Flip through the latest issue of Gulf Weekly.
The hotels of the island are really pulling out all the stops during the holy month and the Al Areen Palace & Spa is living up to its promise of providing an unforgettable Ramadan experience.
Walking through the resort’s grand entrance, with its fantastic flora and traditional Arabian architecture, and striding past the elaborate stepped water feature that dissects the luxury villas, anticipation was building for what delights the crew could serve up in its Al Qasr Ramadan tent.
Experience is the word that hits the nail-on-the-head for the lavishly-designed location. It has so much going on that breaking your fast and gathering with friends is only part of the package.
The customary cultural festivities not only include an impressive range of Arabic and international cuisine but also live cooking stations, entertainment and so much more.
A dancer dressed in an elaborate gown fitted with LED lights certainly brought some flamboyance to proceedings before we even had a chance to sample the fare. GulfWeekly’s Assistant Editor Zahid was even brought up by the hand for a swing and a twirl!
The Tarabeesh Band from Lebanon will continue to provide fitting live entertainment throughout the month and there’s also the chance to get lucky in the special weekly raffle prize draws.
As soon as I spotted culinary maestro, EatingOut favourite Executive Chef Janardan Das, busy conducting proceedings with his talented team, I knew a tasty treat was in store.
Outside at the live cooking stations, the kebabs were cooking nicely and the sizzling Shawarma was ready to be sliced so I took a plate full and moseyed over to where the Leg of Lamb Ouzi was being carved in its bed of oriental rice while stopping off to pick up a cheese naan on the way.
I rushed back to my seat so I could dig in … I was starving having joined my Muslim colleagues fasting in a show of solidarity.
As the hunger pangs abated I slipped back to a more refined routine and sipped my first Ramadan helping of luscious Lentil soup, a real buffet staple.
The salad selection was superb, in particular a Three Bean offering which featured superb cut asparagus, and there was also a refreshing Beetroot & Orange or Roma Tomatoes & Mozzarella choice too.
The selection of curries, local dishes and pasta options were extensive and tasty too.
The pastry chef, to whom I extend my severe gratitude, excelled with the challenge of keeping diners sweet throughout Ghabga too with a stunning dessert display. The Tiramisu was excellent as was the Orange Mango Mousse, kunafa and the local favourite Um Ali.
Kudos also to the specialist Turkish ice cream vendor, flown over especially for the holy month, who teased and tricked me for a good few times by taking the cone away from my grasp until showing pity and allowing me my well-deserved treat.
Iftar is served daily from sunset to 9pm, while every night from 9pm-2am guests can enjoy Ghabga. Both meals are priced at BD18++ on weekdays and BD20++ at the weekends. Children aged six to 10 years eat for half price and those aged five and under eat free.
