Tourism

Every weekend, about a quarter million people come to the Kingdom of Bahrain, just for the fun of it. With its burgeoning dining and nightlife scene, fabulous shopping and myriad recreational pursuits, the islands uncrowded beaches, charming streets and world class fairways beckon those who want to get away from the grind and enjoy life to its fullest.

And, in addition to the international business that brings thousands more to the Kingdom each week, another reason to book a trip to Bahrain is currently emerging at the centre of the capital city of Manama: the all-new Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay, opening in early 2015.
This is Bahrains moment, declares General Manager Greg Pirkle, whose 25-year Four Seasons career has taken him all over the world. And I cant wait to welcome guests to Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay. From that eye-popping first impression of our distinctive building rising from its own private island in the middle of the Bay to the incredible attention to every comfort and whim of our guests, we promise a true urban resort experience.

Already well-known as a sun-and-fun destination to regional travellers and an important centre of international commerce, Bahrains charms are just now becoming known on a wider scale, and Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay is in the heart of it all. Less than 15 minutes from the airport, mere moments across the two-lane causeway into the city centre and easily accessible to any number of commercial, recreational, shopping and historic locales, the Hotel is the ideal base whether coming to the Kingdom for business or pleasure.

Monumental in design, Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay rises 68 stories above the Bay on its own five hectare (12 acre) oval-shaped manmade island. At its base architects Skidmore, Owings & Merrill have conceived a sprawling layout of restaurants, meeting spaces, an enormous spa complex, and beautifully landscaped pools, terraces and gardens. In the tower are 273 rooms and suites all with panoramic views and a dramatic two-level sky bridge housing world class restaurants and hi tech event spaces.

Now confirming reservations beginning March 1, 2015: To be among the first to experience the new Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay, call 00973 711 5000 or book online.

The Look of Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay: Rooms with a View
Interiors by Pierre-Rochon are serene and sophisticated, with modern technologies and thoughtful features designed for todays travellers. His inspiration came from the glamorous ocean liners of the 1930s, realized here in modern lines with Art Deco accents and a calming colour palette. Particular attention was paid to lighting design, transforming spaces from day to night and taking full advantage of the Hotels abundant natural light.

Throughout the Hotel, contemporary local culture is celebrated in a collection of works by Bahraini artists, including a wonderful series of ceramic tiles depicting the regions ancient Dilmun Culture by Huda Al Saie.

With a choice of either Manamas glittering skyline or the vast expanse of the Arabian Gulf, the Hotels 216 guest rooms and 57 suites offer the very height of luxury in Bahrain, and all will feature the new, fully customizable Four Seasons Bed.
Thoughtful considerations are everywhere, from in-room technologies to the fully-supervised Kids for All Seasons program and teens game room, 24-hour business centre, and the six prayer rooms located throughout the Hotel.

Whatever Your Mood: Dining and Lounge Concepts at Four Seasons in Bahrain
Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay will offer seven unique dining and drinking concepts, with menus overseen by two culinary leaders: international celebrity Chef Wolfgang Puck, and the Hotels own Executive Chef Stefano Andreoli.

Puck brings three culinary experiences to Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay, including his new concept re Asian Cuisine, a modern approach to traditional Chinese cuisine; and an opulent 50th floor nightspot, Blue Moon Lounge. Hell also offer a concept already popular at the Hotels sister property Beverly Wilshire in Beverly Hills, CUT by Wolfgang Puck, with the adjacent CUT Bar & Lounge.

Chef Andreoli and Director of Food and Beverage George Safi will oversee four additional dining and lounge experiences, including:
Bahrain Bay Kitchen Centrally located one level down from the main lobby and conceived by internationally renowned designers EDG, Bahrain Bay Kitchen will offer a unique round-the-world buffet concept with multiple live cooking stations allowing guests and chefs to join in the fun. Every week, the culinary team plans to pull out all the stops for the Kingdoms most lavish Friday Brunch.
Bay-View Lounge Designed by Pierre-Yves Rochon in a sophisticated yet welcoming style, the airy Bay-View Lounge with its panoramic city views promises to be a favoured gathering place for casual business meetings, light meals and cocktails. A sumptuous Arabic High Tea will feature an exquisite sweets buffet, with live piano music contributing to the refined ambiance.
And what could be more fitting for an urban resort destination than dining and drinking poolside?
Vento - Meaning breeze in Italian, Vento opens onto the main family pool area, with service options including a take-your-pick buffet, delivery to your lounge chair, or bento boxes to enjoy poolside or take along on boating excursions. By day, the fare is light Mediterranean with gelato for the kids and tropical drinks for the adults, and as the sun sets, Vento becomes a trattoria offering homemade pastas and pizzas from the wood-sparking oven. Like the three Wolfgang Puck concepts, Vento is designed by A-list Hollywood designer Waldo Fernandez.
Azure By day, drinks and snacks are served by the adult pool, and by night, Azure transforms into a chic lounge where live DJs spin the soundtrack that accompanies shisha and selections from the martini bar and extensive Champagne list.
Everybody into the Pool: Four Seasons Presents Five Unique Swim Experiences
Whether spending the day splashing about with the kids, logging a few laps to stay fit while travelling on business or basking in a sophisticated see-and-be-seen vibe, Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay offers options for everyone.

Free Form Infinity Pool Spilling into Bahrain Bay, this nearly 1,000 square metre (10,000 square foot) family friendly pool offers delights both below and above the waters surface, including an underwater sound system, poolside services including spritzes and COOLA organic sun lotions, and all-day refreshments from the adjacent Vento, enjoyed on the terrace or delivered to ones lounge chair each of which is equipped with a call button to receive instant attention and service.
Kids Pool Located in the Kids Club, the shallow splash pool is a great place for children under 12 years old to cool off in a fully supervised environment they can call their very own.
Azure Pool An exclusive retreat for adults only, the Azure Pools most coveted spots are in the uber-deluxe ultra-private air-conditioned super cabanas. By night, Azure transforms into a chic outdoor cocktail lounge.
Saltwater Experience Guests are invited to take in the clean salt waters of Bahrain Bay in an enclosed swimming area open to guests 16 years and older.
Indoor Spa Pool Part of the Hotels expansive Spa complex, the serene 25 metre (82 foot) indoor pool is perfect for laps or a cool dip.
And more: Bahrain Bays clean waters and the Arabian Sea offer myriad recreational opportunities from scuba and snorkelling to boating, and even a chance to try your luck diving for pearls.

A Sanctuary within an Oasis: The Spa at Four Seasons
At 3,485 square metres (37,512 square feet), the Spa at Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay will be one of the largest in the global Four Seasons portfolio. Pierre Yves-Rochon has created a series of pavilions linked by modern mashrabiya (traditional screened windows seen throughout the Arab world) and surrounded by lush gardens. A sensitively designed layout assures complete comfort and privacy in separate unisex and womens only facilities, including two fully-equipped fitness centres.

Spa Director Chandarella Luzon, most recently of the acclaimed Spa at Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai in Thailand, leads a team of internationally-trained therapists who will work their magic in 17 luxuriously-appointed treatment rooms. With influences from Thailand, Indonesia and India, therapies will include massages, body treatments and facials using chemical-free Sodashi and ila products, and specialized treatments include salt inhalation and traditional Turkish-style hammam.
Additional Spa facilities include complimentary fitness classes, two luxurious relaxation lounges with juice bars, locker rooms, whirlpool, a beauty salon and barber shop, and the indoor Spa pool.

Meetings and Celebrations at Four Seasons
With more than 3,500 square metres (38,000 square feet) of event space, Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay is an unparalleled destination for local and international business meetings and conferences, and a glittering choice for weddings and other social occasions.
Two naturally-lit ballrooms include the 945 square metre (10,172 square foot) Bahrain Ballroom and large pre-function space, divisible by three and with a total capacity of 750 for a reception or 540 for a banquet. It opens onto an expansive terrace and the oval-shaped Bahrain Lawn with inspiring cityscape views. The more intimate Manama Ballroom offers 440 square metres (4,736 square feet) plus pre function space divisible by two, accommodating up to 220 for a reception, or 200 for a banquet.

For the ultimate prestige, four meeting rooms and two boardrooms are located in the Sky Bridge on the 50th and 51st floors, offering extraordinary views and exclusivity.

Director of Catering Mohamed Emam is particularly enthusiastic about the special considerations for wedding couples: In addition to divisible ballrooms to accommodate the local custom, we have the Kingdoms only enclosed music studio to pipe live music into the ballrooms, and we offer our brides their own suite throughout their big day, including a private entrance, photography room, pantry and separate living room and companion suite.

So Many More Reasons to Go
In addition to a host of international business travellers, as many as a quarter million people many more during the Saudi school holidays in January and March - come to Bahrain every weekend just for the fun of it, enjoying the beaches, cinemas, nightlife and myriad recreational activities from world-class golf and watersports to dune buggy racing in the desert. Visitors from all over the world participate in Bahrains calendar of marathons and triathlons (some of which pass through the waters around Four Seasons), and the Formula One event every April. In addition to designer label and souk shopping, cultural pursuits include the two-years new Bahrain National Theatre (which has already hosted such international stars as Placido Domingo, Il Divo and the Bolshoi and Mariinsky Ballets), and delving into the Kingdoms history as seen in ancient archeological sites and in a must-see district of restored 16th century houses in Muharraq.

Four Seasons in the Gulf
Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay joins the soon-to-be-open Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach and Four Seasons Hotel Doha as the brands collection of Arabian Gulf properties continues to expand.

• Tags
• #Business
• #Magazine
• #Lifestyle