10 things you have to do in Bahrain

Gulf Air’s guide to the best of all the Kingdom has to offer

Text Omer Ali
Photography Katie Wilson

SOUQ IT AND SEE
At the heart of the Kingdom is Bab Al Bahrain, a landmark gateway erected in 1945 as government offices. It now houses a handicraft store and information office, and acts as the gateway to the Manama Souq, which is worth a visit for electronics, jewellery and spices, and simply for a different view of life in Bahrain. In the winding streets, men sit over coffee, oblivious to the 21st century encroaching all around them.

PAMPER YOURSELF
For the ultimate in hedonistic pleasure, visit the Banyan Tree Desert Spa & Resort, Al-Areen (+973 1784 5000, www.banyantree.com), 35 minutes’ drive from the airport. The retreat has 78 luxurious villas, each with its own pool, and some of the best dining in the Kingdom, notably at Banyan Tree’s signature Thai restaurant Saffron. Prices start from around US$600, rising to US$1,300 for the two-bedroom royal pool villa. Packages can also include treatments at the superb spa, which is the largest in the Middle East.

APPRECIATE THE ART
Fatima Alireza has turned her 150-year-old family home in the heart of Manama into the La Fontaine Centre of Contemporary Art (+973 1723 0123). The restoration work was undertaken by French architect Jean-Marc Sinan and the result is a cultural oasis, inspired by Alireza’s own passions. Visiting exhibitions have covered the world from Aboriginal to Yemeni art and culture, often accompanied by musical evenings and other events. Elsewhere, the complex boasts a wonderful restaurant facing out onto the central, eponymous, fountain , plus a spa. If you’re going by cab, you might want to ask for the “French place” if the driver seems confused.

GO CLUBBING
Ask locals where to go for the best nightlife and Club Seven at the Mishal Hotel, is usually the answer. Arabic pop, R&B and house are the order of the night, while upstairs – at sister venue Level – it’s underground techno, with residencies by British clubbing brands Defected and Housexy. Newcomer Cocoon, at the Best Western Hotel Juffair, is recommended for more laidback sounds and an equally stylish, lounge setting.

SEE THE SIGHTS
Bahrain was the first state in the Gulf to strike oil, in 1932, a find commemorated at the preserved Oil Well Number One and attached museum. Another unique site is the Tree of Life, thought to have stood alone in the desert between Awali and Riffa for 400 years. In the late afternoon, drive out to the US$1billion, 25km-long King Fahad Causeway, which connects Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. Enjoy the view from the restaurant tower as the sun sets over the two countries.

EAT OUT IN ADLIYA
For good eating in Bahrain there’s one area to head for: the low-rise neighbourhood of Adliya. The scene started with Mezzaluna, dishing up French cuisine, and was swiftly followed by the same company’s Manhattan-style Zoë. Newcomers to the neighbourhood include Mirai, which serves Japanese cuisine with touches of French and Italian cooking, and a bustling new branch of South Africa-based chain of steakhouses The Meat Co.

GO BOUTIQUE HOPPING
The Seef district is home to the Kingdom’s main malls, including the daddy of them all, Seef Mall. The major retailers here are Debenhams and Marks & Spencer, with a host of other big high-street names for company. The nearby Al-Aali Mall majors in independent boutiques. Women’s fashion rules, plus there are plenty of kid’s stores and a couple of fine chocolatiers. The Bahrain Mall is based around giant Géant hypermarket and Dana Mall is good for eating.

DROP INTO BAHRAIN’S FORMER CAPITAL
Bahrain’s one-time capital, the district of Muharraq, is dotted with fine old buildings, many recently restored. Shaikh Isa House displays blank walls to the street, but step inside magnificent rooms arranged around four courtyards. The Siyadi House, at the top of the same street, boasts carved screens and stained-glass windows. The Shaikh Ebrahim Cultural Centre, around the corner, and Iqra children’s library, opposite, are also well worth a look in.

GET A GLIMPSE OF THE FUTURE
Bahrain is abuzz with impressive building projects. A drive out to Amwaj Islands, just north-east of the airport, gives a glimpse of the latest in high-tech living: here, contemporary Mediterranean -style properties served by the very latest smart technology. Back in Manama, check out the Bahrain World Trade Centre, two spires linked by three giant wind turbines (below), and the US$2.5billion Bahrain Bay and US$1.5billion Bahrain Financial Harbour developments. (If you get a chance to go up one of the nearby, existing towers, the National Bank of Bahrain building, for instance, do: the views of these new parcels of land are jaw-dropping.) All these projects are due to be completed in the next few years.

VISIT HISTORIC BAHRAIN
The first stop on most visitors’ itinerary is the Bahrain Fort, the history of which is brought to life in the site’s new museum. Back in the city, the Bahrain National Museum (+973 1729 8777) recreates the scene of archaeological digs using actual finds – notably in the dramatic Hall of Graves, which makes the link to Bahrain’s ancient Dilmun civilisation all the more immediate – as well as demonstrating more recent culture through models and sets. Also showing at present is the exhibition “Masks – Beauty of the Spirits” (3 Mar-30 June), which brings to Bahrain 100 ethnic masks on loan from the Musée du Quai Branly in Paris. The masks featured come from South America, Africa, Asia and Oceania, varying in size from face masks to masks that cover the whole body.