Renad Ghanem Saudi Gazette If you want to experience an elegant stay, amazing food, a relaxing time by the pool and a terrific view of a bay, then visit the recently opened Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay in Manama. The Luxury Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay takes its place triumphantly on its own manmade island against the glittering backdrop of Manama; the all-new hotel has already emerged as a destination unto itself. Bahrain used to be an attractive destination for Saudis, especially those looking for short breaks. Saudis can now enjoy the Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay—a landmark skyscraper that includes 273 rooms and suites anchored on resort-like grounds on a private manmade island. The hotel boasts a spa, comprehensive fitness facilities and five unique swimming areas, elegant and flexible halls, and rooms for meetings and celebrations. 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 and enjoying their first accolades. Sheikh Khalid bin Abdullah Al-Khalifa, deputy prime minister of Bahrain, predicted that with its monumental façade and expansive views of the Arabian Gulf, the hotel will be a new landmark in the city atthe Hotel's inauguration ceremony on March 1. To drive Bahrain's new era as a global culinary destination, chef Wolfgang Puck—an internationally renowned celebrity—unveiled three food concepts which include the acclaimed “Cut and Cut Lounge” led by executive chef Ben Small, the new Moroccan-inspired “Blue Moon Lounge” and the first ever “Asian Cuisine Lounge” with executive chef Brian Becher at the helm. Hotel Executive Chef Stefano Andreoli presents four more original dining options, including the poolside Vento and the chic Azure lounge. The media was shown four of these restaurants hosted at the main opening of the hotel that was held recently. “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,” said hotel manager Bob Suri. Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay is offering a special introductory rate, as well as the brand's popular bed and breakfast option, both bookable online for a limited time. Khalil Al-Yaman, who leads a team of seven multi-national concierges, said, “We've been working the phones for months in preparation for our first arrivals. Now we are thrilled to welcome guests to Bahrain and introduce them to all this tiny but exciting destination offers.” The hotel is designed by French designer Pierre-Yves Rochon, and inspired by the grand era of ocean travel in choosing a palette of rich colors and lavish adornment, including in-room lounge chairs based on an original design for the French liner SS Normandie. Each room also boasts a 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. The hotel includes five different swimming experiences, as a true urban resort boasting the Kids' Pool that will be a favorite for families, the Azure Pool where adults will revel in sophisticated vibe and which turns into a chic cocktail lounge at night, the free-form Infinity Pool which spills into the bay, the Indoor Spa Pool and the refreshing Saltwater experience. And if you love water and don't want to get wet, then check out the Bahraini-made hexagonal platform just offshore with its floating Ventus Lounge boats. The hotel includes one of the largest Four Seasons spas in the world. The spa is housed in four interconnecting garden buildings, including 17 treatment rooms and luxurious his and hers spa lounges. Chandarella Luzon, director of the spa, presents a carefully edited selection of the finest therapies available. This includes the signature Ratnakara Rituals created by Ila and also Sodashi's luxe oud treatments. The comprehensive fitness facilities and cutting-edge classes come with two fully equipped gyms—one unisex and another ladies only. The hotel also offers weight training, cardio machines and classes, and includes the revolutionary new ‘AntiGravity' Yoga. There more versatile indoor and outdoor function spaces, including space for weddings. Guests have a wide choice from a full menu of international dining options, and the best local specialties. They are greeted with Bahraini coffee and locally grown dates in the Bay-View Lounge, and treated to traditional Arabic choices. At Vento, poolside fare goes beyond burgers and salads to offer bronze extruded homemade pastas and wood-fired pizzas topped with imaginative flavors. Mohamed Emam, director of catering, said his calendar is filling quickly with meetings and conferences that are to be held in the hotel's state-of-the-art ballrooms and boardrooms, and the special considerations for weddings that are making Four Seasons the most coveted choice for couples, including the fully enclosed music room, photography room and the sumptuous bride's suite.
