The Kingdom of Bahrain has long been known for its laid-back lifestyle, beautiful beaches, buzzing communities and welcoming capital, Manama, but what it has yet to be known for is its hotel scene. A handful of five-star properties from elite global brands exist, but there have been few recent openings until now where one hotel is about to change how we travel to and in Bahrain and set a new standard of luxury hospitality: Raffles Al Areen Palace Bahrain.

About Raffles Al Areen Palace Bahrain

Raffles Al Areen Palace Bahrain has seen the existing Al Areen Palace hotel – built in 2006 – renovated to dizzying new heights, changing the layout of the hotel to include 78 elegantly landscapes and secluded private pool villas, with either one, two or three bedrooms. As the only all-villa property in Bahrain, Raffles Bahrain invites guests into a world of intimate, unparalleled luxury, introducing its legendary butler service to the Kingdom. The property sits on the Island of One Million Palms and is set in acres of lush, verdant greenery – creating the feeling of a mini oasis near the desert and ocean.

Raffles Al Areen Palace Bahrain location

Raffles Al Areen Palace Bahrain is surrounded by abundant vegetation and wildlife, nestled on the Island of a Million Palm Trees and close to the namesake wildlife reserve – home to myriad animals, rare birds and desert plants. While seemingly secluded, the hotel is a 35-minute drive from central Manama and a 45-minute drive from Bahrain airport, and close to major venues, including the region’s largest convention centre, Exhibition World Bahrain, the Bahrain International F1 Circuit, the Lost Paradise of Dilmun Waterpark, and the Al Dana amphitheatre. This location makes the hotel perfect for both leisure and business travellers.

The experience

Guests will enter a world of unparalleled luxury when visiting Raffles Al Areen Palace Bahrain, with the space itself resembling an ornate place surrounded by nature, where the chirp or birds and whistle of wind create the feel of a garden paradise. The hotel focuses on art, with a striking art collection created in collaboration with local artists, including tapestries, weaving, sculptures, and canvases, with vivid colours and eye-catching shapes of Arabic art and architecture. The arrival at Raffles Bahrain sets the tone for an unforgettable stay.

Guests of Raffles Bahrain are greeted by the Palace’s doormen, whose uniform takes inspiration from traditional Bahraini attire and who welcome guests into the lobby complete with Arabian architecture – the most visually stunning aspect being a Mashrabiya-inspired 360-degree ceiling. High ceilings, marble floors, hanging plants, three water fountains, exotic plants like Bird of Paradise and local art set the tone for the stay.

The villas

Raffles Al Areen Palace Bahrain’s 72 private villas are mini palaces, offering one- to three bedrooms all 400 square metres or more. Villas are a sea of soothing white and tone inspired by nature – think blues, greens and pops of gold – and come with beautiful terraces where private dinners and barbecues can be organised by guests’ personal Raffles butler. All villas have a temperature-controlled private pool, ensuring guests can swim all year round.

The dining

Raffles Al Areen Palace Bahrain focuses on intimate and memorable dining experiences, with a team of butlers on hand to organise private dinners on your private terrace, around the resort’s grounds, and plenty of other personal spots – including picnics, brunches and outdoor lunches. The hotel’s main restaurant, Palma, is an elegant all-day Mediterranean with gleaming white walls and high ceilings, serving fusion dishes and collaborating with internationally renowned chefs. World-renowned pastry Chef Yazid Ichemrahen, known for his artistic pastry creations at Ycone Paris, brings the best of French patisserie and delicious sweet treats, and guests can request private chefs to cook up anything they desire. An iteration of Raffles’ iconic Writer’s Bar is also a highlight – a sultry, vintage-inspired space with a moody dark colour scheme, statement lighting and high ceilings reminiscent of a members’ club. The space pays homage to literature with an activating book collection and spaces to host literary events.

Wellness

As with all Raffles resorts, Raffles Bahrain will have an extensive spa, with the project underway to create a wellness wonderland. Guests can also book in-villa wellness experiences for the ultimate private experience.

The gardens

Tended to by a palace botanist, the Raffels Bahrain’s gardens are a thing of wonder, with a whole manner of exotic species – and even workshops for green-fingered guests to get involved. Organic gardening and tree planting are on offer, as well as date picking and healing herbs.

Raffles Al Areen Palace Bahrain is open now with rooms from BHD383; raffles.com