Directions from Bahrain International Airport
• From Bahrain International Airport, take the right exit at the first roundabout. • Proceed straight through two sets of traffic lights up to the Shaikh Hamad Bridge. • Continue straight past the Diplomatic Area on your left side, through the Shaikh Hamad causeway and three sets of traffic lights to the Pearl Roundabout. • Take right hand lane towards Seef district. • Just before the roundabout, turn right for the approach road to the hotel. Proceed straight ahead to hotel roundabout where you will take your next right for the entrance to The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain Hotel & Spa.
Golfing – Royal Golf Club
The course is a truly unique blend of links and desert golf, taking advantage of Bahrain’s natural rough desert terrain and combining it with vast manmade lakes. Royal Golf Club offers all the facilities you expect from a world class Golf Club. International golfing legend Colin Montgomerie is responsible for the magnificent design of the 18-hole, par 72 championship golf course, with undulating fairways, deep pot bunkers and immaculate greens.
Green Fees can be booked at the concierge desk.
Al Areen
Al Areen Wildlife Park & Reserve established in 1975, this unique experiment in conservation was inspired by the Crown Prince's long-standing interest in falconry and wildlife in general. Situated near to Zallaq, the three square mile (eight square kilometer) enclosure is planted with over 100,000 plants and trees, and more than 500 animals are accommodated in the reserve. Inhabitants include the Arabian Oryx, which is virtually extinct in the wild, Persian gazelle, springbok, impala, fallow deer and Chapman's zebra. A film show and bus tour contributes to the visitors' understanding of the aims of the park.
Al Areen excursions can be booked at the concierge desk.
Dolphin Watch
Follow the dolphins frolicking in the clear emerald waters.
Take a boat trip and you can watch the dolphins and manatees playing in the warm Gulf waters, and see local fisherman head out in traditional wooden dhows to catch the prized local hammour - a type of grouper.
Dolphin Watch excursions can be booked at the concierge desk or The Sports Club reception.
Horse Racing
Bahrain's love of all things equestrian is evident in its splendid Sakhir Race Course, which has a grandstand for 3,000 spectators. During the racing season, from October to March, you can see beautiful Arabian purebreds and thoroughbreds hurdle and flat race. Experts from the UK were employed to design and construct the race track in 1981. It consists of two 2.4 km grass tracks with a straight of 1.2 km, one sand track, and stables for 300 horses.
Horse Racing excursions can be booked at the concierge desk.
Bahrain International Circuit (BIC)
The circuit is a venue used for drag racing, GP2, and an annual Formula One Grand Prix. For the first time in 2006, there was a V8 Supercar race and a 24 Hour Race. It has six separate tracks, including a test oval and a drag strip.
Bahrain International Circuit excursions can be booked at the concierge desk.
Diving
History and ancient history would suggest that diving itself was probably born in and around the warm shallow waters of Bahrain. Here, divers, underwater photographers and snorkelers can discover a myriad of Indo Pacific species including clown fish, trigger fish, surgeon fish, turtles, rays, lion fish, grouper, snapper, crayfish and even whale sharks; while tuna, mackerel, trevally and barracuda cruise above. In addition to reef diving there are a number of wrecks around the island, including ships, planes, tugs and barges that have something special to offer the inveterate diver. Dugongs (sea cows) can also be seen feeding on the sea grass in the southern waters of Bahrain during the cooler winter months. Scuba and snorkeling education, equipment, experiences and excursions are available to an international standard through a PADI 5 Star Dive Centre located in Manama.
Diving excursions can be booked at the concierge desk.
Horse Riding
Horse riding in Bahrain is one of the most popular activities. Just like in other Middle East nations horse riding in Bahrain is an age old sport that is loved by the rich as well as the general people. Bahrain offers quiet a few stables around the island.
Horse Riding excursions can be booked at the concierge desk.
Hospitality and Arabic Coffee
The drinking of coffee is a traditional part of Bahrain welcome, and begins with the preparation of the coffee itself. Three cupfuls of vaster and a rounded teaspoon of coffee (gahwa) are poured into a saucepan and then boiled for about two minutes. Next comes the "relaxation" process, which is very important, as it allows time for the traditional exchange of greetings and welcome. After adding cardamom and saffron in rosewater, the liquid is poured gently from the saucepan into the coffeepot, or dalla, taking care that the sediment remains in the pan. The coffee is then left to brew for five or ten minutes before being served in a small cup, or finjan. It is polite to accept a second cup if offered, but for third and subsequent helpings, the shaking of the cup from side to side indicates refusal. Coffeepots can be found in many shops on the island, as well as in the souks. They make an ideal reminder for the hospitality and welcome extended to visitors by the people of Bahrain.
Traditional dress
Male traditional dress consists of a full length coat, made of dark wool in the winter and white cotton during the summer. Beneath this is worn the serwaal, which are rather like pair of cotton pyjama trousers. A light woolen cloak, or bisht, of beige or black and usually edged with gold embroidery, is worn on more formal occasions. The headdress comprises a crocheted cap, or ghafeyah, on top of which is worn a ghutrah, or scarf, held in place with an agaal, a black wool headband.