 |
|
|
| Hotel Reviews | Destination Guides |
6 STAR LUXURY RESORT • 78 VILLAS
Updated March 24, 2008 - Looking forward to the 2008 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix held between April 4-6, guests at Banyan Tree Desert Spa & Resort Al Areen will be catching all the sizzling action at the Kingdom's fifth Formula One. If you have yet to score your tickets, the exclusive Vertigo at the resort offers fine towering views overlooking the Bahrain International Circuit, as well as all the live proceedings on specially set-up plasma screens. The Vertigo Formula 1 Lounge will be open from 1-6 April, 5:00pm - 12:30am local time, for the very best in comfort and excitement.
Opened April 2007...Wealthy Bahrain, the first Persian Gulf country where oil was discovered back in 1932, is little more than a speck on most maps; until recently, this country formed by a necklace of interconnected islands blipped on Western radar for little more than being location of the American Fifth Fleet. Lately, the tiny jewel of palm trees bounded by azure waters is soaring in stature as one of the world's most exclusive destinations. And nobody brings more style and opulence to this island pearl than Banyan Tree al-Areen, the region’s first all-suite resort, where commoners for a few days at least live like sultans.
Tucked away a half hour from capital Manama, this secluded and seductive vacation village – complete with the Middle East's largest and most unusual spa -- oozes romance, making it a prime choice for honeymoons, passionate rendezvous and anonymous retreats. Entering through a striking sculpture-lined corridor of trickling water walls, eyes are immediately drawn to your spectacular terrace of palms and arches, which is dominated by private full length pool graciously draped with canopies and complete with outdoor Jacuzzi (one on each side in the two-bedroom villas); here, as the sun drops into the sea you can sit on thick pillows and savor a feast of mezze appetizers and chef-prepared barbeque, topping it off with puffs from the sheisha water pipes. Mammoth king-sized beds under curving tiled roofs peer out onto the terrace, gold-lit at night, and each day brings a new present – such as candle in carved wooden jar. The bedroom-sized bathroom offers a steam room and outdoor rain shower, and water pours out of marble wall into a black granite tub with ample room for two. This nook of the villa – so expansive you might not be able to luxuriate in all corners even during a three-day stay – spreads into a living room, work area, and walk in closet (your butler will pack and repack your bags) complete with satin robes. Back outside and down the intricately latticed wood corridor, find the formal dining room, set with fine china and crystal, alongside an ample kitchen with espresso maker, range, stove, and full-sized refrigerator. One door beyond there’s the cushion-lined majlis – the family room in Middle Eastern homes – which like the living rooms in the main wings boasts giant flat screen TV and a full entertainment system.
While it may appear that there is no reason to pry oneself from this architectural marvel, there is at least one: the amazing spa, a sprawling complex of four treatment centers that is likewise so lavish and extensive it would be work to cover all parts in only a few days. Therapies range from facials made with freshly-ground herbs to knot-removing Balinese rub downs, but the show-stealer is the hydro-therapy complex – an entertainment park of water, where you're led through a maze of scented showers and water pouring under thunderous sound effects, sit slathered in clay under a dome of lit of stars, through steamrooms and sauna, finishing off with a swim through “Jacuzzi land” where you paddle to a dozen stations of water jets targetting assorted areas of tension, should you still be capable of experiencing stress.
Already a favorite of royalty, this over-the-top hideaway lures those who don't want to see and be seen, and here the only chore you will ultimately face is pulling yourself out of this luxurious cocoon that gives a whole new meaning to that tiny necklace of islands swallowed up on world maps.
©2007 Melissa Rossi. Written by Melissa Rossi for Luxury Travel Magazine. Melissa Rossi, who is currently traveling across the Middle East and Asia, is the author of the What Every American Should Know about Europe (Plume/Penguin 2006). What Every American Should Know about the Middle East will be published in June 2008.
Take advantage of LUXURY TRAVEL MAGAZINE Special Rates & Offers:
HOTEL RESERVATIONS | BOOK FLIGHTS | CAR RENTAL
________________________________________________________________________________________
 |  |
ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
A majestic silhouette on the Arabia horizon, Banyan Tree Al Areen presents a total of 78 luxuriously appointed villas; 56 one-bedroom Desert Pool Villas, each 400 sqm (4305 sq ft); and 22 two-bedroom Royal Pool Villas each spanning 740 sqm (7965 sq ft) and featuring private open-air swimming and jet pools, over-sized infinity bath tubs and sprawling master bedrooms.
Capturing the essence of Arabia, each villa is designed to incorporate an intimate fusion of traditional Middle Eastern and contemporary Asian architecture. The interior effortlessly combines arabesque style furnishings with elegant Far Eastern fabrics, wrapping guests in sheer luxury.
|
 | |
AMENITIES & SERVICES
At the hotel: State of the art conference rooms with break out rooms available and three separate meeting rooms. Corporate Retreats. Kids Club. Banyan Tree Gallery. Six international food and beverage outlets.
In your room: High Speed Internet (Wireless), Outdoor BBQ, Outdoor Dining & Lounging Area, Room Service, Turndown Service |
 |
|
DINING
Boasting no-fewer than six international restaurants, Saffron boasts an intimate fusion of Thai cuisine served amidst opulent Arabian décor. Tamarind, set in the tranquil surroundings of the Banyan Tree Spa, combines seafood delicacies and spa cuisine with exotic herbs, roots and spices creating a unique meld of distinctive flavors. Vertigo features sleek décor and elegant chic with stunning panoramic views, offering a selection of international beverages and light bites. |
 |
|
ACTIVITIES
On-site: Indoor and outdoor swimming pool with rapids, male and female gyms, the world's most extensive spa and hydrothermal garden offering a full range of health, beauty and spa treatments, two tennis courts, a squash court and a Hammam. |
 |
|
AREA ATTRACTIONS
Bahrain, the hidden pearl of the Middle East is an archipelago of islands in the Arabian Gulf with a unique blend of ancient and modern values. Banyan Tree Desert Spa and Resort, Al Areen is situated in the southwest of the Kingdom of Bahrain, in the prestigious Al Areen development. The resort is only a 35-minute drive from Bahrain International Airport and five minutes away from the world-famous Bahrain International Circuit. Discover the roots of this ancient island believed to be the home of the ‘Garden of Eden’ and be immersed in the arts, history, cuisine and warm Arabian culture. Equally enchanting is the wind-caressed desert landscape with its rolling sand dunes and unique flora and fauna. Activities in the area include falconry, pearl diving, horse and camel riding, off road driving, Formula BMW racing experience, golf and shopping. |
 |
|
GETTING THERE
Hotel Address: Banyan Tree Desert Spa & Resort, Al Areen, Manama 18108, Bahrain.
Airport: Bahrain International Airport (BAH) - 30 minutes. Book Flights
Transportation: Rent A Car To request an airport pick-up by the hotel (extra charge may apply), please provide your airline name, flight number, time of arrival and # of passengers in the Special Requests box when making your hotel booking online. Please make your request at least 2 days in advance. |
Take advantage of LUXURY TRAVEL MAGAZINE Special Rates & Offers:
HOTEL RESERVATIONS | BOOK FLIGHTS | CAR RENTAL |
| |
| |
|
|
