Just. Wow. And I don’t say that lightly. To be completely honest, I didn’t know anything about Bahrain when I booked my trip to this tiny country. I saw that it was nearby the United Arab Emirates, which I was set to visit, and I wanted to further explore the surrounding countries – so I booked a flight to Bahrain not knowing what to expect. A 15 minute taxi from the International Airport will bring you to the ART Rotana located on the Amwaj Islands, and I can easily say that this is one of my favorite hotels in which I’ve stayed.

It is absolutely perfect for anyone who is looking to relax on a beautiful beach in a beautiful location. I arrived exhausted after an 18 hour travel day from Sri Lanka, but was greeted with smiles by everyone from the moment I walked in the door.

Check-in was seamless, and I was quickly guided to my Premium King Room. It was spacious and extraordinarily comfortable with a King-sized bed, work desk, flat screen TV, and reading nook. There was also quite a bit of counter space, which I always appreciate. The view out my room looked nice, even though it was already dark out…then I woke up the next morning, opened the curtains, and gasped.

My room overlooked an absolutely stunning private beach and pool area, with Manama’s skyline in the distance. I sat down at the desk with my computer in hand and realized that it truly was one of the best views I could have while banging out some work. The view was so lovely that it was difficult to peel myself away from the window.

But, I did! Breakfast at the ART Rotana was the good kind of overwhelming that you definitely don’t want to miss, as there were just so many options ranging from local flavors to Western flavors. There was also a fresh bakery station, a parfait-making station, and a fresh juice counter.

This fresh-juice section was unlike anything I’d ever seen at a hotel, as the gentleman behind the counter juiced, right in front of you, whatever healthy and detoxing drink you would like. So each morning started with freshly juiced beet and carrot juice for me, and it was the best way to kickstart my day!

I then went out to explore the surrounding premises of the hotel and, believe it or not, I had the entire private beach and pool area to myself until about 12pm!

It was absolutely peaceful, relaxing, and very needed. I truly could have easily spent the week at the ART Rotana without ever having left.

Within the hotel itself, you could also find a gym with a trainer and classes, 8 restaurants, and a beach club.

Ready for an afternoon tea, I headed up to the Club Lounge and met the sweetest employees up there. They greeted me by name each time I saw them, and they were a joy to be around and extraordinarily attentive. Tea, light snacks, and desserts, paired with the amazing view up there, make the lounge quite enjoyable to spend some time in – and it’s a great addition to your room!

After realizing that sunset would happen directly out my room window, I ran down there to do some blogging and watch the sunset from my workstation – simply because it was just too good. Sometimes I look back at my life and question if it’s real… and it sure is!

That night, I had an amazing four-course dinner at Rosso. The weather was perfect, so I ate outside on the patio alongside the ART Rotana’s evening fountain show. The chef came out to introduce himself and recommend various dishes on the menu… and I honestly ate way more than anyone my size should!

But, the quality of the food was spectacular and it was a memorable, mouth-watering meal.

Between the service, quality, and comfort of this hotel, I was just blown away in every sense of the word. I wish I could have spent more time at this beautiful location, but it just means that I’ll have to return to the ART Rotana sometime soon!