Impeccable hospitality, exceptional service and breathtaking views were on the menu as Apple Sharma embarked on a visit to Bahrain’s newest chic destination.
The summer heat is finally leaving us and if, like me, you’ve got the post-holiday blues or are simply looking to treat yourself to some rest and relaxation, then look no further than a visit to Conrad Bahrain Financial Harbour, located on the Manama seafront. I recently had the pleasure of taking a mid-week break at this swanky hotel and experiencing its superb hospitality first-hand.
A Welcoming Retreat
Coming through the revolving doors of the property, we stepped straight into the main lobby where the lovely Adilya Ryspayeva, Food and Beverage Sales Manager, warmly greeted us with bottled water, a welcome respite on a hot day. As we were being swiftly checked in, the friendly Front Office Manager, Mrudu Nair, graciously insisted on a late check out so we could experience the hotel’s comforts at leisure, which we happily accepted.
The reception area, featuring a striking black marble desk and gleaming lighting fixtures, blended modern sophistication with subtle elegance. Contemporary art hung proudly on the walls and throughout the hotel, adding a stylish and cosmopolitan feel to the property.
With a great first impression, the porter escorted us to the buttonless, smart lifts that whisked us off to our room.
Room With a View
Our King Two Bedroom Residential Suite was high up on the 22nd floor of the 25-storeyed hotel. As soon as we entered, the electric curtains parted, with the large floor-to-ceiling windows flooding the space with natural light to reveal sprawling 180-degree views of Bahrain Bay and the city. This was one of the highlights of our stay – we just couldn’t get enough of the breathtaking vistas throughout the suite.
We discovered a welcome plate of beautifully decorated chocolate and petit fours – a lovely touch and a delicious start to our staycation.
The thoughtfully designed interior exuded elegance and boasted sleek lines and a sophisticated neutral colour palette of grey, brown and brass with bursts of teal green.
A large sofa bed anchored the living room, complemented by a contemporary coffee table, an accent chair, a plush carpet, decorative pillows and modern art – an inviting arrangement ideal for relaxation and social gatherings. A sleek entertainment centre, with a large 65-inch HDTV, separated the living area from a small conversation nook with comfortable seating.
The airy, open-plan design flowed seamlessly into the dining area, which featured a curved six-seater table, paired with teal upholstered chairs and a minimalist chandelier hanging above. Meanwhile, the functional kitchenette, with dark wood cabinetry and essential appliances, included tea and coffee making facilities, microwave, oven, dishwasher, washing machine and dryer and even pots, pans, plates and cutlery.
Our suite had two bedrooms, both with en-suite bathrooms and a separate guest washroom. The master bedroom provided stunning panoramic views of the cityscape and was beautifully decorated with swan-shaped towel art and rose petals, creating a romantic setting. The centrepiece was the luxurious king-sized bed, which had a circular decorative panel above the headboard and a cushioned, teal footboard bench.
The room was furnished with sleek nightstands with brass, pendulum-like bedside lamps and a small work desk. A plush, curved sofa by the window provided a cosy spot to relax and enjoy the splendid view. The fitted wardrobes, with ample space, housed bathrobes, slippers, a hairdryer and a small safe.
The modern bathrooms were tastefully designed with both a hand and rain shower, along with a bathtub in the master en suite. I loved the lavish amenities from the European luxury brand, BYREDO, which had a lovely mild fragrance that lingered on my skin for hours.
The meticulously equipped suite, which sleeps five, is ideal for a family staycation or an indulgent couple’s retreat for a special occasion.
Café Tomo
After a tour of the room, we headed down to Café Tomo for a quick pick-me-up. This openplan coffee shop on the lobby level, surrounded by high ceilings and a grand staircase, continued the chic design found throughout the hotel. A stylish and cosy spot, the café offers tea, coffee and fresh juices, along with a selection of over-the-counter cakes, pastries and cookies. We opted for zataar and chocolate croissants and the lemon, pecan and chocolate chip cookies, all of which went down a treat with our rich and perfectly blended Americanos.
Recreation and Leisure
During our stay, we had the opportunity to try the 24-hour, fully equipped fitness room, located on the 24th floor, featuring state-of-the-art exercise equipment. Usually, I’m not overly eager to jump on a treadmill but I have to admit, there was something very uplifting and motivating about working out with the stunning skyline outside.
With separate facilities for men and women, we relaxed our sore muscles, post-workout, by unwinding in the peaceful steam and sauna rooms, which again offered incredible city views, for a truly meditative experience.
Finally, we headed to the rooftop on the 25th floor, adjacent to SUSHISAMBA. This spot is famous for its prominent flame orange-coloured tree by the pool. Standing tall and visible from the highway below, it’s like a beacon, beckoning diners to the lively world of SUSHISAMBA.
The outdoor pool, with its 360-degree views of downtown Manama, was a sight to behold and looked especially spectacular at sunset – truly Instagram-worthy and not to be missed!
SUSHISAMBA
For dinner, we eagerly ventured to SUSHISAMBA to experience its unique culinary concept. With excellence at its heart, this international brand is a tri-cultural restaurant and entertainment venue offering dishes from Japanese, Brazilian and Peruvian cuisine.
Entering the venue, the soulful and energetic vibe was immediately apparent. The courteous Restaurant Manager, Mina Mishelle, gave us a quick tour – the Amazonian-inspired décor, with its lush foliage, green and terracotta colour scheme and lively South American music, was ideal for dinner. The sophisticated yet cosy fine dining setting featured an impressive open kitchen, dim lighting and intimate table arrangements that offered spectacular nighttime views. I don’t think I’ve ever been to a restaurant that balances food, music and ambience so well. I absolutely loved its unique vibe – it certainly ticked all my boxes for a great night out! The friendly and enthusiastic Executive Chef, Sergio Medina, greeted us at our table, briefed us about the cuisine and gave us his recommendations. We tried a variety of expertly prepared dishes, with the standouts being Salmon Ceviche, Vegetable Taquitos, Black Cod with Aji Rice and Samba Veggie, all paired deliciously with Sambatini mocktails. We finished our meal on a sweet note with assorted mochi – our stomachs and souls perfectly satiated. Truly one of the major highlights of our stay, the restaurant delivered exactly what it promised, exceptional food, creative drinks and service to match.
Trade Room
After our sumptuous feast, we briefly stopped by the Trade Room on the mezzanine floor. A classy bar-lounge, its bank theme featured mock safes and unique ornamental pieces.
As soon as we entered, we were greeted by a large gold vault, which can be used to store guests’ precious belongings. The entrance had sliding smoke doors that ensured privacy for guests and prevented smoke from escaping the bar. The mood lighting, thick maroon curtains and soft background music created an intimate ambience, perfect for a nightcap or a quiet evening with friends.
The lounge offers light bites and a wide variety of beverages, including mixed drinks and mocktails. We opted for Coco and Berry Garden, delightful mocktails that were a fitting end to a very enjoyable evening.
Breakfast
The next morning, we returned to SUSHISAMBA for breakfast and enjoyed a lavish spread featuring a variety of croissants, pastries and bagels, continental delicacies, made-to-order eggs, fresh cheeses, breakfast tacos and Arabic dishes, as well as other delicious accompaniments. The welcoming staff also offered us a fresh ginger and kale concoction to kick-start our morning, along with a map of Bahrain with a QR code for top places to visit – a nice touch, especially for newcomers.
All too quickly, our visit came to an end. From luxuriously elegant suites with stunning views to exceptional dining and impeccable hospitality, every detail ensured we had an enjoyable and memorable experience. Thank you, Conrad Bahrain Financial Harbour, we’ll be back!
For more information or to make a reservation, please call
+973 7797 7777.