7 of the best places to stay in Bahrain

1. Vida Beach Resort

Enjoy the best of both worlds at the Vida Beach Resort. Located directly on Marassi Beach on the island of Marassi, you may feel away from it all, but you’re only a 25-minute drive from downtown Manama and less than a 15-minute drive from Bahrain International airport.

Chic and modern, the stylish 299 rooms and serviced residences have either city or sea views and range from king rooms to three-bedroom apartments for up to six guests, with stone and brass tones throughout.

Dining options are varied and quirky, with beachside food trucks serving snacks, a rooftop bar, fine French Mediterranean dining, a jazz club and a floating pontoon bar on the ocean, among its ten sites.

But there’s plenty more to explore in the buzzing neighbourhood around the property too, including the nearby Marassi Galleria mall.

2. Raffles Al Areen Palace

Stepping into the Raffles Al Areen feels like walking into a Bahraini palace. From palm courts, to pointed arches, domes and butler service, this oasis of 78 private pool villas is centred around privacy and Middle Eastern luxury.

Located inland near Zallaq, you’re 45 minutes from the capital Manama, away from both the city and the beach. Though the Bahrain International F1 Circuit is next door, this property is about switching off and basking in the surrounds of the hotel.

It’s not a budget option but the higher price point feels justified by the all-villa accommodation, from one to three bedrooms. All come with free breakfast and butler service. There’s a communal pool too, alongside acres of landscaped gardens, and tours of the property’s art collection, produced entirely by local artists.

3. Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa

This family-friendly beachfront resort on the west coast is also close to Zallaq but feels like a world in itself. A 30-minute drive from the airport, nearby attractions include the Bahrain International F1 Circuit and Al Areen Wildlife Park.

A favourite of local and Saudi families, especially at weekends, its 262 all-sea-view rooms are Arabic in their décor. Think geometric fretwork, dark wood, golds and reds. And there’s beach access as well as a large central pool and kids’ pool area. Book in the week if you’re looking for a quieter stay.

Parents will appreciate the free all-day kids’ club running from 9am to 7pm. Teens are taken care of too, with a dedicated club from 11am to 7pm complete with PS5, pool table and ping-pong table. And children don’t have all the fun here as there’s also an on-site Thalassa Sea & Spa – the only thalassotherapy spa in the region.

Food wise, expect separate Lebanese, Mediterranean, Italian, Indian and Japanese restaurants. Fridays feature the Grand Friday Brunch with live cooking stations and music from a Cuban band.

4. The Art Hotel & Resort

Located on the Amwaj Islands, on the northern tip of Bahrain, the 14-storey Art Hotel & Resort is set on its own private beach, shimmering with its all-glass, modern exterior. Inside you’ll find 311 rooms and suites, all ocean-facing, with warm wood hues and restful gold and cream.

Though you’re just a 15-minute drive from the airport and 20 minutes from Manama city centre, the hotel feels self-contained and set apart. If wandering off-site seems like hard work, there’s a restaurant for each day of the week including Italian, a steakhouse with seafood, Asian, tapas, Mediterranean and more. For the evening, there’s a sunset bar with DJs and a lounge bar for late nights.

If you’re travelling with kids, the hotel has its own water park, as well as three temperature-controlled pools. Child-free trip? You’ll be happy to know there’s one pool reserved for adults only, featuring a cocktail bar and jacuzzi.

5. Crowne Plaza Bahrain

While it’s a business-focused hotel, the Crowne Plaza is a great value base in central Manama, ideal for those wanting a few days amid the hustle and bustle.

Close to Manama Souq and Manama's seafront, where you’ll find the Bahrain National Theatre and Bahrain National Museum, it’s also just 15 minutes from the airport, making it an ideal base for those wanting to bookend a trip before heading south to a beach resort. There are interconnecting rooms for families and a children’s room beside the lawn-wrapped heated pool.

On site, there are three restaurants, a cafe and two bars, but with Manama on your doorstep, you’ll likely want to explore local hot spots too.

6. InterContinental Bahrain

Another city centre option, the InterContinental is close to prime spots such as the souq, but has a more luxury focus and views over the Bahrain Financial Harbour.

Its 304 rooms and suites have patterned carpets, simple dark wood furniture and a cream colour palette but it’s the amenities and top-class service you’re here for.

When you’re done sightseeing, relax in a cabana by its rooftop pool or head for a treatment at the spa. If you’re hungry in the middle of the night, there’s 24-hour room service. Otherwise, the poolside international restaurant Selections is open from 6am to 10.30pm. From midday there’s an Italian restaurant, an evening steakhouse and even a basement bar serving Tex Mex until 3am. A bonus for families? Kids eat for free.

7. Jumeirah Gulf of Bahrain

The beachfront Jumeirah Gulf of Bahrain is located on the west coast in Zallaq with ocean views. But the main site is also surrounded by a moat of oceanwater canals and dotted with numerous pools.

Opened in 2022, it’s one of the most modern resorts in Bahrain, with décor in its 207 rooms featuring pared back beachy hues, bamboo and rattan furniture, and mid-century wooden panelling. And even its entry-level Deluxe rooms have space to spread out.

There are 16 room categories across numerous towers and blocks on the site, with higher categories directly by the beach, including the top-end summer houses with private pools. But you don’t have to be right by the water for an ocean view. Most rooms have them plus outdoor spaces or balconies.

Food-wise, seven restaurants use local ingredients, including beachside dining at Ousoul for comfort food and cocktails, Al Sama for shisha overlooking the Gulf and Italian cuisine at Due Mari. When it comes to kicking back, choose from five pools including kids and adult-only options. Or take a cruise around the resort’s canal then watch a film in its 36-seater cinema.

For more information on Bahrain visit https://www.bahrain.com/