Revamp

THE walls have come tumbling down and the Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain Hotel & Spa has opened up as never before as the premier property prepares to welcome new and existing customers following a multi-million dinar investment programme, writes Stan Szecowka.

Barriers blocking views of the beach have disappeared and uninterrupted views of the pool and sea from some of its revitalised restaurants add to the ambience.

And it’s more affordable too, with one restaurant tempting diners with three-course lunch-time fare at only BD10-a-head.

General manager Mark Neukomm is excited about the impact the new-look venue will have on Bahrain’s hospitality sector, which has already seen the arrival of new players on the scene with more to come.

He said: “I am very happy and proud about the outcome. We make sure to keep an eye on the market and always be ahead. We anticipate and create the trend instead of following it. On the other hand, we are very keen on listening to our guests and members and getting their feedback. 

“The main objective of our renovation plan was to update our facilities, create new outlets and deliver new experiences and a fresh ambience to our guests.
 
“After an intense renovation over the past 12 months, The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain offers a brand new look to its diverse array of innovative restaurants and dining venues and the extensive pool area, setting new standards in design while at the same time inspiring the trendy lifestyle of today’s affluent traveller.

“Striking changes have been made to upgrade leisure and entertainment facilities adding an infinity pool, two outdoor Jacuzzis, a Thai lounge and chill-out sunbeds as well as a Ritz Gourmet Lounge; one of the ‘must see’ places in The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain Hotel & Spa.”

The 52-year-old Swiss national has been helping to orchestrate the changes with his senior management team and has enjoyed four years, next month, at the helm of the operation.

The father-of-three, who also had four years as GM at The Ritz-Carlton, Osaka, in Japan, before arriving in the kingdom, says with ‘great ownership and good working relations and operational support’ the hotel has made ‘significant improvements’ in terms of the physical product.

He added: “We are excited that Bahrain is attracting more visitors for business and leisure which in return requires more hotels to accommodate them. We look at every competitor hotel very carefully and our aim is always to stay ahead.”

Mr Neukomm continued: “Bahrain is an amazing country. It emerges as a destination of choice for lifestyle, sports and cultural events, conferences, exhibitions and other world class events. With its growing economy, advanced infrastructure, easy connectivity to countries around the world, Bahrain continues to attract the attention of leisure and business travellers alike. 

“I’m very optimistic about 2014. We have seen new business opening in the market, a lot of companies are expanding, and Bahrain is on the map as a destination.”

He believes that being the ‘only resort in the heart of the city’, the hotel distinguishes itself by having a combination of leisure and business facilities making it a ‘perfect resort’.

The extensive resort includes 600-metres of beach, nine dining and lounge venues, outdoor and indoor pool, outdoor and indoor Jacuzzi, Private Island, a Sports Club and Spa offering four tennis courts, a squash court, Hammam, sauna, steam and Thalasso Therapy pool, as well as a wide range of recreation opportunities and pampering treatments.”

The hotel has long had a glowing reputation as a meeting place, wedding venue and is considered as offering one of the finest conference venues in the Middle East.

The resort has over 3,750 sq/m of meeting, conference and banqueting facilities including a 1,195 sq /m ballroom, a second 858 sq/m ballroom, and four additional individual meeting rooms.

The Grand Foyer, a spacious 1,428 sq/m of marble lined pre-function space, is beautifully accented by panoramic floor to ceiling windows.

The resort can accommodate conferences for up to 1,000 people, yet the hotel retains its sense of intimate elegance, with its many secluded seating areas providing privacy and comfort.

Both ballrooms are equipped with advanced meeting room technology such as a sophisticated lighting system, enabling the user to control and programme lighting patterns.

Also, the 23 villas, originally built on the land to host a conference of Gulf leaders, each with their own swimming pool, private beach, and 24-hour lifestyle butler provide the ultimate retreat for guests seeking total tranquility for business or leisure.

Lunchtimes have received a notable boast in business and become the talk-of-the-town at Primavera, the Italian signature restaurant situated on the first floor.

It has been redesigned with an open show kitchen and a new outdoor terrace surrounded by sweeping palm trees offering views of the lavish gardens.

Guests looking for a modern atmosphere for a business lunch or a special occasion while enjoying the live cooking of authentic Italian flavours, risottos, homemade pasta and fresh seafood featuring in a newly-ingtroduced BD10 lunchtime menu.

Mr Neukomm explained: “There might have been a misconception in the past that …

“We invite guests inside and outside Bahrain to visit The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain Hotel & Spa and experience our amazing resort, stay in luxury in our unique villa, experience the wide variety of culinary options, and enjoy our parties and events that bring together families and friends in the official social hub of Bahrain.”

And one thing is guaranteed. He will not be sitting on his laurels. “We always look to create new experiences and enhance the services provided to our guests. We have exciting plans in the near future that includes continuous improvement for the property.” Mr Neukomm added.