Tanu Mathur is surprised and delighted with a mini vacation at one of the island’s favourite hotels.

My husband and I haven’t had the chance to go away for a honeymoon since we married two years back, so when the offer of a staycation experience at The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel, Residence & Spa, Manama came up, I jumped at the opportunity for a muchneeded weekend break.

Located just over five kilometres from Bahrain International Airport (BAH), the hotel offers easy access to the city’s commercial, shopping, and banking districts including fascinating local landmarks, cultural highlights and key business destinations.

Arriving at the property, parking is easy and we are greeted with the warm smiles of the team. The lobby emulates a modern, trendy and urban design with hues of blue against traditional gold mashrabiya panels all around. A stunning blue tinted glass light feature drops down in the centre and a grand piano sits comfortably in the middle of the lobby seating area, creating the perfect social space.

The property features 245 rooms for business and leisure travellers, complete with a well-equipped fitness centre, outdoor pool, kids’ activity and play area and a Zen-inspired spa.

We make our way to the Grand Suite and as I open the door, we are greeted by a breath-taking view looking directly towards floor-to-ceiling windows facing onto the city skyline and sea with the glistening National Theatre right in front. As I turn around to take the tour of the suite, a thoughtful welcome note and a generous slice of cake sit on the table wishing us ‘A Warm Welcome’, placed beside a soft delicate floral arrangement.

The hotel continues to maintain strict Covid-19 protocols across important touchpoints, bringing a sense of calm to my slightly paranoid mind.

The suite boasts a new interior feel, decadent furnishings and abundant space with historical local imagery adorning the walls. Offering a dining, study and living area with fullsized table and chairs as well as a deep-cushioned sofa and armchairs, the Grand Suite is an ideal space for longer stays or private business meetings.

Next stop, the Master Room. Contemporarily designed, with an incredible floor-to-ceiling window that brought in the perfect amount of sunlight to the space, absolutely nothing could feel more relaxing than lying in the rich, plush king-size bed and watching the sunset – this I could get used to.

Once settled we decide to have an early dinner at Mondo, the hotel’s chic Italian restaurant. On entering we are pleasantly surprised by the urban and hip furnishings. The upbeat music and funky wall décor dressed in foliage set the tone for an unforgettable dining experience. The team spoil us silly with a true Italian feast. As we savour every single morsel of food, the stars of the evening are the Frittura del Golfo (freshly caught, traditional deep-fried squid and prawns) and the Tortellini di Manzo (beef tortellini in a rich parmesan cheese sauce). We end this gastronomic adventure with a heavenly slice of creamy Tiramisu.

After being well fed, we decide to take a quick walk around the property. Strolling along the long corridors, I am amazed to discover that they have their very own art gallery! Finding this little treasure really does make my day.

Continuing the walk, I make my way to the outdoor pool and leisure area – and my oh my it is brimming with life. Kids jumping right into the pool, guests enjoying the sunset breeze and a swanky crowd winding down at the poolside Asian restaurant and lounge, BO.SABI – where the popular Friday Brunch is staged. I am tempted to linger but the bed is calling.

As soon as I reach the room, I quickly draw a bath in the lush, cosily-lit bathroom, which boasts a separate shower and tub. Equipped with all the necessary bathroom amenities, it was a bit of struggle to make myself step out of my warm tub, but I know another busy day lies ahead. Jumping into the heavenly bed, the dazzling night views of the city are enough for me to drift away to sleep.

Tempted to watch the beautiful sunrise, I awaken early and immediately find myself drawn to the armchair and coffee table placed near the window of the Master Room. Sipping on an espresso freshly brewed from our very own Nespresso Machine, I glance across the panoramic vistas of Bahrain and peacefully watch as the streets come to life.

All too soon, we quickly pack our overnight bag and make our way to breakfast, which is hosted at Olivos Brasserie, located at the entrance of The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel, Residence & Spa, Manama, adjacent to the main hotel lobby.

We spot a cosy corner table with a view of the hotel entrance. Ready to indulge in a grand breakfast feast, the attentive and friendly staff quickly bring our order of coffee and juices. Time to explore the buffet! Taking a quick glance through it’s clear the hotel caters to a diverse range of guest preferences. From live cooking stations to fusion food, a freshly-baked bread section and a healthy breakfast corner – rest assured you won’t leave disappointed. I tuck right into my cheesy veggie omelette followed by my special order of freshly made, maple syrup drizzled, buttery waffles. I travel across to India with a South Indian favourite – Idli (soft steamed rice cakes) paired with a minty chutney and Sambar (stew made with lentils, mixed vegetables, herbs and a special aromatic spice powder). Full marks for this one! A dish of freshly sliced fruits brings an end to a perfectly scrumptious meal.

Ready to take on the rest of the day, at midday I head downstairs to BO.SABI, the swanky Asian restaurant, for a raving Friday brunch. With bamboo-focused decor and a Bohemian vibe, the interestingly designed restaurant is absolutely stunning. Expanding to an outdoor terrace that faces a picturesque view of the pool and palm trees, this witty new location gives off all the right energy from first sight!

Offering cold starters, an endless variety of seafood, live cooking stations, an international hot food counter, a dedicated carving station, freshly rolled sushi and a divine dessert corner, the brunch sets the tone for the rest of the weekend — carefree, easy going, fun and delicious! The live entertainment elevates the afternoon making it the perfect place to grab a seat on the terrace and refresh yourself after a long day with ice-cold sips.

Before our staycation ends, I decide to spend my last few hours lounging by the poolside and soaking in the summer sun with a chilled mocktail. All I can think of is how wonderful our mini-weekend holiday has been.

With excellent amenities, a wide variety of different restaurants, eclectically designed rooms and scenic city views, this hotel makes it close to impossible to turn down, especially with the even more attractive prices and packages. We’d highly recommend a quick break at this stunning property if you get the chance. ✤

GO: VISIT WWW.RADISSONHOTELS.COM/EN-US/HOTELS/ RADISSON-BLU-BAHRAIN-DIPLOMAT-SPA FOR FURTHER INFORMATION OR TO MAKE A BOOKING.