Why go?

An archipelago whose main island measures just 55km from top to bottom, the Kingdom of Bahrain has centuries-old Arabic houses, forts and archaeological sites. Civilisation here actually dates back over 4,000 years. There’s a year-round sunny disposition – 23C in January – and a burgeoning café culture.

What to do

Bahrain first built its riches on the pearl trade from the shallow blue waters that lap its shores. Find out more at Bahrain National Museum in the capital, Manama, then nearby on the Pearl Trail, a Unesco World Heritage Site that leads all the way from Muharraq island to the impressive Bahrain Fort. For family fun, head to The Lost Paradise of Dilmun water park lpodwaterpark.com with its slides and rivers, or the Al Areen Wildlife Park & Reserve alareen.org to see exotic birds, antelopes and desert flora. Bahrain International Circuit bahraingp.com holds regular motorsports events, including the iconic Grand Prix. Take a trip to Al Dar Islands aldarislands.com just ten minutes away by water taxi, to relax on the beach, go dolphin watching or perhaps try your hand at pearl diving. Whether you feel more at home amid towering edifices, or the cozy familiarity of the souk, Manama has plenty to offer, from the historic Bab Al Bahrain gate to City Centre mall and Moda Mall, home to the brightest names in fashion. At the Gold Souk, you are sure to find something that glitters whatever your pocket or taste. Just get ready to haggle.

Where to stay

Sitting beside pristine waters on the west coast, Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq 00 973 1763 6363, sofitel.com is just a short drive from Manama. Every room in this five-star has a sea view and there’s a seawater spa. The newly opened Four Seasons Bahrain Bay 00 973 1711 5000, fourseasons.com towers over the Manama skyline. This 68-storey architectural beacon has four restaurants, including steak brand CUT by Wolfgang Puck, a spa with Eastern treatments and a modern design, and numerous pools. Set on the water’s edge, it’s a ten-minute taxi ride into town, or to the airport. A good-value option is The Domain 00 973 1600 0000, thedomainhotels.com set in the heart of the diplomatic quarter; be sure to visit the Basque-inspired Txoko sky lounge on the 36th-floor for some tasty tapas, classic cocktails, low lights and mellow tunes as you take in the scenic vista.

Where to eat and drink

Like most of the Middle East, Bahrain majors in high-end food from all over the globe. Try Wolfgang Puck’s Re Asian Cuisine 00 973 1711 5000, wolfgangpuck.com and go for pan-seared Wagyu beef with chilli oil, coriander and black vinegar. For excellent Indian, try Rasoi By Vineet Bhatia 00 973 1774 6461, vineetbhatia.com and savour imaginative dishes like grilled chilli-garlic lobster or gold leaf-encrusted rogani lamb shank. Adliya neighborhood in Manama has become the spiritual home of Bahrain’s café culture, and at its heart is a charming pedestrian quarter, Block 338, packed with fabulous restaurants, galleries and boutiques. Sample Spanish gastronomy and wines at La Vinoteca Barcelona 00 973 1700 7808, vinotecabcn.com or head to homegrown treasure Villa Mamas 00 973 1730 5031, villamamas.com for a contemporary yet unpretentious take on Bahraini food using locally sourced, organic ingredients. To really go back to the country’s roots, be sure to have a meal at Saffron 00 973 1362 3191 a café at Bab al Bahrain Souk evocative of traditions from bygone days. Our pick is the Bahraini breakfast, served all day, including egg and tomato, spiced potatoes, qeema (minced lamb dish), balaleet (sweet vermicelli), a Bahraini-style toasted cheese sandwich and a selection of fresh, warm Arabic bread. And be sure to wash the food down with some karak tea, and all for less than £5.

Time running out?

Order some champagne and take in the stunning cityscape from the Blue Moon Lounge located on the 50th floor of the Four Seasons Bahrain Bay.

Travel Information

Travel Information

Currency is the Bahraini dinar. Time is three hours ahead of the UK. Flight time from London is about 7. 5 hours. The cost to carbon-offset is £10. 54. For more details, visit climatecare.org

Getting There

British Airways operates direct flights from London Heathrow to Manama airport daily. ba.com
Gulf Air also operates a regular direct service. gulfair.com

Resources

For essential information about the country and suggestions on your itinerary, visit mofa.gov.bh and Bahrain.com