Flip through the latest issue of Gulf Weekly.
Friends and colleagues gathered at the Banyan Tree Desert Spa to celebrate the resort's second birthday with a look back at what has been achieved over the last two years.
"It has been a journey and an honour opening the first all-villa private pool resort in the Middle East. We have set the benchmark in terms of exclusive service, architectural design and our spa experience, which is a first in the Middle East," said Sami Ayari, general manager and area GM for Bahrain, Abu Dhabi and Angsana Riads Collection Marrakech.
Since opening in April 2007, Banyan Tree Al Areen has received many international awards and accolades including Top Spa Resort by Resorts magazine, the Gala Spa Award for Best Luxury Hotel City/Resort 2008, World's 50 Best New Hotels 2008 as voted by US Forbes Traveler, Conde Nast Traveller's list of Hot Spas, Tatler UK magazine's 101 Best Spas and 101 Best Hotels 2008, Elite Traveler's 101 Top Suites in the World and MENA Travel Award's Gold Award for the Best New Resort Hotel 2007.
Mr Ayari said: "Competition is the catalyst that accelerates innovation and our awards have set a benchmark for Bahrain, confirming its place amongst the leading global destinations of the world.
"At the turning point of our second birthday it is wonderful to look back at our success, as we continue to strive forward and develop innovative and memorable experiences for our guests."
