A warm welcome, great facilities and an enviable view awaited Apple Sharma as she experienced an enjoyable weekend stay at the Onyx Rotana.

The island’s newest five-star property, Onyx Rotana, which opened its doors in July 2024, has taken Bahrain’s burgeoning hospitality scene to another level. Standing proud in the Bahrain Bay area with incredible waterfront views, the hotel’s shiny new façade beckons visitors from near and far and is fast becoming a popular luxury destination, especially with our neighbouring GCC residents. With my bags packed and excitement building, I headed off to this stunning new property, eager to experience its many offerings.

The Welcome

As we stepped into the hotel, the large lobby was buzzing with activity as we waited to check-in. Among the things that instantly impressed us about the expansive space were the polished marbled surfaces and high ceilings, which exude an air of modern yet serene elegance. The entire lobby is adorned with large ornamental olive trees and lush green plants, complemented by neutral tones and brushed gold accents. Sunlight streams through the vast windows and a central seating area with plush, curved green sofas and beige armchairs offers a comfortable spot for relaxation. The overall design is a tasteful blend of contemporary chic with subtle opulence, creating a welcoming and refined atmosphere.

After a seamless check-in, we made our way to our room on the 28th floor. As we passed the lobby corridor, I noticed glass window displays with a selection of gorgeous heels, handbags and accessories from Saks Fifth Avenue – a perfect little enticement for a shopping spree at City Centre Bahrain mall, which is within minutes’ reach from the hotel. That’s another plus for the property; its close proximity to both the financial district and the shopping malls makes it an ideal destination for business and leisure travellers alike.

The Suite

Our room, aptly named Panoramic Bay View Suite, was a slice of contemporary elegance spread over 54sq/m. Walking into the space felt like entering a luxury city apartment rather than a hotel room – an ambience that was both chic and homely. Soft beige and green tones decorated the living area, which featured a sleek kitchenette, complete with a refrigerator, microwave, coffee machine and cooking hobs. Whether you’re staying for a night or an extended visit, this space offers everything you need for comfort and convenience. A curved beige sofa bed invited us to sink in, while a large flat-screen TV separated the living area from the bedroom, a clever touch that enhanced the suite’s sense of space and privacy.

The bedroom itself was nothing short of tranquil, centred around a plush king-size bed adorned with crisp white linens that called out for a good night’s sleep. Above the bed hung an abstract green art piece, while in the corner was a handy dressing table and large mirror. The real showstopper, however, was the private balcony with its breathtaking panoramic view of Bahrain Bay – easily one of the best vantage points in the city.

The bathroom continued the theme of refined luxury, with beige marble finishes, a spacious rain shower and ambient lighting from minimalist pendant lamps on either side of the mirror. Premium L’Occitane toiletries, neatly arranged towels and small touches like flower arrangements added to the sense of comfort and sophistication.

No sooner had we settled in than there was a knock on the door – room service had arrived with a beautiful fruit basket and a delicate assortment of petits fours, the perfect welcome gift.

Exploring The Facilities

After freshening up, we met with Marcel Kaouk, the Front Office Manager, who offered us a tour of the hotel’s facilities. Our first stop was the GY floor (sixth floor), which is home to the shared amenities for both hotel guests and residents of the Onyx Residences by Rotana.

Next, we headed to the Citrine Lounge, an inviting space with plush seating and an indoor garden theme. The eatery’s cosy atmosphere makes it the perfect spot to enjoy afternoon tea or a light snack. Just beyond the lounge is the outdoor pool area, which, to my surprise, featured an artificial beach complete with soft sand. This unique setup added a resort-like feel, with an infinity pool that seemed to stretch right into the sea. I couldn’t wait to return later to unwind with a quick swim!

We also explored the temperature-controlled indoor pool, sauna and steam rooms. I was thrilled to learn that the hotel’s full-service spa will open early next year on the 37th floor.

Next up was the Health Club, a must for fitness enthusiasts. The state-of-the-art equipment, including modern machines and free weights, ensures there’s something for everyone. For those seeking privacy, a female-only area upstairs is equally impressive.

Before concluding our tour, we visited the Entertainment Zone. This lively space is perfect for families or groups of friends, with gaming rooms, billiards, a kids’ play area and even a karaoke room. For those on business, the co-working spaces and well-equipped meeting rooms provide everything needed for a productive stay.

Gym & Pool

Following our tour, I swiftly returned to the Health Club for a quick workout. I couldn’t help but admire how thoughtfully the gym is designed. Floor-to-ceiling windows allow natural light to pour in, while greenery hanging from the ceiling adds a touch of nature. With the spectacular view of the infinity pool and the sea, my treadmill session was a joy and I spent a good hour there.

With the sun setting, it was the perfect time to have a dip in the inviting pool outside. The peaceful ambience, framed by palm trees and modern cabanas, was just what I needed to rejuvenate. The infinity pool offers stunning vistas of the sea and the city skyline and the pool bar, located in a quiet corner, serves signature mocktails and light bites.

Exceptional Dining

As evening approached, we eagerly made our way to Garnet Restaurant for dinner. This Mediterranean-inspired outlet, on the lobby level, combines earthy tones and soft lighting for an intimate dining experience. I was particularly taken by its design – one area features an illuminated marble bar that caught my eye, while a smaller, cosier section is centred around a beautiful ornamental tree.

The service was impeccable, with our friendly waitress, Juvil, making sure we were well looked after. Starting with mocktails, the Rosemary Blueberry Smash stood out, a delicious blend of blueberry purée, honey and lemon juice. For starters, we tried the Burrata, accompanied with a lovely combination of Heirloom tomatoes, pea purée and truffle crisps, as well as the Barley and Baby Spinach Salad, a refreshing dish with semi-dried tomatoes, beetroot pesto, chargrilled courgettes and toasted pumpkin seeds. We also couldn’t resist the hearty Soupe A L’Oignon (French onion soup), flavoured with beef jus and served with cheese croutons.

For mains, the Baby Chicken Freekeh was a standout – tender, pan-seared chicken was served on a bed of fluffy freekeh and garnished with toasted almonds. We also enjoyed the Roasted Salmon Filet, accompanied by parsley carnaroli risotto and crispy fennel shavings. As a veggie option, we sampled saffron risotto with asparagus, which was rich, creamy and perfectly cooked. We ended the meal on a sweet note, with a warm Apple Crumble and a decadent Chocolate Fondant, the perfect conclusion to a lovely evening.

A Delightful Start

The next morning, we returned to Garnet Restaurant for breakfast, eager to see what the buffet had in store. The wide selection catered to every possible preference, from a live waffle and pancake station to made-to-order eggs and freshly baked pastries. There were also plenty of Arabic breakfast staples like balaleet and foul medames, as well as healthy options such as fresh fruit and a make-your-own salad station. The attention to detail was evident throughout, with special cute crockery for children adding a thoughtful touch.

After a hearty breakfast, I felt ready to take on the day, albeit a little sad that our stay was coming to an end. Onyx Rotana had exceeded every expectation. From the sophisticated yet relaxed ambience of the suite to the impressive facilities and dining options, every detail of this hotel makes it a destination worth visiting again – be it for business, leisure or a little of both. ✤

GO: CALL 1717 1720 FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO MAKE A RESERVATION.