 |
|
A Royal Treatment
|
Issue 28 – Spring 2006
|
(The Ritz-Carlton Bahrain Hotel And Spa – Bahrain)
|
The glamorous Ritz-Carlton Hotel & Spa, perched on the sunny north coast of Bahrain overlooking the turquoise waters of the Arabian Gulf and the capital city of Manama, is an urban resort oasis of significant stature and style. Bahrain, a relatively small island state being only 10 miles wide and 30 miles long, give or take the 33 other tiny islands that make up the archipelago, is located just off the coast of Saudi Arabia. The seven storey, 245-room Ritz-Carlton Hotel, set amid lush 20 hectare (49 acre) grounds that rise out of the surrounding mix of expansive flat dunes, striking high-rise constructions, and ritzy shopping mall developments, has been recently refurbished with 73 Club-level rooms and suites, 23 indulgent Villas dotted around the property (inspired by Philippe Starck), nine restaurants, lounges and bars. Given Bahrain’s commercial strength and rich cultural heritage, such opulence is hardly surprising. As for the hotel Spa itself, it began its life as the ‘Royal Spa’, looking after a range of Royal family members and their extended entourage, while also meeting the needs of hotel guests. It has recently been recognised as the ‘Best Hotel Spa in the Middle East’ for the second year running at the DEPA (the International Hotel Company) Awards. But as new Spa Director, Maureen Lock, says of the renamed Sports Club and Spa facilities, “It’s important to always keep ahead of the pack. After 20 years experience in the Spa industry (in various international locations), I really enjoy being busy all the time, and have great plans for this Spa”. Maureen is researching a bevy of Arabian experiences that utilize local herbs and oils that will form the basis of a newly moulded Spa menu. But for now, the Spa uses E’SPA and CARITA products in a range of sumptuous facials, body massages, body treatments (including hot stone therapy for hands and feet) and body wraps, all offered in one of the seven treatment rooms for women, and two for men. The full facility includes indoor and outdoor pools, a heated jacuzzi, steam rooms, sauna, and Turkish baths, and is used by both a local ex-patriot community, as well as appreciative guests and business travellers. Gulf Air flies to Bahrain from Sydney (via Singapore) daily.
|
|
