Hotel Review: Bahrain: Banyan Tree Desert Spa & Resort Al Areen

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.