WEEKENDS
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The little island country with the big history is the perfect place for a two-day getaway
BAHRAIN FRIDAY
SATURDAY
Morning Start your day off with an early-morning visit to Bahrain National Museum. With a well-deserved reputation as the most popular tourist attraction in Bahrain, it’s the perfect place to get an introduction to this historic land. The museum can keep whole families occupied all day, with the shop selling chic Bahraini crafts a real treat.
Morning Before sunrise, make your way out to Al Fateh Grand Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world. Covering over 6,500 square metres and capable of accommodating over 7,000 worshippers at a time, it is truly a sight to behold. It’s also the site of the National Library of Bahrain, where the country’s rich literary history can be explored.
Afternoon Take lunch at Bayti, in Bahrain Financial Harbour, which has a reputation for daring dishes like chocolate shawarma and a host of other quirky takes on the classic Arabic staple. Then it’s a trip to visit the Tree of Life, found 2km from Jebel Dukhan. Despite there being no local water source, the tree is covered in green leaves and y ÜiÀÃ ÌÜ Vi > Þi>À°
Afternoon Search out the Italian restaurant Oliveto in Adliya. You’ll recognise this cosy eatery for one reason – it will be full of expat Italians, which proves its quality. Then, get ready to shop at Bab el-Bahrain Souk. Then head downtown for some shopping, admiring stunning architecture like the jagged World Trade Centre.
Evening Splash out at Nirvana, the region’s most expensive Indian restaurant. The Û ÃÕ> wÀiÜ À ` ë >Þ Ã just as spectacular to look at as it is to taste, with the Masahari kebabs and local wà > ` LÃÌiÀ ` à ià Li } highlights on the menu. To w ` ÀÛ> >] à « Þ i>` to the Ritz-Carlton Hotel & Spa – it’s one of the hotel’s signature restaurants.
Evening Widely regarded as the best Lebanese food in Bahrain, Zahle in Manama serves contemporary and traditional cuisine. Once you’ve had Þ ÕÀ w ] Ì> i > Ã Ü at the stunning National Theatre of Bahrain, just a few streets away. The 750-seat auditorium this month plays host to music sensation Elias al Rahbani.
Where to stay
Ask a concierge
Roderick Asahan, from InterContinental Bahrain, picks three of the best restaurants Abd El Wahab consists of two y ÀÃ] Ü iÀi Ì i wÀÃÌ y À Ã mainly for dining only and the second is where you can enjoy live Arabic entertainment. Bushido serves contemporary Japanese cuisine and is an award-winner, providing a balance between austerity
World Traveller
and richness. Legendz Steakhouse shares its passion for prime meat cuts with friendly and professional service, and is found at the InterContinental Bahrain. Great for romantic evenings.
InterContinental Bahrain (ihg.com) In the heart of Manama (and therefore close to the best restaurants and culture), this hotel offers fantastic city views over the Financial Harbour and is just 10 minutes away from Bahrain’s City Centre. Or stay on site, enjoying the Spa InterContinental experience or the international dishes cooked up by the chefs.
Gulf Hotel (gulfhotelbahrain.com) The Gulf Hotel is one of the most venerable and respected luxury hotels on the island. With over 40 years of hospitality experience, the v> Ì>ÃÌ V wÛi ÃÌ>À Õ v Ìi offers resort facilities with a modern city location, and the lagoon style pool will make you feel like you’re on a tropical island. Don’t forget to join the VIP Club, either.
November // 2014
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