Farah Baig discovers the hospitality jewel in the heart of Manama that is Downtown Rotana. She tells all about her day of rest, relaxation and indulgence that tops the list of her staycation experiences.
“I really could use a break.” Friends, family and every willing listener have probably heard me say this a hundred times over the last few months. The reality of being an adult means that you really can’t drop your responsibilities and head to the airport whenever you feel like it. Lucky for me, my summer was off to a good start with a staycation at the beautiful 5-star property Downtown Rotana.
The Epitome of Comfort
As I drove up to the hotel, I was greeted by the valet attendants who happily assisted with parking my car and taking my suitcase to the lobby. Walking through the revolving doors of the property is like taking a deep breath of fresh Alpine air – the lobby is modern and features the creative art of Bahrain-based artists that the hotel supports through their Culture Hub initiative. Unlike most hotels, check-in was simple and quick, a pleasant experience heightened by the kind receptionist who cheerfully walked me through the hotel’s many amenities, restaurants and unique experiences. Could I really be in store for so much enjoyment in just a day?
Walking into my corner room on the 18th floor, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of excitement; it was welcoming to say the least. The room was tastefully decorated and featured a dining table, sofas, a TV and a king-size bed in the corner and that wasn’t all. As I drew the curtains open, I was blown away by the view of the Bahrain Financial Harbour from one window and Bahrain World Trade Centre from the other – a view that I revisited several times during the experience. The room also boasts a large bathtub, a rain shower, his-and-her sinks, and The White Company toiletries offering a comfortable stay for all.
Tea, Sushi and Some Relaxation
After freshening up, I made my way to Club Rotana for the Afternoon Tea Experience, which is available to hotel guests and visitors alike. The lounge offers beautiful views of the city, but what really took the cake (no pun intended!) was the spread of delicious sandwiches, pastries, cakes, scones and hot pot of tea. Each was meticulously crafted to suit every palate so the experience created the perfect venue to catch up with friends or family.
Day one was off to an incredible start, but rest and relaxation was in order. I made my way to my room where I watched the sunset beyond the iconic harbour as I relaxed on the supremely comfortable bed. For dinner, I made my way to the hotel’s beautiful Teatro restaurant where I was joined by some guests. It’s worth mentioning that Teatro offers some exciting experiences across a range of cuisines including a Mexican Night, Le Petit Chef gourmet dinner show, and Sushi Night that I was here for.
The Sushi Night experience offers guests the opportunity to indulge in some of the very best sushi. After relishing some Miso soup and assorted dumplings we were presented with a colourful sushi platter. We were thoroughly impressed with the assortment which included sashimi, nigiri and maki rolls that incorporates the best of seafood. This was followed by a dessert platter laden with fresh fruit, delectable mochi and more.
After dining on this phenomenal feast, and taking a breather, I couldn’t resist making my way to the pool on the ninth floor which closes at 11pm. The serenity of taking a dip in a cool, temperature-controlled pool while soaking in the views of Manama by night added its own appeal to this relaxing staycation.
Back at the room I indulged in some of the room’s amenities, including a delicious box of Maya chocolates, before turning in for the night. Needless to say, I had a great night’s sleep and felt thoroughly rejuvenated – what a great way to spend some time off!
Downtown Rotana by Day
I never fully appreciated just how incredible Manama was till I admired it from this pristine corner room – landmarks, the bustling traffic and blue sea in the distance was breathtaking. But as much as I would love to sit around and enjoy the room, the hotel had so much to offer. So, I made my way to Flavours on 2 for breakfast. The charming restaurant, made even better by the friendly staff, has everything you could possibly need for a delicious breakfast.
At the egg station I ordered a mushroom and cheese omelette before requesting watermelon juice and a freshly brewed cappuccino at the table. The best of breakfast foods including waffles, fresh pastries, cornflakes, sausages, baked beans, spread and cheese are available in addition to local favourites such as Balila, Harees, Shakshouka and more. I appreciated the fact that unlike most buffet breakfasts, every item was fresh and served at the right temperature. Whether you’re looking for indulgent or healthy options, you can find it all here.
A few hours later I made my way back to the ninth floor, this time to Bodylines for a massage. Bodylines boasts two massage rooms, a jacuzzi, steam and sauna rooms and, more importantly, a range of relaxing treatments to choose from including the Balinese Massage, Traditional Thai Massage, Swedish Massage and Deep Hot Stone Experience. My masseuse led me to one of the massage rooms where I was to have a Swedish Massage. The room is incredibly serene with soft music playing in the background, candlelight and a pleasant aroma. For a rejuvenating hour she expertly kneaded away knots and muscle tension – the positive effects for which I felt for days and weeks. This will likely be a regular feature for me to relieve some tension after every deadline.
A Great End to a Memorable Experience
It wasn’t easy pulling myself away from that beautiful corner room, but my staycation had come to an end. After packing my bag, I had a quick and seamless checkout, but chose to enjoy one last Downtown Rotana dining experience before leaving – Indian Night.
Back at Flavours on 2, I explored the spread which included Indian staples such as Butter Chicken, Rogan Ghosh, Gulab Jamun, biriyani and freshly made naan. We started the experience with some unique salads before tucking into the curries which were brimming with the delightful flavour of spices. I thoroughly enjoyed the chaat corner too, which featured favourites such as Pani Puri and Dahi Sev Batata Puri. This, and other dining experiences at Downtown Rotana, are not to be missed by food connoisseurs. Be sure to call ahead to check for daily specials and make a reservation!
Leaving the hotel, I had the pleasant realisation that you really don’t need to leave the island when you need to reset or refocus; all the rest and rejuvenation you need can be found right here at Downtown Rotana.
