Beautiful Bahrain: The pearl of the Persian Gulf
With a rich history of pearl-diving, the Kingdom of Bahrain is a rare treasure in the Persian Gulf.
July 31, 2024
Bahrain may not receive the same attention as some of its glitzier Middle Eastern neighbors, but it has plenty to offer its most refined visitors. From flavorful cuisine to cool cafés, bustling souqs, quiet beaches and a rich and intriguing history, this compact kingdom is a precious gem that rewards those who take the time to get to know it.
Natural wonders
Explore Bahrain’s Pearling Path, a 2-mile (3.5-kilometer) walking trail through Bahrain’s city of Muharraq, stretching from the seaside fortress Qal’at Bu Mahir to the Siyadi Complex, home to a new Pearl Museum. As part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this trail offers a glimpse into the often-arduous lives of early pearl divers, dhow-owners and traders through their restored former homes. Dive deeper into the kingdom’s pearl history with a truly unique experience arranged by the concierge at Conrad Bahrain Financial Harbour. This one-of-a-kind pearl-hunting adventure is an idyllic way to discover the region’s natural treasures while enjoying the pristine Gulf waters. With only natural pearls allowed on the market, Bahrain is also the perfect place to add one of these exquisite orbs to your jewelry collection. Pick up exquisite orbs at the prestigious shopping districts of The Avenues and City Centre Bahrain, just minutes from Conrad Bahrain Financial Harbour.
Flavors of Arabia and beyond
Rich in spices and full of flavor, Bahraini cuisine has been influenced by centuries of trade and cultural exchange. A great place to sample local food is at Villa Mamas, an eclectic-yet-upscale eatery where chef Roaya Saleh elevates traditional homestyle favorites with a contemporary touch. Her delicate dishes, like smoked lamb mansaf and chicken with rose petals, pistachio and barberries, draw an appreciative crowd of locals and visitors alike. For exquisite flavors beyond Arabia, head to SUSHISAMBA for a unique rooftop dining and entertainment experience at Conrad Bahrain Financial Harbour. Like its splashy counterparts in London and Dubai, the Bahrain outpost is equally buzzing with live music and a cocktail lounge. The only thing likely to compete with the brand’s signature Japanese, Brazilian and Peruvian cuisine are the restaurant’s spectacular skyline views.
History and adventure
With a history that spans more than 5,000 years, Bahrain’s main historic sites — like the atmospheric Bahrain Fort and the A’ali Burial Mounds — are best explored with a private guide arranged by your concierge. To fully appreciate Bahrain’s natural beauty, make your way to the pristine white sand beaches of Jarada Island, which only appears at low tide and is the perfect destination for snorkeling and surfing. For a truly immersive getaway, your visit to Bahrain is incomplete without an overnight stay in the desert. Arranged by the concierge at Conrad Bahrain Financial Harbour, this exclusive excursion includes dune bashing, camel rides and stargazing before you retire for the night in one of the lavish tents. For a different kind of thrill, the hotel also can arrange serene sunset horseback riding on Karbabad Beach or an adrenaline-inducing day of test-driving race cars.
Nicola Chilton
Dubai-based travel writer Nicola Chilton has made the Middle East home for the past nine years, traveling extensively around the region in search of untold stories of people and places. Her writing can be found in global titles including AFAR, Centurion, Condé Nast Traveler, Departures, The Times and more.
Discover more at Conrad Bahrain Financial Harbour
Prominently located in the Bahrain Financial Harbour on the Manama Seafront, we are minutes from the prestigious shopping districts of The Avenues and City Centre Bahrain. Bask in 360-degree views of downtown Manama and Bahrain Bay from our rooftop pool and restaurant. Bab Al Bahrain is less than a kilometer away, leading to the famous Manama Souq.
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