Combining classic Bahraini hospitality with modern luxury, The Gulf Hotel Bahrain Convention & Spa is one of the island’s most beloved addresses. Apple Sharma checks in for a midweek escape to discover what keeps guests coming back.

The Welcome

Very few properties on the island are as loved as the legendary Gulf Hotel Bahrain – one that has not only stood the test of time but has kept its unique charm, while so much around it has changed. Having lived on the island for many blissful years, I have many fond memories of the hotel and was excited to add to them as my partner and I prepared for a much-needed midweek staycation.

Located in the heart of Adliya, only minutes from Central Manama and 15 minutes from the airport, its convenient location makes it a great choice for both business and leisure. With rest and relaxation top of our list, we walked in, took the elevators to the grand lobby and, as happens every single time, I caught my breath a little. Glittering chandeliers, polished marble, classic wood panelling and a beautiful flower arrangement as a centrepiece – it’s by far one of the most impressive five-star hotel lobbies on the island. Old-school luxury done right, with a certain ‘je ne sais quoi’ that always draws you in.

A warm greeting from the front office staff, a swift check-in and the handover of the keys, and our staycation had officially begun.

Room With A View

One of the largest properties in Bahrain, the hotel is home to 361 rooms and suites. Ours was a Deluxe King with a city view. The modestly sized room had all the trappings of a luxury five-star stay, with a large, comfy bed dressed in crisp white and the fluffiest pillows I’ve ever slept on – promising dreamy nights and lazy, loungey days.

A warm palette of cream, beige and ivory tones gave the room a polished feel without being flashy. One standout was the oversized abstract artwork above the bed – lavender, blue and gold tones added a splash of colour, and the elegant gold frame tied in nicely with the warm wood accents throughout.

Soft drapes framed floor-to-ceiling windows that filled the room with daylight. A small seating area of two upholstered armchairs and a round table was positioned to take advantage of the view overlooking cosmopolitan Adliya, the Old Palace gardens and the city skyline in the distance. Despite being close to the main roads, the room was remarkably quiet, and with high-speed internet and a work desk, it’s a great spot for catching up on emails. At night, the ambient lighting from the bedside lamps created a relaxed, cosy atmosphere.

The contemporary aesthetic continued into the bathroom, where curved lines dominated, from the rounded bathtub and vanity to the glass-enclosed rain shower. Mosaic tiling in gold, bronze and beige gave it a spa-like quality, while the large mirrors and BYREDO Bal d’Afrique toiletries added a further touch of luxury. Plush bathrobes and slippers, a large TV with premium channels, a safe, hairdryer, tea and coffee maker and minibar completed the experience – comfortable, classic luxury with contemporary touches.

Exploring And Relaxing

On our way to the pool, we had a little wander to check out the hotel’s other spaces. Just opposite the elevators is a spacious Business Centre, ideal for anyone wanting a quiet place to work. Past the lobby, we noticed a machine for hiring power chargers, which struck me as a genuinely useful touch, especially for business travellers caught out before a meeting.

There’s a large central rotunda featuring a piano where you can sit and take stock, flanked by restaurants including Al Waha, the all-day dining venue where we returned for breakfast the next morning; the Italian eatery La Pergola; Margarita Mexicana, where we’d booked for dinner; and a few other outlets on the lower level. The hotel houses numerous restaurants serving cuisines from across the world, plus lounges, cafés and bars.

Past the Oak Lounge, we headed outdoors, where the scenery shifted to something more tranquil – birds chirping, a distant waterfall growing louder as we neared the pool. Down the wooden stairs, we found Typhoon Lounge, a laid-back spot cocooned by greenery, serving Thai bites in an open-air setting, with live music in the evenings.

It was a beautiful day, and the lagoon-style pool beckoned – the water just the right temperature for an afternoon dip. Set in tropical gardens, there were plenty of sun loungers for catching some rays, with the waterfall tucked into a shaded, cave-like corner of the pool. A couple of kids were enjoying a paddle in the children’s pool nearby, and a small play area added to the family-friendly feel.

After a swim, feeling a bit peckish, we stopped by the poolside bar for a quick bite, enjoying the views over the hotel from the upstairs section. Suitably relaxed, we headed back to the room for an afternoon siesta before the pampering that awaited us later that day – the staycation was going swimmingly so far.

Spa Session At The Gulf Spa & Salon

After resting up, my partner and I indulged in some me-time – the gym for him, an express massage for me!

Bodyzone, the hotel’s men’s gym, has the latest state-of-the-art fitness equipment, a sauna, steam room and Jacuzzi. Meanwhile, The Gulf Spa & Salon is three floors of bliss, offering facials, body treatments, healing therapies and hammams, with separate men’s and women’s treatment rooms, a rooftop terrace, juice bars and a beauty salon.

The award-winning spa is something of a star in Bahrain, and rightfully so. Adjacent to the pool and accessible from outside, the ladies’ spa immediately puts you at ease with its water feature and tranquil music.

After a warm welcome, I changed into my bathrobe and was led upstairs by my masseuse, Tada. With gentle music of chirping birds and trickling water in the background, calmness took over the moment I lay on the massage bed. Tada warmed lavender oil into my back and legs before beginning a Swedish massage that, whether through her skilful hands or my own imagination, somehow transported me somewhere with white sand and no phone signal. Every knot in my shoulders unfurled, every ache in my lower back dissipated and every strain from a day in heels melted away. Relaxing yet somehow energising too, it was the perfect pick-me-up before dinner.

Flavours of Mexico At Margarita Mexicana

Refreshed and a little glowy, we headed down for dinner at Margarita Mexicana, one of my favourite Mexican restaurants in Bahrain. With its authentic ingredients and Aztec-influenced dishes and décor, this award-winning spot will probably bring you as close as you’ll get to Mexico without leaving Bahrain.

The interior mixes bold, colourful geometric patterns with warm, earthy tones, from vibrant Aztec-inspired wall panels and traditional Talavera-tiled tables to terracotta flooring, tan and brown furnishings, a wrought-iron chandelier and decorative rattan paraphernalia hanging from the ceiling. The place was packed even on a weekday, which tells you something about its popularity with both locals and expats.

As we settled in over a pitcher of margarita and worked through the menu, we already knew we’d start with the signature tableside guacamole, prepared fresh in front of you – easily the best guacamole on the island, and worth the visit alone. We also ordered Jalapeños Rellenos (stuffed jalapeños with cheddar cheese), veggie Quesadillas and Southwest Chimichanga, finishing on a sweet note with Tres Leches and lingering over crispy Churros and Americanos. A delicious end to a fabulous date night – one I wouldn’t mind repeating soon.

Relaxed and satiated, we retired for a night of blissful sleep, dozing off the moment our heads hit those impossibly soft pillows.

Breakfast Delights

The next morning, we headed to Al Waha for some brekkie, and the buffet spread did not disappoint – cereals, pancakes and viennoiserie, Arabic breakfast staples, salads, made-to-order eggs, continental options, fresh fruit, yoghurt and juices. Everything was fresh and deliciously well made, a good send-off for the day ahead. A late check-out gave us a couple of extra hours to enjoy the room, but alas, it was time to say goodbye to our mini staycation.

Fond Farewell

Our short stay at the Gulf Hotel was everything we’d hoped for, and more. We arrived wanting rest and relaxation and left feeling rejuvenated and reacquainted with this iconic island gem – promising to return very soon!

GO: CALL 1771 3000 OR VISIT GULFHOTELBAHRAIN.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO MAKE A RESERVATION.