From luxurious beachfront villas to elegant business hotels, Bahrain is set to witness a number of quality hotels and resorts opening over the coming year.

The hospitality industry may have taken a beating in the aftermath of the economic turmoil, but there remain players in the market who are undaunted. While many hoteliers postponed or even scrapped their projects, others went back to their drawing board and decided to scale down their plans. Some operators who were earlier toying with five-star projects have put them on the backburner, choosing to concentrate on four-star properties instead. Equally, some developers who initially planned residential properties have chosen to convert them to hotels and/or serviced accommodation, particularly in Juffair.

Developers who have liquidity have actually benefited from the market situation in that they command better rates not only from the contractors, but also from building material suppliers. Then, there are players who decided to come to Bahrain only now, after a significant correction in property prices.

Bahrain This Month takes a look at a selection of upcoming luxury hotels and resorts across the island and tells you what to expect from them.

Amwaj Islands
One of the most upmarket addresses in the Kingdom, Amwaj was built on the concept of tranquil waterside living. The neighbourhood boasts waterfront villas, a few cafés and bakeries, a supermarket and an upcoming waterfront commercial complex in addition to two existing hotels.

Among proposed new hotels are one within the Amwaj Gateway project and a boutique-style hotel.

Renaissance Bahrain Amwaj Islands Hotel: The third hotel to come up at Amwaj, the Renaissance boasts 318 sea-facing rooms on 14 floors, eight restaurants including a beach café and lounges. The five-star hotel has a 250-metre long beach with an 80-metre special alcove and over 8,000 square metres of landscaped grounds. The banqueting hall has a capacity to seat 1,500 people and can be used for social events.

A business centre will have areas designated for private meetings, including separate dining, and private relaxation areas.

Recreational amenities will include a spa and health club, outdoor pool and private beach. Other amenities include 24-hour room service, in-room mini bars, laundry/valet service, specialist hairdressers for men and women, lobby gift shop and full basement car parking. Offering unparalleled service in strikingly stylish surroundings, Renaissance is sure to delight the senses when it is scheduled to open in early 2011.

Manama
One of Bahrain’s oldest and busiest business districts, Manama is home to some of the Kingdom’s oldest trading establishments, not to mention tourist attractions like Bab Al Bahrain Souk and the Gold Souk. Over the years, the congestion has forced many businesses to relocate else-where and structures such the Bahrain Financial Harbour and Bahrain World Trade Centre now dominate the skyline. However, Manama remains the cornerstone of Bahrain’s old world charm.

Golden Tulip [Renovation]: This property is set for a renovation exercise this year, which will see a contemporary and warm new lobby, the expansion of the main restaurant and the addition of a sports bar. The coming year will see the refurbishment of guest rooms across three floors in the hotel, while two remaining floors are scheduled for a revamp the following year.

With the new layout, the Al Wasmeyah restaurant will expand backwards to the poolside in a more private and cosy setting, with 120 covers. There are also plans to repaint the building exterior in line with the changed interiors. The Golden Tulip’s new look will be unveiled by the end of this year, in time for the new season. The hotel is also planning to have a new sports bar.

Intercontinental Regency [Renovation]: The hotel is undertaking its largest and most comprehensive renovation to date, which will encompass all 321 guest rooms, suites and signature outlets. The makeover is expected to add a fresh and contemporary look and feel to the guest rooms as well as an enhanced reception and concierge lounge.

This will include a complete refurbishment of the grand ballroom as well as the break-out rooms and foyer areas.

The hotel is also introducing new restaurants including a steakhouse, a Lebanese and an Italian speciality restaurant offering guests exotic cuisines.

Rotana Banader Bahrain: The Middle East based luxury hotel chain is set to debut in Bahrain, with the first property opening in 2013. Bahrain Rotana enjoys a very strategic location on Government Avenue, next to Batelco and opposite the Financial Harbour. Primarily catering to the Corporate and MICE markets, the five-star Bahrain Rotana will offer 267 hotel rooms, including executive rooms, larger suites and 140 serviced apartments of one-, two- and three-bedroom units.

The 45-storey tower will offer a dramatic swimming pool and fitness centre at the top and will be clearly visible from the Bahrain International Airport and King Faisal Highway, achieving an impressive skyline.

Interesting food and beverage venues, state-of-the-art meeting space and business facilities and valet parking are all aimed towards making this hotel a preferred destination for both the corporate and leisure traveller.