Trashed by The Times

A furious war of words has exploded over an article which appeared in The Times newspaper in   the UK and labelled Bahrain “boring”.

Travel writer John Arlidge visited the classy Banyan Tree Resort in Sakhir and described it as “pretty as a picture” but “so awful that it would drive you to drink (if only you could get one)”.
He added: “There is so much wrong with the Banyan Tree that it is hard to know where to start, but let’s begin with location. You might think of Bahrain as an airport stop-over where you stock up with duty-free before going somewhere more interesting. And you’d be right. Bahrain is so boring even the expats who live there call it “the Isle of Wight of the Middle East”.
The Isle of Wight is an island off the Southern English coast which is now considered an attractive place for many people to retire.
The London-based freelance journalist, who also writes for other national newspapers and magazines, continued with his barrage of Bahrain battering by suggesting that for holidaymakers the Gulf island offers watersports and horse riding and little else.
He said: “Unlike Dubai or Oman, there is little wildlife, limited diving, no mountains, no cutting-edge architecture, no designer shopping, no reclaimed Palm islands, no ski domes, no Michelin-star restaurants, no nightlife and no razzle-dazzle seven-star hotels where you can watch Russian women with exuberant hair and cantilevered chests prowl the pool.
“Instead, the high point for most locals is going to the Hawaiian-themed Trader Vic’s bar and collecting the little plastic men that decorate the Menehune Juice cocktail.”
Nabil Kanoo, Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s tourism committee chairman, said: “I think he didn’t give Bahrain a fair chance. He didn’t discover any of the historical aspects like the forts and old souks. It wasn’t a fair commentary. I think he had a short trip and he left with a bad conclusion.
“But if you highlight what he says, that there are not enough activities in Bahrain, it’s true.
“We have to work at tourist attractions and I’ve been saying this for the past few years. There is room for improvement. We should take on board what he said and improve.
“Bahrain is now home to motor-sports in the Middle East, but as an island it’s a pity that we don’t have more proper diving, more regattas and activities to do with the sea.
“In terms of comparing us to our neighbours we are slower. But this isn’t a bad thing, it depends on lifestyle.
“The Banyan Tree is a new property and it is unfair to say whether or not it’s going to be a success in its first year. You can’t tell until its fourth or fifth year.”
Some readers have been less charitable about the article. The reactions posted on TimesOnline includes one from June, of Manama, who wrote: “I totally disagree with John Arlidge’s comments. However, I do feel he would be better suited to a holiday in Torremolinos or Ibiza – somewhere where he can get drink aplenty and all the nightlife he wants.
“However, having lived in Bahrain for the last 14 years, I have never heard any expat refer to it as the “Isle of Wight” of the Middle East.
“There is plenty to offer – tax free salaries, better quality living accommodation than most people can afford back home, a thriving financial district with stunning architecture, plenty of nightlife, water sports, warm and friendly people and lower crime rates.
“Beach holidays are 10 a penny. As for the Banyan Tree, I suspect they are looking for a more upmarket type of visitor, and will not be unduly affected by this type of criticism.”
And Basim Al Saie, of Manama, added: “To many people who have visited Bahrain and lived there, it is a special place with a rich history, culture, and best of all – friendly people and atmosphere.
“It is like judging the whole of England based on the impression one gets when landing in Heathrow – dull, grey, congested, rude, confusing and an architectural horror.”
GulfWeekly contacted Mr Arlidge asking if on reflection he felt his criticism had been too harsh and would he like the opportunity to apologise.
The writer replied: “Your suggestion is an interesting one. However, I do not think I am going to take you up on it.”
Management and staff of The Banyan Tree Desert Spa and Resort are obviously disappointed about the critical savaging but sensibly declined to comment.
They can point out that the resort’s royal pool villa has recently been included in this year’s prestigious list of 101 “most exquisite hotel suites and villas” by the widely-read travel and lifestyle magazine, Elite Traveller.
As a global luxury chain it believes representation in the Middle East is “critical” and that the Al Areen development of which Banyan Tree is a part, “provides an ideal launch platform into the region”.
Banyan Tree Al Areen offers five star amenities including six international restaurants, the signature being Saffron which serves contemporary Thai cuisine and floats on a lake.
GulfWeekly understands it will be granted a beverage license shortly after Ramadan.

By Stan Szecowka and
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