LIFE’S A BEACH

When the weather is this idyllic, FACT’s Sara Waddah heads to the ultimate hotspot to lay back, relax, and enjoy breathtaking views of city lights. Join her?


Walking through the jungle-like maze that is the lower ground floor of Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay, we make our way from the lobby straight down to the crystalline waters and powder-white shores, ending up at our destination of choice: Beach Deck. For the uninitiated, this mostly undiscovered spot is perfect if you’re seeking serenity on the island’s southern shore and opens directly towards the beach. As for the staff? They welcome us with grins, fist bumps, and special beverages to boot. We haven’t been here long, but already knew we’re in for an evening of good vibes, great music, and even better service!

Accessible to both members and in-house guests all day long, Beach Deck currently allows entry to the public only after 6pm, functioning on a first-come, first-served basis. With cosy seating areas that are decked out in white and baby blue, it successfully checks the boxes if an intimate and somewhat exclusive environment is on the agenda. As we pause to watch the sunset, it’s confirmed – Beach Deck is one of our new favourite locations.

As we continue to soak in the beauty of our surroundings, the ever-so-helpful staff begin to introduce us to the all-day dining menu, giving us the inside scoop on all the current bestsellers. We start with the Hummus Beiruti and Fattoush Salad, our tastebuds secretly screaming in ecstasy, courtesy of all those rich umami flavours. Beautifully presented with the freshest house-made pita bread, the starters alone have stolen our hearts. After eagerly awaiting the next surprise, we find it far from surprising that Beach Deck continues to outdo itself.

Out come a couple of lemon-marinated lamb skewers that are charcoalgrilled to perfection and accompanied by a kachumber salad. Even the plating is extra, but we’re not complaining! We also delve into the Chicken Shawarma Rolls – another crowd favourite – that are stuffed to the brim with perfectly spiced chicken, pickles, garlic, and tahini sauce. Are we stuffed? Yes. Are we happy to carry on? Hell yes! Perfect for the setting at Beach Deck, the casual fare served here is appropriately portioned and ideal for the location, making it a great locale for guests to enjoy the weather, and take in the sparkling skyline.

Not to forget the selection of refreshing mocktails that pair beautifully with the food, which is hardly a coincidence. In fact, we might just return for a second round of the Coco Passion mocktail. Somewhere between super sweet and sort of tart, it is made with passion fruit juice, coconut, and orgeat syrup, and has us really feeling like a real island stereotype – but in the best way. Ending the evening on a sweet and smoky note is practically obligatory in Bahrain and if you opt for the disposable shisha, you get to take it home after. Genius. Pipe in hand, we dive into the Kunafa that’s drenched in honey and served with a side of pistachio ice cream. A series of strong winds comes and goes and, through it all, the staff keep us warm with heaters and shawls – now that’s service. ✤

GO: CALL 1711 5500 FOR MORE INFORMATION.