Among the Arab Emirates, the nation of Bahrain has always had a unique relationship with its waters. The very name Bahrain which translates from Arabic into “Two Seas” should be a sufficient clue that the history and ancient industry of this country has always been closely intertwined. This conjecture is borne out by the impact of its sweet-water springs which were integral to the land’s first human settlement 4000 years ago and the historical records of pearl-diving, which shored up the kingdom’s fortunes in olden times.
Today, the rapid urban development of the nation is raging a battle of wills and infrastructure over the encroaching tides of the sea. Land reclamation is the commercial catchphrase of the day, where the shallows are filled in order to make space for the towering edifices constituting modern human dwellings which paint the Arab skyline. However, most of the many beaches of Bahrain remain relatively unsullied by these developments. At least 16 of the 33 island archipelago of Bahrain are famous luxury seaside resorts attracting droves of high-spending holiday makers. Of these, Hawar Island and the 600 meter private beach of the Ritz Carlton are the unquestionable front-runners; the Ritz Carlton beach in particular hosting a plethora of water-related recreational activities such as scuba diving, snorkeling, wind surfing, para-sailing etc. Al Bander Island also houses some of the most luxurious restaurants in an already elite leisure ground.
There is no question that the picture of blue shallows lapping at white, idyllic beaches shrouded in tranquility against a backdrop of a majestic cityscape is alluring to any leisure-seeker. However, it is a pragmatic point of note that Bahrain trumps its neighbors in beach tourism mostly because of its relatively tolerant attitude toward the less reserved foreign cultures.
It goes without saying that these world-renowned tourist beaches are not wanting for Bahrain accommodation options. Nor should the visitors who travel to Bahrain on business and find themselves land-locked in the central business district feel left out of the fun. Somerset Al Fateh is a serviced residence in the exclusive residential area of Juffair, offering Bahrain serviced apartments equipped with every modern convenience and proximity to transport links that ensure its guests have ample opportunity for a complete tour of the islands.
