A lush complex of mini Arabian palaces with private pools primed for romance, wellness, private events and more
Raffles Al Areen Palace Bahrain review: 8/10
Why stay at Raffles Al Areen Palace Bahrain
Raffles Al Areen Palace Bahrain is doing something no other luxury property in the Sultanate has done before – offering a sublimely luxurious, all-private-pool-villa product that gives guests free rein in their own mini Arabian Palace. 30 minutes from the city centre, the resort sits on the site of the former Al Areen Palace & Spa – and has undergone a total rehaul to make it one of the most luxurious in the Gulf. This is a hotel for those wanting to hop over the border from Saudi for an indulgent long weekend or Bahrainis who want a glamorous staycation or a place to host a lavish celebration. The resort is typically Raffles, a brand known for its affinity with royalty, and guests stay in palatial villas complete with thick wooden doors (or palace gates), walled private grounds, arches, majlis and more. Outside of the villas, there are lovely restaurants, an elegant Parisian patisserie, a shisha spot, a sultry Writers Room hangout space and a serene spa villa while the hotel’s full offering is being built.
Raffles Al Areen Palace Bahrain location
Taking over the former Al Areen Palace & Spa, Raffles Al Areen Palace Bahrain sits on what’s known as the Island of One Million Palms – an arid desert plain dotted with palms, 30 minutes from the capital Manama, but just a short drive from the F1 track. The arid surroundings make Raffles Al Areen Palace Bahrain resort’s little oasis more enthralling, home to plenty of greenery, a lake with pink flamingoes, palm trees, wildlife, and more. Despite being far from the city, it’s very easy to get to, and possible to nip into the main hub for a cultural immersion or local dining experience – as we do one morning, taking in Haji’s Café – Bahrain’s oldest café for a traditional Bahraini breakfast, before visiting the National Museum of Bahrain and whizz on a boat across the turquoise harbour to the Pearling Path – all back in time for lunch at the resort.
The vibe
Guests keep to themselves, largely due to the nature of the resort, the immense luxury and privacy of the villas, and the opportunities they offer, such as private events, dining, barbecues, setups, and more. The spa, too, is a converted villa, keeping an air of peace and exclusivity around the resort. That said, there’s a social in the patisserie, where locals also join for coffee and sweet treats. All guests are assigned a private Raffles Butler on arrival, whos there to cater to every whim. All butlers are encouraged to show their personality, which is refreshing in the often stiff world of white-gloved service. Each is a master of their own craft: one loves romantic set ups, one is great with children – and the team strives to perfectly match you based on your guest profile.
Rooms and suites
Not rooms or suites, but rather stunning brilliant white Royal Villas, almost sparkling in the hot Bahraini sun. The villas dot the grounds of what feels like a golf course or residential complex, winding alleys whizzing golf buggies and flower beds, tended to by gardeners. The aptly named Royal Villas offer between one and four bedrooms, and the one bedroom feels like a romantic mini palace. Entering through a heavy wooden door to a gated courtyard garden, you’re greeted with a large private swimming pool, large dining table, cabana, sunloungers and even two separate air-conditioned majlis, complete with television sofa and desk (rather useful to hide away in and work, or enjoy some me-time if travelling with family). A door from the bathroom and lounge takes you inside to an enfilade of room – a lounge with a grand writing desk, a bedroom with a size bed, the same grand wooden doors that open to the outdoor space, and a dressing room and bathroom. The latter has a large soaking tub and a glass-walled shower overlooking the outdoor shower, plus wooden doors leading to a bubbling private jacuzzi and the other to the garden.
Raffles new push on cutting-edge luxury technology across its new properties means there’s a scent machine (simply select your mood and let it boost delicious fragrance around the room). We enjoyed nothing more than waking to coffee in bed with the doors open, hearing the birds chirp, and late-night swims in the perfectly cool waters – after a poolside private barbecue at a friend’s villa.
Food and drink
Guests can enjoy a varied mix of dining destinations at the luxurious resort, two of which are in the main building, and the others are on its grounds. Palma is the hotel’s main offering, an all-day Mediterranean outlet that’s bright, open, stylish, and dotted with greenery. It also offers an outdoor terrace with sturdy parasols. Ycone Paris is another star – a gleaming Parisian-style patisserie and cafe by Instagram superstar chef Chef Yazid Ichemrahen and the spot for coffee and its famed afternoon tea. Lovers of nuts and chocolate will be in their element – a real speciality of the famed chef. Villa dining, however, is the most popular. We enjoy a floating breakfast in our villa and private barbecues by our poolside, which are complemented by a stylish dinner set up by the butler. The food is scrumptious and high quality, spanning international and local cuisine. Elsewhere in the grounds is a Le Jardin Lounge, a casual majlis-style space serving small plates, cocktails and shisha and overlooking a lake with frolicking flamingoes.
Spa and facilities
Plans are in place for a grand Raffles Spa, but for now, guests make use of a converted Royal Villa – which, while it lacks the facilities a five-star offering should have (steam, sauna, other experiential wellness spaces), does offer the delightful feeling of being in your own private spa. Arriving at the Arabian Palace, we are given our own suite with a private relaxation bed, a separate room with treatment, and a full-sized bathroom. Our bath is drawn and filled with rose petals upon arrival. The treatment menu spans all the usual delights, plus Arabian and Swiss-inspired rituals and guests can experience the full five-star offering – from the selection of delicious fragrance oils to post-treatment tea and snacks. Located by the main restaurant is a modern gym and indoor pool area, with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the resort. Raffles Al Areen Palace also has plans for tennis courts and squash courts, adding another dimension to the escape and allowing for longer breaks.
The verdict
Raffles Al Areen Palace Bahrain is a stunning Arabian fantasy, offering some of the most beautiful villa spaces we have ever seen – and should be truly taken advantage of (whether it’s in-room dining, events, lazy pool days or visits to the spa villa). Whizz over the causeway from Saudi to host a private event, enjoy a beautiful weekend getaway or romantic villa set up alongside beautiful gardens and spaces that make you feel like royalty – a hallmark of the Raffles brand.
Villas from around AED2,450; raffles.com
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