Every weekend, about a quarter million people come to the Kingdom of Bahrain, for its burgeoning dining and nightlife scene, shopping, uncrowded beaches and world class fairways.

In addition to the international business that brings thousands more to the Kingdom each week, another reason to book a trip to Bahrain is currently emerging at the centre of the capital city of Manama: the all-new Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay, opening in early 2015.

“This is Bahrain’s moment,” declares general manager Greg Pirkle, whose 25-year Four Seasons career has taken him all over the world. 

“And I can’t wait to welcome guests to Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay. 

“From that eye-popping first impression of our distinctive building rising from its own private island in the middle of the Bay to the incredible attention to every comfort and whim of our guests, we promise a true urban resort experience.”

Less than 15 minutes from the airport, the hotel is mere moments across the two-lane causeway into the city centre and easily accessible to any number of commercial, recreational, shopping and historic locales – it is the ideal base whether coming to the Kingdom for business or pleasure.

Monumental in design, Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay rises 68 stories above the Bay on its own 12 acre oval-shaped manmade island. 

At its base architects Skidmore, Owings & Merrill have conceived a sprawling layout of restaurants, meeting spaces, an enormous spa complex, and beautifully landscaped pools, terraces and gardens.

In the tower are 273 rooms and suites – all with panoramic views – and a dramatic two-level sky bridge housing world class restaurants and hi tech event spaces.

In addition to a host of international business travellers, many more come to Bahrain to enjoy the beaches, cinemas, nightlife and recreational activities from world-class golf and watersports to dune buggy racing in the desert.

Visitors from all over the world participate in Bahrain’s calendar of marathons and triathlons and the Formula One event every April. 

In addition to designer label and souk shopping, cultural pursuits include the two-years new Bahrain National Theatre (which has already hosted such international stars as Placido Domingo, Il Divo and the Bolshoi and Mariinsky Ballets), and delving into the Kingdom’s history as seen in ancient archaeological sites and in a must-see district of restored 16th century houses in Muharraq.