Bahrain Confidential - January 2023

P UBLISHER & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Nicholas C. Cooksey

E DITORIAL Deepika Rao

E DITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS Vinita V

SALES & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

P HOTOGRAPHY

A DMIN & FINANCE Nikesh Pola

D ISTRIBUTION

Image Credit: @nehals_photography

For Advertising Opportunities Call

Charlie Cooksey

M. +973 3652 0004 charlie@gulf-insider.com

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Ministry of Information approval no. ISDN 99901-01-17-5 © Copyright 2008, C.G. Arabia SPC. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any manner without the written permission of the publisher. All Rights Reserved. Views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher.

Printed at Dar Akhbar Al Khaleej, Bahrain.

The Best in Bahrain

Bahrain-Confidential.com Online edition at ArabianMagazines.com

Established since 2001, Bahrain Confidential is a Bahrain-based monthly publication available both in print and online editions. It is the definitive guide to high-end Arabian luxury and lifestyle. It covers the best in lifestyle, luxury, fashion and dining, as well as local events, art, society, fashion, beauty and travel.

The monthly print edition of Bahrain Confidential is distributed to Bahrain’s highest spending consumers and decision makers.

First of all...

Welcome to Bahrain Confidential’s first issue of 2023! The island welcomed the new year with much celebration - and why wouldn’t it? For the first time, people on the island were free from the restrictions of COVID-19 and the anticipation of a new beginning was palpable around the Kingdom. In these pages, we relive some glimpses of the glittery celebrations. As always, we also bring you a guide to some great spots around the island.

A new year is the best time to make fresh beginningswrite a good one! Cheers to the great times ahead! Be

Visit: Bahrain-Confidential.com

st wishes from the Bahrain Confidential Team!

Charlie Cooksey

D ESIGN James Dhanraj S

Angelo Acosta Fadhel Yusuf

Mohammed Yousif Aramex Al Ayam

Social Media is changing business

Most businesses in Bahrain lack advanced digital and social media marketing skills to expertly manage a successful digital strategy, so missing major opportunities they don’t even realize. The good news is we can inexpensively create an effective digital strategy for your business, and manage it for you, for less than the salary of an employee - freeing you to run your business. We also build beautiful websitesoptimized to generate income for businesses, and provide online services including SEO, design, e-commerce, photography and video production.

New Year in Bahrain

@hadi.o

Images of the island shared with us by Bahrain's talented photographers .

The countdown to New Year was a glittery affair in Bahrain. The drone show at Bahrain Bay was a new attraction for residents and visitors on the island while the fireworks had excited gasps and “wows” filling the cool air with a celebratory vibe all over the island! As always, Bahrain’s talented photographers captured the festive fervour through their lenses. Here’s how we welcomed 2023 on the island - a New Year, a new beginning.

Photos of Bahrain

@amanfotos

A Luxury Location in Central London

Bahrain Confidential stays a couple of nights at the Conrad London St. James Hotel -

By Nick Cooksey

After a 45-minute journey on the tube from Heathrow Airport, I arrived at Conrad London St. James Hotel, just across the street from the St. James Park underground station. The 19th-Century Hilton property promises a serene and relaxing stay. It offers an insight into the essence of London through an inspiring art collection, modern interiors, and a host of amenities.

The hotel stands in a fantastic location for anyone looking to visit iconic London landmarks. Within just a few minutes on a short walk, I was seeing Big Ben and the Palace of Westminster.

Overall, I would recommend a stay at Conrad St. James if you are in London to explore the city or to stay in and unwind.

The hotel had numerous options for me to check out. The Blue Boar Pub, a watering hole popular among the local London crowd; The Orchard Room, a regal space for afternoon tea; The Hedgerow, a restaurant offering comforting British cuisine, a business centre, meeting rooms, and an exercise room; provide a rich experience – both for leisure and business.

Despite being on the second floor, overlooking the bustling street, my room was quiet, light, and spacious. Each room at Conrad St. James comes with its own Nespresso coffee machine, a

huge built-in television, and continuous wi-fi. I booked an executive room and was able to access a lounge that served complimentary breakfast, drinks, and light meals throughout the day and a quiet and relaxing atmosphere.

Overall, I would recommend a stay at Conrad St. James if you are in London to explore the city or to stay in and unwind. The friendly staff and the warm, modern aesthetic of the hotel are bound to make your stay relaxing and enjoyable. It is a befitting landmark to a city rich in hidden gems. n

To book your stay at Conrad London St. James Hotel, contact: +44 20 3301 8080,

This Historic House in Bahrain is About to Become a Boutique Hotel!

Murad House in Muharraq, an integral part of the pearling testimony of Bahrain and a UNESCO World Heritage site is getting a makeover! Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities has called for bids from interior designers to transform the iconic landmark into a boutique hotel - the only one on the historic pearling path.

The decision follows the “wish of the family to foster the remembrance of the property as a ‘house of hospitality,” Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities said. “The restoration of the main properties along the path will be complete soon, and the role of the appointed contractor will be to implement final interior finishes, lighting, exhibition tables and showcases, toilet fittings, and to provide furnishing as well.”

Murad House and Murad Majlis are buildings facing each other, separated by a mosque. They belong to the Murad family, for many generations pearl traders (tawawish), and are still in use today.

Constructed from coral stone, the Murad House was at one time just 50 metres from the shore. The land was a gift from the ruler, Sh. Isa bin Ali Al Khalifa, at the end of the 19th century. Murad Majlis – a separate building from the primary family home – was the place for male guests, pearl sales and purchases and overnight visitors. n

Murad House in Muharraq, an integral part of the pearling testimony of Bahrain and a UNESCO World Heritage site is getting a makeover!

A New Sunset Destination in Juffair

Hilton Bahrain launches Sundowners Saturday

Hilton Bahrain has launched a new sunset concept at Cocoluna Lounge. Taking inspiration from the gorgeous sunset view as seen from the lounge, the unique experience combines elements of music, food, drinks, and the view.

Sundowners celebrates the serenity and social culture of Bahrain’s sunsets every Saturday.

Cocoluna Lounge’s Sundowners features a selection of signature drinks paired perfectly with delicious tapas while live acoustics serenade guests as they take in the breathtakingly beautiful views of the sunset over the city. Located on the sixth floor of Hilton Bahrain, the lounge offers a gorgeous view of Juffair’s skyline.

“Sundowners is a relaxing ritual we offer our guests. We believe that after the work-week and the Friday activities, Saturday afternoon is a wonderful time to just chill and socialize with friends over indulging drinks and comforting tapas, in a perfect setting of sunset and live music,” said Halit Oszoy, Director of Operations.

Cocoluna Lounge’s Sundowners happens every Saturday from 4:00 PM-6:00 PM for BHD 12 net, inclusive of three drinks and two tapas to pair. n

Sundowners celebrates the serenity and social culture of Bahrain’s sunsets every Saturday.

Wedding Bells

Easily the most important (and expensive) part of a wedding is choosing the right venue. The setting makes all the difference for a romantic, fun, and intimate celebration of love. If you’re planning a wedding in the coming year, look for a venue that adds a personal touch to your special day.

Al Murjan Ballroom at the Mövenpick Hotel Bahrain offers a range of services, blending Arabian tradition with Swiss hospitality. A dedicated team promises attentive service and reliable support along with a delectable variety of food.

For honeymooners, the hotel offers a restful, one-night stay at its executive suite with a special set-up along with amenities.

The indoor hall offers a wedding package with a dedicated consultant to handle the pre-wedding arrangements, a 12 x 12 ft stage, a flat dance floor, projectors and screens along with an exquisite two-layered wedding cake. The couple can avail of a complimentary pre-wedding menu tasting as well and choose a tailored menu for the big day. The Rimal Spa at the hotel offers a 20% discount to the bride and groom while a 10% discount and special room rates to friends and family of the couple.

For honeymooners, the hotel offers a restful, one-night stay at its executive suite with a

special set-up along with amenities, exclusive access to the gym and the infinity pool, and inroom services.

Celebrate the one-year milestone with a complimentary lunch buffet on your first anniversary at the hotel – while reminiscing your big day at the same venue a year ago.

The Ballroom also offers a full-fledged space for conferences and events. The 700 sqm hall comes with access to WIFI, audio-visual equipment, a smart TV, a built-in microphone system, break out rooms, and a private access to the hall. n

Looking to book this venue for your special day? WhatsApp: +973 3364 0029

Email: Hotel.Bahrain.Events@Movenpick.com

Refresh your weekend with an unforgettable family stay at Elite Resort & Spa Muharraq. This resort with breathtaking views of Bahrain Bay features spacious modern suites complete with the latest amenities that will lighten up your and your family’s senses.

Grill Nights will allow you to indulge in authentic live grills every Thursday and Friday from 7:00 PM to

11:00 PM with a special rate of BD12 per adult, and BD 6 net per child between 6 to 12 years old.

Order room service, Pasta la Vista every day from 12 noon till 12MN served with soft drinks priced at BD 3.900 Net. Meanwhile, the sea view lounge bar –Shift7 offers two complimentary drinks during Ladies' Night every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 7 pm onwards. For inquiries, call: +973 1731 3333

Elite Seef Residence Hotel located in the heart of the Seef area, close to Seef Mall, will embrace your world with a warm relaxed home feel away from home.

Offering spacious suites with one and two bedrooms which are the perfect choice for every corporate longterm visitor. The suites are fitted with a fully equipped kitchenette along with a living room and dining area which creates an ideal accommodation for short or long-term stay guests, with complimentary Wi-Fi services and a breakfast buffet.

Guests can explore and enjoy an open sky roofed at night to unwind and relax under the stars of Captain Jack’s Poolside. The weekly entertainment every Thursday and Friday starts at 8 pm onwards with Khaleeji Nights offering a lavish live grill, salads, and live Arabic entertainment only at BD10 net per person and BD5 per child.

Aside from that, there will be a daily Business Lunch Buffet at Julio’s Specialty Restaurant with a special rate of BD6.5 net per adult inclusive of bottled water, canned juice, or soft beverages. All in-house guests will be offered a 15% discount on every room service order every day – 24hrs. For inquiries, call: +973 1758 3388

To know more, visit: www.elitegrouphotels.com

Guests can explore and enjoy an open sky roofed at night to unwind and relax under the stars of Captain Jack’s Poolside.

Ringing in the New Year

Welcome to the Jungle! The RitzCarlton Bahrain hosted a junglethemed New Year’s Eve Party. Here are some glimpses of the grand evening.

Jumeirah Gulf of Bahrain’s Influencer Gathering

We began the New Year with a splendid evening spent at Jumeirah Gulf of Bahrain’s influencer gathering. We explored the beautiful resort, enjoyed the ambience and indulged in a delightful array of food and beverages.

Lunching at Furn Bistro & Bakery

Furn Bistro & Bakery’s excellent hospitality, ambient environment and delicious food made for an ideal lunch! We enjoyed a creative and seemingly endless menu by the talented chefs - special food mentions going out to the saffron-infused labneh and perhaps the best hummus we’ve tried! Looking for a new place to try? Visit Furn Bistro on the ground floor of The Westin City Centre Bahrain.

Ensuring Food for All - Partnering for a Cause

The Ritz-Carlton Bahrain partnered with Conserving Bounties (Bahrain Food Bank) (@bahrainfoodbank) towards reducing food wastage and helping the local community. "Moving

GULF OF BAHRAIN RESORT & SPA