Rising above lushly landscaped lawns, gardens and pools, Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay is a striking symbol of the country’s growing luxury hospitality sector. Taking its place on its own man-made island against the glittering backdrop of Manama, the all-new hotel has already emerged as a destination unto itself – and it just opened.
Following a series of star-studded opening ceremonies and parties, General Manager Greg Pirkle and his team of nearly 600 carefully chosen staff are now welcoming their first guests. At the Hotel’s inauguration ceremony on March 1, His Excellency Sheikh Khalid Bin Abdullah Al-Khalifa, Deputy Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bahrain, predicted that with its monumental façade and expansive views of the Arabian Gulf, Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay would be a new landmark in the city, and offered his good wishes for success.
On hand to usher in Bahrain’s new era as a global culinary destination, internationally renowned celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck unveiled three concepts, including the acclaimed CUT and CUT Lounge, led by Executive Chef Ben Small; the new Moroccan-inspired BLUE MOON LOUNGE; and the first ever re / ASIAN CUISINE with Executive Chef Brian Becher at the helm.
And if that isn’t enough to whet the appetite, Hotel Executive Chef Stefano Andreoli presents four more original dining options, including the poolside Vento and the chic Azure lounge.
“With the 2015 Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix next month and a world of diversions for gourmands, ancient history buffs, cultural explorers, golfers, pearl divers, shoppers and those who just want to chill on the beach, now is the time to see for yourself why everyone is talking about Bahrain,” invites Hotel Manager Bob Suri.
“We’ve been working the phones for months in preparation for our first arrivals,” says Khalil Al Yaman, who leads a team of seven multi-national concierges. “Now we are thrilled to welcome guests to Bahrain and introduce them to all this tiny but exciting destination offers.”
Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay highlights
- Sweeping city or sea views from all 273 rooms and suites: Esteemed designer Pierre-Yves Rochon was inspired by the grand era of ocean travel in choosing a palette of rich colours and lavish adornment, including in-room lounge chairs based on an original design for the French liner SS Normandie. Each room also boasts the new, fully customizable Four Seasons Bed. Additional interior designers for Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay include Los Angeles-based Waldo Fernandez (Wolfgang Puck and Vento restaurants) and EDG (Bahrain Bay Kitchen). Rooms, public spaces and function areas are by Rochon.
- A full menu of international dining options and the best local specialties: Guests are greeted with Bahraini coffee and locally-grown dates in the Bay-View Lounge, and treated to both traditional Arabic choices (shakshuka, joojeh or balaleet anyone?) in Bahrain Bay Kitchen and the playful “Souk and the City” cocktails at Azure. At Vento, poolside fare goes beyond burgers and salads to offer bronze extruded homemade pastas and wood-fired pizzas topped with imaginative flavours. Also: CUT and CUT Lounge, re / ASIAN CUISINE and BLUE MOON LOUNGE – all by Wolfgang Puck.
- A true urban resort boasting five different swim experiences: Families will love the Kids’ Pool, while adults will revel in the sophisticated vibe at the Azure Pool, which turns into a chic cocktail lounge when night falls. There’s also a free-form Infinity Pool “spilling” into the Bay, an Indoor Spa Pool, and the refreshing Saltwater Experience.
- Love the water but don’t want to get wet? Check out the Bahraini-made hexagonal platform just off-shore with its floating Ventus Lounge boats. Plus: Find out why Bahrain is a great place to bring the kids.
- One of the largest Four Seasons spas in the world: Director of Spa Chandarella Luzon presents a carefully edited selection of the finest therapies available, including the signature Ratnakara Rituals created by ila, and Sodashi’s luxe oud treatments. The Spa is housed in four interconnecting garden buildings, including 17 treatment rooms and luxurious his and hers spa lounges.
- Comprehensive fitness facilities and cutting-edge classes: Two fully-equipped gyms – one unisex and one for women only – offer weight training, cardio machines and classes – including the revolutionary new AntiGravity Yoga.
- Versatile indoor/outdoor function spaces, including one-of-a-kind wedding features: Director of Catering Mohamed Emam’s calendar is filling quickly with meetings and conferences taking place in its state-of-the-art ballrooms and boardrooms, but it’s the special considerations for weddings that are making Four Seasons the most coveted choice for couples on their big day, including the fully enclosed music room, photography room and the sumptuous bride’s suite.
Four Seasons in the Gulf
Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay joins the just-opened Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach and sister properties Four Seasons Hotel Doha and Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh in the brand’s growing portfolio in the Gulf region – with more to come.
