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THE Ritz-Carlton has stunned new-comers to the island by refusing them annual membership to its sports club and spa.
Expat members who have packed up and left Bahrain for new opportunities elsewhere or simply returned home will not be replaced.
The Whisperer understands the ears of management are still ringing from a barrage of complaints received after a particularly frenzied day during a half-term holiday saw an unprecedented stampede for sun-beds and long waits for restaurant tables.
Despite being told BD700-plus annual memberships would be available in December the Whisperer has been assured there is no room in the in-place.
A hotel spokesman said: "We have reached a certain level where we are carefully monitoring our memberships. Memberships that might have lapsed will not be replaced automatically in order to maintain The Ritz-Carlton standards of service. At this stage, obtaining a membership of our Sports Club & Spa is unfortunately currently not possible but The Sports Club & Spa welcomes outside visitors on a day pass visit, whenever availability allows."
