annualreview AL AREEN
Bigger and Better than Ever!
Pierre Vasseur
CHARLIE HOLDING Following its most successful year to date, this company is ending 2015 on a high note and has plenty planned for next year.
62 December 2015
Pierre Vasseur, the general manager of Lost Paradise of Dilmun waterpark (LPOD) and Al Areen Palace & Spa, believes the best is yet to come for both venues with expansion and improvement plans already firmly in motion. With a background in hospitality, marketing and sales, Pierre handles his dual role with infectious enthusiasm and a flair for out-of-the-box thinking across the board. For LPOD, the winter season provides ample opportunity to begin work on next summer’s attractions, which include a new BD1 million slide affectionately called the rocket. “I decided we needed to attract more teenagers,” Pierre explains. “The new ride is shaped like a rocket and when you get in, a countdown begins. When it reaches zero, the bottom opens and you fall into a slide; it’s a real adrenaline rush and I’m sure people will love it.”
To cater to families and younger visitors, the rarely used splash pool is being converted into a kid friendly pirate ship, complete with water cannons and five slides for added fun. It’s not just youngster’s on Pierre’s radar, LPOD now offers a range of packages for weddings too. “We offer a different atmosphere from traditional weddings at hotels,” Pierre says. “You are on a stage on the water and it’s something truly unique, with the lighting at night it looks fantastic!” This year has seen the venue add two new dining outlets, a coffee shop with a direct access from the exterior of the water-park, named Mid-Summer Café and a beach bar on the edge of the wave pool named Blue Lagoon. Meanwhile, the majestic Al Areen Palace & Spa is also undergoing a seasonal revamp with new dining outlets set to be added to the already impressive line up of restaurants. “We are currently working on an Indian fine dining restaurant and a more casual Italian eatery,” Pierre reveals. “These new outlets will be located right by the hotel’s entrance and we are sure they will be a great addition to our already varied line up.” The as yet unnamed Indian restaurant — which is slated to open in June 2016 — will offer fusion cuisine and have enough space to seat 70 diners. However, the Italian concept is something Pierre is especially excited about. “I want it to be a casual type of place like you would find in southern Italy,” he says. “We want it to be a smaller, less formal venue that serves up Italian favourites like pizza and pasta. The real charm of the place will be the dynamic new chef who will interact with the customers, this makes it more than just dinner — it’s an experience.” And, when it comes to experience, Pierre is a man who knows how to build on his. While working in the South Pacific years ago, he used to manage overwater bungalows that were a hit with tourists and now he aims to bring the concept to Al Areen in 2016. “We already have luxurious villas, which are great for guests who enjoy their space and privacy,” he explains. “These overwater bungalow’s offer a different type of experience. You only have to drive half an hour and feel like you’ve had a weekend in the Seychelles without leaving the country.” Also, as part of the yearly revamp, the currently disused loft bar will be converted into two penthouse suites, offering spectacular views. “These panoramic suites will each have their own private elevator,” Pierre says. “We wanted to increase capacity and make the best use of the space we have.” www.bahrainthismonth.com