Tioer

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The Ritz-Carlton Bahrain is just a short drive from the airport, in the Seef district in the main city of Manama. The resort itself is ideal for those looking for a secluded hotel close to the main attractions – the private beach and lagoon are perfect for a relaxing holiday, yet the resort is just 4km from the famous Bahrain Fort, and 9km from the Bahrain National Museum.

My 495 sq ft Club Room was a comfortable and contemporary space with beautiful views over the hotel’s pool and beach area, and it even had a large walk-in wardrobe for my suitcase full of clothes! There was a sofa for relaxing if you need to escape the heat, and they kindly left the most incredible handmade white chocolate squares which I obviously scoffed as soon as I saw them!

The 19th century building genuinely took my breath away when I stepped inside. I entered the hotel from the small side-street beside St George’s Cathedral, and was instantly whisked into the small but cosy lobby, with plush seating and tables covered in native flowers, and one lone check-in desk, highlighting the boutique size of this luxury hotel. With just 48 contemporary rooms and suites, the hotel is small and select. The staff are cheery and welcoming, and the light and airy space is reflective of the majority of the hotel, which was designed by Kerry Hill.

As if by magic, our lovely waiter appeared with a special treasure chest which was opened to reveal four perfect little scones. I’m not a huge scone fan usually so I was THRILLED that these were smaller than your average scone…but then I ate them and they were probably the best scones I’ve ever had, so for the first time in my entire life I wished they were bigger haha. I didn’t think it would be possible, but the jam that accompanied the scones was actually even better than the scones – my favourite was the mammee-apple jam, which I loved so much I ate a teaspoon of it by itself once the scones were in my belly!

Our huge array of starters arrived, and while everyone else shared a selection of Ensalada Amazónica (mango and avocado salad), Patacones Mechados (Crispy plantain, pulled pork, achiote seeds), Tequeños (clay oven chicken rolls), and a variety of sushi, I stuck to my keto-friendly dishes and had the Hamachi Tiradito (thinly sliced yellowtail). My yellowtail was absolutely beautiful and tasted super fresh in a zesty passionfruit dressing.

We settled into our seat by the window – perfect for people-watching – and began the evening with Basilica Sour (O’ndina Gin, Grand Marnier, lime, egg white and basil) and the Lavender Sunset (O’ndina Gin, Lavanda syrup, Bottega Rose Gold and lemon). I absolutely adored the Basilica Sour which was the perfect combination of sour and refreshing, and Aftab loved his Lavender Sunset. Sat in the elegant surroundings of Harry’s deep in discussion of our latest life events, we could easily have been on the Italian Riviera rather than in drizzly London.
Soon our starters of Burrata with 24-month prosciutto and the Caprese Salad arrived, and were perfect for accompanying the cocktails.

It’s always a bit strange having a staycation so close to home because in your head you’re like ‘Oh I could just pop home…’, but I always find it’s actually really nice forcing yourself to properly relax and enjoy proper time away without worrying about doing a quick clean of the house or doing some work on my laptop.
The next morning check-out was a breeze, and if you’re peckish there’s breakfast in the Sloane Place restaurant. We skipped this as I had to get to a meeting at work, but the restaurant was gorgeous and the food looked amazing!