Jumeirah Gulf of Bahrain Resort and Spa

Bahrain Confidential stays at the luxurious sanctuary along the west coast of the island.

Ahappening island life, pristine beaches, a blend of different cultures, panoramic views of the sunset, and family-friendly vibes - Bahrain has much to offer when it comes to relaxing staycations. What began as a buzzword, “staycations” have become a way of life, a means to taking a break from the daily grind and recharging yourself with a dose of relaxation.

Far from the bustling city, the Jumeirah Gulf of Bahrain Resort and Spa recently welcomed us for a staycation experience at the luxury property. The majestic resort sits along the west coast of the island with views of the endless sea, meandering water channels, restaurants catering to different tastes, and a great range of amenities that make for a memorable weekend getaway.

A few kilometres away from Zallaq’s Bilaj Al Jazayer and the Bahrain International Circuit, the resort introduces you to quintessential Bahraini depictions - from the three pearls at the entrance and the Gahwa served at the lobby to the artworks that symbolise Bahrain’s culture and people. Not to mention, the views of the open sea from different locations at the resort, including every one of its 196 rooms.

We began the relaxing staycation quite literally, at the relaxation hub of the resort - Talise Spa. A luxurious, award-winning rejuvenation centre, Talise Spa, with its calming aroma filling the air, spoils you with an array of signature treatments. Easily spend half of your day at Talise with a session at one of their 13 treatment rooms, designed for singles and couples, a femaleonly hammam facility and separate gyms for men and women. The facility also has a beauty salon and a temperature-controlled swimming pool. Your ultimate self-care routine is accomplished at one destination!

After a nourishing hour at the spa, we checked out the infinity pool. Overlooking the sea, the infinity pool is set at an elevation and is the coldest of the five pools at the resort with temperatures of 22 degrees. You could gaze into the vast view of the sea along with a panoramic perspective of the entire resort. At lunchtime, we dined at the resort’s Sicilian restaurant, Due Mari. Alongside the canal (which offers a gorgeous view of the passing Abra Boats, transporting you to a Sicilian diner with a waterfront view), Due Mari is a charming dining venue with an intimate atmosphere and a very friendly staff.

Chef Lorenzo’s passion for his craft is evident the moment he begins to describe and match the many dishes on his menu to your liking. From the Arancini to the Risotto Primavera, the seafood salad and the delicious Ravioli - it was a feast of flavours.

A special shout-out to the Arancini, a popular Sicilian street food, which Chef Lorenzo creates with his home-style recipe. Street food always remains in your memories and this dish, created to perfection, did just that! Chef Lorenzo’s special recipe is a crispy ball of fried rice mixed with tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese - and was the most irresistible plate of fine Italian food we’ve ever tried. We will most certainly be going back for the Arancini.

Apart from Due Mari, the resort has six other dining locations including the bar, 25 | 50; Majlis Al Fijri, where you can enjoy delectable pastries both local and international; Obab Al Bahar, which serves Arabic, Indian, Pan-Asian, and European cuisine; Al Sama, a watering hole specialising in Levantine and Mediterranean flavours; Osoul, the beachside dining venue and Zahrat Al Fayrouz, the Levantine restaurant that brings an array of delicious flavours from the region.

After a hearty lunch and the Sun descending in sight, it was time for our favourite part of the day - a hike up to the beach! The white sand met the clear blue water while reflecting the golden setting Sun. For adrenaline junkies, several beach activities are available - motorboats, kayaks, and paddle boards, to name a few.

The resort’s other offerings include a 36-seater private cinema, a Kids’ Club for the little ones to engage in interesting activities, and two ballrooms that each accommodate up to 160 people with spacious outdoor gardens to host events.

Our experience at the Jumeirah Gulf of Bahrain was nothing short of relaxing and whether you reside in Bahrain or are travelling into the Kingdom, a stay at the gorgeous property is recommended. It's a lot more than a five-star resort, it's a sanctuary for wellness haven that offers a tranquil experience.

To book your stay at the Jumeirah Gulf of Bahrain Resort and Spa, visit www.jumeirah.com or call +973 77771000

Most restaurants in Bahrain are good, and many are special… but some are extra special. Bahrain’s Best Restaurants 2023 honours these establishmentsthe best of the best, and the people behind them.

Who decided?

The winning restaurants for Bahrain’s Best Restaurants 2023 were decided by 74 experienced and distinguished judges best qualified to know what makes a restaurant great - leaders of Bahrain’s 5 and premium 4 Star hotels, and other hospitality experts (see pages 32 - 42 for list of all judges).

To our judges, we simply asked them to recommend their five favourite restaurants in Bahrain. We offered no suggestions, categories, price ranges, order of preference, or anything else. The only rule was judges could not recommend any restaurant connected to their own company. Voting was fully transparent - every judge can see the restaurants voted for by every other judge.

By following the above method, we ensure the awards are fair, unbiased, and authentic.

Of the restaurants voted for, we discovered 20 clear winners, and a further 18 restaurants considered worthy of special recommendation. We congratulate all the restaurants and the people behind them. Their hard work and dedication are truly appreciated and we hope they will continue to serve Bahrain's culinary scene with excellence for many years to come. n