images: Four Seasons website