Travel
An Oasis in Downtown
A typical Saturday in the summer season of Bahrain is relatively quiet – for those familiar to Bahrain or any neighbouring country will know the heat is unforgiving and intense thus why vacation plans are just as intensely planned months in advance.
I’m one of those few who did not make plans to escape the burning sun and decided to soldier on and stay island bound.
However, it is not all doom and gloom, on the contrary, it is in fact my silver lining that I was invited to Downtown Rotana to experience a staycation like no other.
Forget travel arrangements, booking flights, airport drop offs and wrestling luggage off the conveyor belt, I had a completely different and stress free experience. Thirty minutes door to door, I’m transported from home to skyscraper heaven.
Downtown Rotana is set amidst the hustle bustle of Manama but as soon as you approach the hotel – as if by magic – with a welcoming smile from the valet and the revolving of glass doors, I am transported to complete tranquility and bliss that is Downtown Rotana.
Check in is swift and easy, and between pleasantries with staff, I admire the large spacious lobby leading to the lobby lounge. Delicious refreshing detox water at reception quenches my thirst as I take in the relaxing ambience.
Minutes later head to my room, and I’m taken aback by the ample size and the space of the room. Floor to ceiling windows across two walls of the room, give spectacular views of the Manama skyline as well as letting in natural sunlight and giving the already spacious room, a never ending sense of space.
A king size bed, a sofa set, coffee table, and writing desk, and I still have space to do a cartwheel. Needless to say, so far Downtown Rotana has exceeded all my expectations.
The room has the usual amenities, as well as the extra thoughtful I didn’t have to ask touches; easy to assemble yet sturdy iron stand, extra hangers, because when are four hangers ever enough, a hairdryer that does not resemble a toy hairdryer, but robust, no messing around kind of hairdryer, extra squidgy comfortable slippers – not the paper-thin kind.
Unpacked, I head to the Bodylines Fitness and Wellness Club for some needed rest and relaxation. I’ve booked in a massage, and expect an hour of gently lulling in to a soft relaxing massage. However, within spending a few minutes talking to me about my concerns and problem areas, my therapist has decided it is not relaxation I need, rather it is healing, and heal me she did.
Instead of a superficial relaxing massage, my knots were well and truly dealt with, as though my therapist had taken a personal vendetta against each and every single muscle knot in my body. Mentally lighter and visibly more relaxed, I don’t think the evening could get any better. But Downtown Rotana is not done with me yet.
I make an effort for dinner, seeing as it is my birthday and get dressed and head to Teatro Downtown restaurant.
The restaurant is spacious and elegant, with a well stocked bar, sectioned seating and a smoking lounge. More glorious city views, only this time twinkling building lights, against a dark evening backdrop. Add to this, the elegant sophisticated décor and ambience of the restaurant. Little do I know, the evening will end with me in a food coma, but for now, I indulge and take delight in every single bite.
From cocktails to starters, and main course to dessert, everything is presented impeccably and tastes delicious.
The Teatro Downtown has a range of themed nights, from Indian cuisine, to Sushi nights and Pizza nights and I was lucky enough to try all different cuisines available at Teatro Downtown.
Starters were a mixed selection of Kebabs, presented in a smoking glass dome, fresh Sushi and Chicken Cesar Salad. Mains were a combination of Butter Chicken and Thai Chicken Curry. Dessert was an equally grand affair with a rotating dessert tiered platter, with fresh fruits, mocha ice cream, pastries, cakes and cream desserts, all this and a very large and very delicious fresh cream birthday cake.
I go to bed, extremely grateful and happy and have one of the best nights sleeps I’ve had for a while. Maybe it’s the extra comfortable bed or the lovely day I’ve had, nonetheless I don’t fight it and give in.
The next morning is a stroll to the lift, a push of a button and I head to Flavours on 2 for breakfast.
Breakfast is just as grand and lovely as the hotel it self. With breakfast from all corners of the world, local, Asian and continental, including live cooking and fresh fruits and fresh juices, there is a huge variety to choose from. I especially love the cereal wall, which is literally a wall stocked with every single cereals you could imagine.
Breakfast is a leisurely affair, with the ample of breakfast choices and stunning views of morning time in Manama, there’s also a very relaxed and calm ambience in the restaurant. There’s the sound of teaspoons, clinking against cups as coffees and teas are stirred, and a soft murmur of chit chatter, which all adds to the moment.
Back to my room to pack and check out, and as I’m packing I quite certain that this was the very best way to spend my birthday; a perfect getaway in the middle of the city.
Thank you Downtown Rotana for making this an amazing memory.
For more information:
Downtown Rotana
Government Ave, Manama
Tel: 13 119999
Website: https://www.rotana.com
Social Media @downtownrotana
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