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THE_moment airline passengers arrive in the kingdom they can step out of the concourse and into a limousine for a ride back home or to the office in luxury, writes Shilpa Chandran.
Limousina has just opened a branch office offering a VIP chauffeur service at Bahrain International Airport.
The company boasts a fleet of 21 sleek, shiny, black Lexus vehicles including the highly-acclaimed Ottoman series.
George Kuriakose, sales and marketing manager said: "We began our services with the Bahrain International Circuit by assisting the Ferrari team during the Formula One races.
"We have been catering mainly to corporate clients and had the opportunity to recently extend our services to the former chairman of Coca-Cola, E Neville Isdell, on his short visit to the island in May."
And now anyone can take a ride in lush, leather seats and in some cases receive a back and shoulder massage as the chauffeur cruises through town. It's hard not to feel like royalty.
Style, class, comfort and a high dosage of luxury are the underlining ingredients of the premium VIP chauffeur service.
The arrival hall office allows travellers to book their trip to any island destination rather than having to contact the company's main office in Busaiteen.
The chauffeurs are all Bahraini and fully trained in the art of ensuring their customers have a trip to remember.
Chauffeur Adel Dharoosh, 28, from Isa Town, said: "Already the job is exciting. You get to meet so many interesting people."
The guests are provided with a card allowing them to take details of their chauffeur's name and mobile number in case they wish to make a stop on their way to a destination.
For example, some - like me - may need to stop off for sudden retail therapy as they pass a shopping mall. The driver will drop them off and pick them back up when called.
Features of the cars include DVD, cruise control and GPS for the regular Lexus series.
The Ottoman series includes added features such as a stretch seat facility including the travelling massage option.
Future plans include offering more entertainment and business facilities for long distance trips across the causeway to Saudi Arabia. "We are planning to make laptops with internet connections available," added Mr Kuriakose.
A VIP trip from the airport into Manama will cost between BD20-25.
A normal taxi can cost up to BD10, or more, if customers cannot find one with a 'working meter', as is often the case nowadays. A cab service booked in advance will charge a metered sum of around BD4.
