Did the pandemic affect your travel plans? Have you been relegated to your couches for the last two years, swiping through pictures of your last international visit? Well, if you have been wondering when you can start traveling again, now is the time. And, if you have been considering your options, take a look at Bahrain, the only island nation in the exotic Middle East, which is, slowly yet surely transforming into the next it location for international travellers.

A mesmerising country filled with ancient history, rich culture, and breath-taking architecture, Bahrain will let you immerse yourself in a land where the past and the present inexorably thrive alongside each other. It is home to some of the most luxurious five-star hotels, pristine sandy beaches, extensive shopping complexes, and adventure activities, making it the perfect spot for a relaxingly luxurious vacation.

When in Bahrain, Do as the Bahrainis Do

The land is peppered with amazing treasures and experiences at every point of the journey. You can enjoy a variety of fun activities, from trying to find undiscovered wealth during pearl diving and exploring vibrant coral reefs, to immersing yourself in the feeling of “free fall” at Gravity, the first ever indoor skydiving facility in Bahrain, with the tallest wind tunnel in the world. If you are planning a trip with your children, don’t forget to take them go karting on the Bahrain International circuit, a must-visit automobile venue located in the desert region of Sakhir. The circuit also hosts popular events like drag-racing, the GP2 Series and the annual Bahrain Grand Prix, BIC.

If you are a history and culture aficionado, then you will find the very rare and mystical ‘Tree of Life’ quite appealing. It is over 400 years old and stands alone atop of a 25-foot hill in the Sakhir desert. Even though the tree has no source of water for nourishment, it is 32 feet tall and continues to grow despite the high temperature and arid climate. Bahrain will also offer you the opportunity to explore three UNESCO World Heritage sites, namely the Pearling Path, Qal’at-al-Bahrain, and the Dilmun Burial Mounds. You will find yourself awe-stuck by the rich Arabic culture, which is reflected in Bahrain’s architecture, mosques and souks, including the Arad Fort, Bahrain Fort, Sheikh Salman Bin Ahmed Al Fateh Fort and the Al Fateh Mosque.

And if you are a shopaholic who loves picking up items on a trip, Bahrain will not disappoint you, thanks to the iconic shopping malls and traditional marketplaces. Remember to take some of the glitter back home from the Souq Al Manama, a marketplace known for its stunning gold pieces. You can take your pick from Moda Mall, The Avenues, Gold Souq, City Centre Bahrain, Dragon City, Capital Mall, Seef Mall etc. Also check out Block 338 to enjoy Bahrain’s diverse food scene through rooftop restaurants, cafes, shops and al fresco dining experiences.