Privilee Member
Sophie
We asked Privilee Member Sophie to share her hot take on one of Bahrain’s most-loved escapes. Here’s how she spends a day at Raffles Al Areen, and why it’s become her weekend go-to for escaping the city.
By Friday, I’m done. Emails, errands, workouts, squeezed in between meetings, the list never ends. My husband, Joe, is the same. We work hard during the week, and by the weekend, we’re both after the same thing: space. That’s why Raffles Al Areen has become our weekend ritual.
It’s not exactly around the corner – we live in Saar, and it’s a bit of a drive. But honestly? That’s part of the appeal. There’s something about leaving the city that helps you mentally switch off. The closer we get, the quieter it feels. By the time we pull into the palm-lined driveway, it already feels like a different pace.
The entrance always gets me. That whitewashed façade, the olive trees, the oversized Arabesque doors – dramatic, but calm. It slows your breathing the second you arrive. We’ve been before, but it still lands every time.
We head straight to the gym. Joe’s in his element – all Technogym kit, touchscreen-guided workouts, clean open space. He’s off into his strength session while I stretch out and pick a low-impact routine. The floor-to-ceiling windows let in loads of light and overlook the pool. It’s one of the few hotel gyms that genuinely feels better than most standalone ones.
Afterwards, we don’t say much – just nod, smile, and head for the indoor pool. It’s quiet. The kind of quiet that makes you realise how loud life usually is. Stillness, white arches, reflections on the ceiling, and greenery framing the space. All intentional. And it works.
There’s a moment I always love – swimming under the glass arch to the outdoor pool. It’s a small thing, but feels like a reset. You dip under, come up into the sunshine, and fresh air, and it’s a breath for your whole body. We find a daybed, those green Raffles towels already laid out, and sink into the cushions. No phones, no noise – just sun and space.
Lunch is simple. We walk through the Palma restaurant, it's always satisfying to pass the open kitchen, hear the soft clatter of pans, and see the chefs at work. We usually order grilled fish, a couple of sides, and something cold to drink. No rushing. No urgency. The opposite of the week.
Later on, once we’ve rehydrated and reapplied SPF, we stretch out a little longer before walking the gardens. If you haven’t done this – do. There’s a golf buggy option (yes, it’s the most bougie buggy you’ll ever see), but most days we walk. The grounds are beautifully kept. Just past the Sheikh’s pond, you’ll find flamingos (real ones!). Quiet, elegant, unexpected. Joe pretends not to care, but I always catch him taking photos.
Before we leave, we always stop by the French patisserie. It’s a chic little spot just off the lobby – light, bright, with rattan chairs and a real Parisian feel. They serve freshly baked Ycone pastries and a great iced coffee. I always get the same thing. He changes his mind every time. It’s our ritual before heading back to reality.
There’s something about Raffles Al Areen that stays with you. It’s more than how it looks – though yes, it’s beautifully designed. It’s about how it makes you feel. Calm. Taken care of. Disconnected from the week, reconnected with yourself and each other. And that’s not always easy to find.
We’ve done a lot of pool days this year. But this? It’s different. It’s not about being seen. It’s about how it makes you feel. A place to rest, reset, and breathe.
No, it’s not close to home. But that’s the point. Sometimes the best places are the ones worth driving a little further for, staying a little longer at, and leaving feeling like you’ve been somewhere else entirely.
We’ll be back next weekend.
– Sophie