Set in Manama’s seef district, a secluded paradise offers a private beach, luxury villas, and award-winning dining.
For many, luxury means having a space all to yourself, while having everything the world has to offer at your fingertips. Set in 20 acres of luxuriant gardens surrounded by the golden sandy beaches of the Gulf of Arabia, this 245-room five-star city resort is one of those places, and one of the most elegant destinations in Bahrain. This spectacular hotel offers an idyllic location where guests can relax and unwind in unprecedented, serene surroundings. In an absolutely privileged position with respect to the Kingdom’s capital, Manama, the Ritz-Carlton offers a truly secluded slice of paradise right in the centre of the City’s bustling Seef district, itself the result of active land reclamation works that began back in the 1980s and dramatically changed the coastline of Bahrain into what it is now, dominated by glittering skyscrapers, luxury apartments and a veritable host of shopping malls.
Conveniently located close to the Bahrain International Exhibition Centre, and just 7 km from Bahrain International Airport, this cosmopolitan style resort offers guests the promise of unparalleled elegance, inviting them into a world of luxury and opulence with a timeless, classical feel; an intimate hideaway with a boundless array of leisure and dining facilities, each the last word in enjoyment and relaxation, and above all an oasis from which they can immerse themselves in the local culture, enjoy extraordinary cuisine and explore the dazzling capital city of Manama, itself adding yet another level of indulgence to already extensive range of extraordinary experiences.
In addition to its deluxe category rooms, the resort has 31 suites and 42 Club Level rooms, as well as 23 beautifully furnished, seafront villas, each with three-bedrooms, its own private infinity pool, private beach access and 24-hour butler service.
The possibilities for dining at the Ritz-Carlton truly span the globe, with 14 different venues each with own absolutely individual character, from Cantina Kahlo (Mexican) to Nirvana (Indian), Plums (a steakhouse), La Plage and Bar de Plage (Beach cafes), Thai (Asian Fusion and Sushi), La Med (Mediterranean), Primavera (Italian), not to mention the first Krug Ambassade in the middle-east: a sixteen-person experience by award-winning Executive Chef Yann Bernard Lejard. With the feeling of dining in a 19th century manor home in the French countryside, La Table Krug by Y takes the most discerning of palates on an epicurean 8-course voyage of the senses.
For leisurely dining moments or for afternoon tea, there’s the Lobby Lounge and Ritz Gourmet Lounge offering guests à la carte café and desserts, while the Burlington Club is a more sophisticated ambiance, perfect for appreciating vintage spirits, premium cigars, cocktails, mocktails and even light bites.
For the healthy, active lifestyle, there’s the latest juice bar concept, La Vie or the new beach bar, La Dolce Vita, and a pop-up restaurant, called Nikmati, offering different themes throughout the year.
Or you could just decide to stay in your secluded oasis and go for the incredible 24-hour in-room dining service instead, but that’s up to you.
At the Ritz-Carlton you design your own Gulf resort retreat, whether it’s an ocean-inspired Spa experience with hammam, plunge pools, a couple’s suite and exclusive treatments drawing on traditional Arabic rituals, or a round of golf at the Royal Golf Club, a full 18-hole course, par 72 and a sporting afternoon at
the resort’s Royal Beach Club with tennis and squash courts, fitness centre and temperature-controlled indoor and outdoor pools.
Or you could just relax on the private beach that sweeps around one of the Kingdom’s most beautiful lagoons that even has its own island, being served a few mocktails before venturing out to experience what sparkling Manama has to offer, from its malls to its nightlife, reputedly the best in the Middle East.
Despite being a small country, it has an abundance of clubs and pubs, all located within walking distance of each other, delivering everything you could possibly want, from top DJs to some quite interesting music venues by all accounts.
Getting to the Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain from the French Riviera has never been easier, with the introduction of a direct Gulf Air flight from June 2022.
About the manager
The man behind everyday operations, leading the incredible team of Ladies and Gentlemen at The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain is Bernard de Villèle, who joined the hotel as the general manager in june 2018.
A veteran of the luxury hospitality industry, Bernard joined the hotel from the St. Regis Mexico City.
Bernard de Villèle, who was raised most of his life abroad, being a son of a French diplomat, is widely acknowledged as one of the region’s most successful hoteliers, and someone who leads with a creative and entrepreneurial mindset.
His career in hospitality began 40 years ago after graduating from the Ecole Hôtelière de Lausanne in Switzerland with a degree in hotel management. Just to get an idea of what that actually means, it’s certainly worth mentioning that the EHL is not only the world’s first hotel school, founded in 1893, but is internationally recognized as the world’s best hotel management school, having been awarded this accolade for the fourth consecutive year in 2022 by the QS Quacquarelli Symonds world university rankings organization. Bernard had the opportunity to immediately commence work in the hospitality industry, and started his journey. Since then, his career has crossed every continent having worked in Europe, Caribbean, Indian Ocean, Central America, and the Middle East.
He has worked in senior management and executive roles in many of the world’s most illustrious hotel groups, from Hilton, Intercontinental, Four Seasons, Rosewood, Savoy, Orient Express where he became the general manager of La Samanna, and as Vice President of Business Development and Operations in Europe at Taj 51 Buckingham Gate, after which he did a stint in Lebanon as Area General Manager of Habtoor City, followed by joining Marriott International 12 years ago and opening St. Regis Mauritius and St. Regis Mexico, before joining the legendary Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain.
Bernard is a true Ritz-Carlton Gentleman, leading with passion and empathy. He has a keen eye for details and an impeccable record for elevating the guest experience through continuous innovation and creativity, maximizing every inch of the property. With his fervent leadership, The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain continues to lead and sustain its position as Bahrain’s leading luxury resort. Bernard is also very passionate about the Ritz-Carlton culture and ensures that this is imparted to all the Ladies and Gentlemen and ultimately to guests.
“The Ritz-Carlton is a brand with the most incredible culture. Once you get to know our gold standards, you will begin to understand our core values. We live what we believe, and that is what I love about the way we provide our legendary service. This company makes you a better person.”
“Recognizing that luxury is in the guest’s emotions, the level of personalized service has never been more important, and that is what empowers the team to create “a la grande” moments that guests have come to expect, leaving them with indelible marks which makes them Ritz-Carlton guests for life.” says Bernard.
The art of plating
A master of art and an icon in the food scene, Yann Bernard Lejard heralds the role of Director of Culinary, and Food and Beverage at the luxury five-star property.
Born in Paris, France, Yann Lejard began expressing himself through art, taking inspiration from the likes of modern art legends like Pablo Picasso (1881-1973), and Jackson Pollock (1912-1956). Eventually becoming a chef by the age of 16, it was then where he found food to be a catalyst for artistic expression and where his signature, abstract style was born.
His artistic creation and expression realize the surreal and unexpected beauty of the contemporary vision of cooking, involving all senses. He designs the aesthetic symbiosis between elements, colors and emotions, pushing the limits of culinary creation and taste.
With passion and pride, Yann Lejard will continue to keep the property’s 14 outlets and banqueting facilities on prime positions within the local market, while redefining the vision of excellence, together with his passionate team of Ladies and Gentlemen.
“I consider cooking to be a creative act, and has the intention to elevate the discipline of our legendary service to compliment food to the level of art. I love to challenge uniformity and therefore create the food of tomorrow.”, says Yann.