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Planning Your Trip

Bahrain is a true mix of old and new, with everything from dazzling skyscrapers and a bustling business scene to fine centuries-old examples of Islamic art, culture and architecture. Bring a few key items to ensure that you’re ready to experience all Bahrain has to offer.  

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Business Travel

The small island kingdom of Bahrain has an outsized presence on the global economic and business scene. If traveling for work, be prepared with conservative attire.

 

 

 

  • A dark suit and tie are the standard for men, even in very high temperatures.
  • For women, a traditional suit or modest dress and sensible heels are most common. Alternatively, visitors can opt to wear traditional Arabic national dress such as the thobe or disdasha for men or the abaya for women.
  • Bring a plentiful supply of business cards — exchanging cards at meetings is customary and not having one available can be seen as a sign of disrespect.    

Exploring the City

Bahrain has much to offer visitors, from world-class shopping and fascinating old bazaars and souks to pristine beaches and premier museums. Pack thoughtfully to make the most of it all.

 

 

  • June through September are particularly hot, with temperatures soaring beyond 100 degrees Fahrenheit. While air conditioning is plentiful indoors, be prepared with lots of lightweight layers in natural fibers as well as sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat.
  • The winter months of late November to mid-April can see temperatures dip, so consider a scarf or light layer to ward off any chill.
  • It’s easy to spend hours walking through the souks or while admiring the exhibits at the Bahrain National Museum, so be sure to wear a sensible pair of shoes.
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Cultural Considerations

Bahrain is a conservative society, and visitors, especially women, are expected to respect local sensibilities by dressing modestly in public places where locals and expats are mixed.

 

  • At beaches and pools, swimwear is acceptable, but a more modest cover-up should be worn once outside of the area.
  • For women, full-coverage clothing like skirts that hit below the knee, long pants and long-sleeve shirts are best. Women are not expected to cover their heads unless visiting a place of worship.
  • Shorts are accepted for men, though long pants are far more common.  

 

 

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Don't Forget:

A lightweight shawl is a great versatile piece for women traveling to Bahrain — it can be used to ward off any chill from indoor air conditioning as well as a covering for the head and shoulders if visiting a site like the Grand Mosque.

With many mosques, minarets and mausoleums, there’s an endless array of things to do in Bahrain. In true Middle Eastern style, the country is a blend of the old and the new, with dazzling skyscrapers and majestic embodiments that speak of the fantastic Islamic art, culture and architecture. And Bahrain is a small country, so a lot of the sights are within a short drive from the hotel.

Dining Reservations

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The hotel’s 11 restaurants and lounges offer cuisine of all types, from Arabian favorites to Mexican cuisine. Make a reservation for a dinner at the vibrant Cantina Kahlo for traditional Mexican dishes like tamales, ceviche and more. La Med offers extravagant buffets and inventive small plates with a focus on Arabic and Mediterranean cuisines overlooking the gardens. Plums focuses on premium beef and fresh seafood. And Primavera is all about classic Italian dishes and fresh pastas. 

Spa Appointments

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Relax in the private sanctuary of the property’s spa. It is recommended that women arrive 30 to 60 minutes before their appointment to unwind in the relaxation room, enjoy the sauna, steam and Thalassotherapy Pool. Arrange for a signature treatment like Her Secret Sanctuary — a 90-minute session that cleanses, exfoliates and nourishes the body. Or consider the On the Banks of the Dead Sea treatment, which uses therapeutic water and mud of the Dead Sea to renew and soften skin before a revitalizing massage.

Outdoor Activities

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For a truly relaxing getaway, there is so much to do without straying far from the property — arrange for a tennis lesson at the Peter Burwash International tennis academy; a round or two of golf at the par-72 championship course at the Royal Golf Course; or reserve a beachside cabana to relax the day away. Consider spending a day on the water and arrange for a boat tour departing from the resort and voyaging across the northwestern coastline of Bahrain to take in the skyline or head farther afield to watch dolphins play in the turquoise waters of the Arabian Gulf.

Museum Tickets and Cultural Sights

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Bahrain is a window to its historic past — a prosperous port from the time of the Phoenicians, Bahrain is home to various ethnic and diverse expat communities, all of whom have brought in their own cultures and traditions. Explore its history with a visit to the Qal’at al-Bahrain, also known as the Bahrain Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site with a rich collection of the island’s ancient archaeological artifacts on display. No visit to Bahrain would be complete without a trip to the souq, with its profusion of colors, sounds and aromas. Wares for sale include cloth of beautiful colors and textures; gold, pearls and jewelry; and the traditional array of spices and local produce. Visit one of the many mosques like the striking Al Fateh Mosque with its enormous dome or the Al Khamis Mosque — believed to have been initially constructed as early as 692.

Comprising more than 30 islands in the Arabian Gulf, between Saudi Arabia and Qatar, Bahrain is a country of trade, history and culture. In fact, the country dates to the Bronze Age, when it was a major trade route between Mesopotamia and the Indus Valley. Since, it has been ruled by the Assyrians, the Babylonians, the Persian Empire and the ancient Greeks, who made the nation a center of pearl trading. Today, the Al Khalifa royal family oversees the kingdom. And although its climate is primarily arid, Bahrain is well known as a major migratory bird corridor — more than 330 bird species have been documented on the islands.

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A Romantic Getaway

Although Bahrain is a hub of prosperity and economics and a significant cultural and historical site, it’s also — and perhaps surprisingly so — incredibly romantic. 

 

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24 Hours In

White-sand beaches, turquoise waters and world-class cuisine make Bahrain’s capital city, Manama, an unexpectedly delightful Middle Eastern destination. 

 

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