I’ve been bemoaning my lot recently. Not being able to get off the island for a few days’ R&R is starting to wear a bit thin. We’ve even taken to watching the sunset from our balcony in Mahooz, pretending we’re somewhere far-flung and exotic.
Well, it turns out we don’t need to look quite so far.
Enter Hawar Island – specifically, the Mantis Resort. Not exactly remote, but exotic enough to feel like a proper escape.
The opportunity came up last week when a friend mentioned a great deal for a Friday night stay in one of their beachfront villas. He could extend the offer to us, and we didn’t hesitate.
Check-in was at the dock in Durrat Al Bahrain at 12.30pm, where everything ran like clockwork. We were quickly processed and assigned seats on a sleek, modern ferry. Thirty smooth minutes later, we were stepping onto Hawar Island.
With our villa not ready until 3pm, we settled into the beach restaurant for lunch – an excellent start to the experience. Soon after, we were whisked away by golf buggy to our villa, and that’s when things really impressed.
Luxurious is almost an understatement. A tastefully furnished lounge, a huge bedroom, an en-suite with both a spacious shower and a deep bath, and all of it opening onto a private patio. Outside, a generous pool, two seating areas, and a fire pit led directly onto a stretch of golden sand. We’d recently been discussing a trip to the Maldives or Seychelles – but frankly, this rivalled both, minus the long-haul flight.
Dinner back at the restaurant was equally good, followed by a relaxed evening at the shisha bar before another buggy ride home. After a quiet night, we enjoyed an early coffee on the patio before heading to a truly impressive breakfast buffet.
The rest of the morning was spent doing very little – alternating between the sea and the pool – until the inevitable noon checkout. Slightly reluctantly, we boarded the ferry back to Durrat, already agreeing that we’d be booking again for the following weekend.
Mantis has done a superb job with this resort. The organisation is slick, the facilities excellent, and there’s no shortage of activities – from horse and camel rides to snorkelling, padel courts, guided nature treks in a Land Rover, and even a Bear Grylls-style adventure course. The staff are consistently friendly and efficient.
If there’s a minor quibble, it’s that not all staff seemed fully up to speed on the various dining packages. Fortunately, one of our group – an F&B supplier to the resort – knew the options well and helped us navigate them at reception.
That aside, this is a fantastic addition to Bahrain’s tourism offering. We’re already planning a longer midweek stay – and, quite possibly, another visit next Friday. If you decide to give it a go, tell them Jackie sent you. Might get me a discount!
Jackie@jbeedie.com