General: Bahrain

Look what I found when I was clearing some files from my work database .... a review I wrote after I had been to Bahrain in June 2001. As part of my job, working within a global conference and events organiser, I used to do so much more International (and somewhat more exotic) travel than I currently do ;-( but I still can't grumble and I went to Barcelona on business last weekend and go to the South of France on business (of sorts!) next weekend. This particular trip was organised by a hotel group and was over 5-days including a trip to Bahrain, Dubai and Abu Dhabi. 9 UK based event ... more

I may well be horribly biased but I think this is a fantastic place. After all I was born in Bahrain, but I hadn’t been back for at least 15 years when I visited family friends for a week last summer. It strikes me that Bahrain is far from an up and coming tourist destination. I had great time, but I was with a resident. As far as background goes Bahrain is a tiny island in the Persian Gulf. It’s not particularly famous for anything other than it’s new and relatively liberal monarch, it’s spats with Qatar and it’s pearl fishing. It’s mainly desert or city ... more

Bahrain is a rare pearl in the Arabian Gulf. More relaxed than it's strictly Islamic neighbours - it combines the rich Arab culture with a more relaxed, somewhat Western, outlook. This small island, connected to the Saudi Arabian mainland by an enormous freeway, is oft a weekend escape for expats who can sample a pint of beer (alcohol is forbidden in most Muslim countries and anyone caught with it is severely reprimanded). It is also a place for great bargains. Wandering round the souk, you can find a range of goods at very competitive prices. From huge displays of 21 carat gold to sumptuous ... more

As cabin crew i visit Bahrain on average once a month and I never fail to enjoy my trip. I can stay from anywhere between 12 hours and 10 days and love it everytime. Where do I start? Well, we usually stay in the Diplomat Hotel in Manama which is sheer luxury and caters for all your needs. The rooms are beautifully decorated and the tv keeps you up to date with news from around the world. When you drive up to the hotel really takes your breath away. The lights are magical and the heat as you step out of the air conditioned bus just makes the whole experience out of this world. So, what do we ... more

An island with without any beaches? It doesn't seem possible yet somewhow Bahrain manages to acheive it. A tiny island attached to the vastness of Saudi Arabia, Bahrain is a Kingdom with big plans. Like many of the other Gulf countries, it is a melting pot of cultures and there's always something to be looking at - women entirely covered in veils showing only their stunning eyes, Indian workers spending their Friday relaxing on the grass in the middle of a roundabout, young Arab boys in their teens driving new Porsche's - the list goes on. As a holiday destination I would be reluctent to ... more

I visited Bahrain in 2002 and met my other half who was on R&R from posting in Kuwait. The holiday got off to a good start, I sat next to a lady on the plane from Amsterdam who was from Dallas and we also travelled together on the way back. I was nervous travelling alone but found myself in good company. She was visiting her partner who was on holiday from working in Saudi Arabia. I liked the place, but found it a culture shock. I stayed at the Holiday Inn, which was in the financial district I think. The hotel was very nice and I enjoyed spending time by the pool in the daytime. I made sure ... more