Raffles Hotels & Resorts debuts in Bahrain

Raffles Al Areen Palace Bahrain, Bahrain’s first and only ultra-luxurious all-villa escape, is a captivating palace retreat sheltering 78 private villas and a secret garden…

white facade and courtyard with pool at Raffles Al Areen Palace Bahrain

Raffles Hotels & Resorts’ world-renowned service meets the essence of Arabian hospitality with the opening of Raffles Al Areen Palace Bahrain. This enchanting and graceful palace resort is the country’s first and only all-villa property, offering a private and intimate experience for guests within its villas, culinary venues, wellbeing spaces and beautifully curated, luscious gardens. Striking art, created in partnership with local artists, adorns the restaurants and shared spaces, celebrating the vivid colours and eye-catching shapes of Arabic art and architecture.

entrance through wooden doors into courtyard with plants and swimming pool at Raffles Al Areen Palace Bahrain

Image credit: Raffles Hotels & Resorts

Developed in collaboration with GFH Financial Group, the ‘palace of the secret garden’ is both spacious and intimate. Each of the 78 elegantly landscaped, secluded private pool villas – of one, two or three bedrooms – has space of 400 square metres or more. Visitors can escape from the fast-paced modern world and enjoy temperature-controlled private pools ensuring the utmost comfort and relaxation in every season. Raffles’ legendary butler service will ensure that guests are taken care of in an anticipatory and personalised manner.

lobby and seating area with palm trees and white baby grand piano

Image credit: Raffles Hotels & Resorts

Wellbeing and reconnection with the natural world are at the heart of Raffles Bahrain. A secret garden flourishes under the care of a palace botanist, who is on hand to share valuable wisdom and host exclusive workshops for guests, from organic gardening to tree planting, date picking and healing herbs. Guests also have the option to book wellbeing villas, designed to provide secluded wellness experiences.

indoor and outdoor spaces and water features in private villa at Raffles Al Areen Palace Bahrain

Image credit: Raffles Hotels & Resorts

“I am delighted to announce the opening of Raffles Al Areen Palace Bahrain, our very first property in this vibrant kingdom,” said Omer Acar, CEO of Raffles Hotels & Resorts. “Raffles Hotels & Resorts is globally renowned for its exceptional hospitality, world-class wellness, exquisite cuisine, and an enduring tradition of legendary service. Raffles has a strong presence in the Middle East and this spectacular new hotel will offer guests an opportunity to explore the enchanting allure of Bahrain like never before”.

white on white guestroom with arabic inspired surface decoration

Image credit: Raffles Hotels & Resorts

Raffles Bahrain is also set to become a culinary hotspot. All-day Mediterranean restaurant Palma, which includes Palma outdoor terrace, features locally inspired fusion dishes and collaborations with internationally renowned chefs. World renowned pastry Chef Yazid Ichemrahen, known for his artistic pastry creations at Ycone Paris, brings his finely crafted sweet treats to Raffles Bahrain for guests to enjoy the best of French patisserie. Guests also have the choice to enjoy curated in-villa dining menus, where a private chef can be arranged upon request, allowing for an unparalleled level of privacy and comfort.

white cream and gold hotel guestroom

Image credit: Raffles Hotels & Resorts

Setting a new standard for events in the destination, the resort will host celebrations of all sizes and styles in its stunning and sophisticated indoor and outdoor event spaces. The palace’s spectacular secret gardens have been designed to host anything from hidden-away romantic dinners surrounded by lush greenery to fairytale weddings. For smaller events, guests can opt for in-villa celebrations for the utmost privacy – or organise the event of the season in one of the hotel’s larger spaces.

“Together with Raffles Hotels & Resorts, we are thrilled to debut this stunning new resort in the Kingdom of Bahrain,” commented Hisham Ahmed Al Rayes, CEO of GFH Financial Group. “As the country’s first all-villa hotel, Raffles Al Areen Palace Bahrain will offer guests an experience unlike any other, seamlessly bringing together the storied hallmarks and highly personalized service of the Raffles brand with Bahraini history and culture”.

dining area with marble floors, blue glass chandeliers and a central olive tree

Image credit: Raffles Hotels & Resorts

Located on the Island of a Million Palm Trees, Raffles Bahrain allows guests to discover an unexplored part of the Middle East, close to the namesake wildlife reserve which is home to exotic animals, rare birds and desert plants. The prime location of the resort makes it ideal for leisure and business travellers, close to major venues including the region’s largest convention centre, Exhibition World Bahrain, the Bahrain International F1 Circuit, the Lost Paradise of Dilmun Waterpark and the Al Dana amphitheatre.

hotel lobby with hanging plants and palm trees above patterned marble floor and fountain

Image credit: Raffles Hotels & Resorts

“At Raffles Al Areen Palace Bahrain, modernity and tradition will come together to provide an unforgettable guest experience and a true feeling of Arabian hospitality,” added Marie-Berengere Chapoton, General Manager, Raffles Al Areen Palace Bahrain. “I am thrilled to welcome guests to this captivating resort, which will bring a completely new offering to Bahrain and allow guests to retreat from their busy daily lives and enjoy the privacy and sanctuary of this desert oasis”.

The first Raffles property opened its doors in 1887, and for more than a century, Raffles has been known and loved as one of the world’s most iconic brands for its refined welcome, authentic traditions and gracious personalised service. Raffles currently offers a collection of 21 elegant addresses in landmark international city and resort destinations.

Main image credit: Raffle Hotels & Resorts