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Sunshine galore, a sandy beach and family fun was on hand at the BD2 million Tulip Inn Hawar Beach.
The four-star Inn invited the media for a day out in order to truly experience the resort's tranquil side. While renovations are currently under way, the hotel's operation manager Mustapha Chatila gave us a tour of the island stating that upon its completion, the resort will include 105 rooms, a block of 16 two-bedroom apartments and 45 chalets situated 1.5km from the hotel.
At the moment there are 44 cosy rooms that are already being rented out to guests, including four luxurious suites with wraparound terraces and breath-taking views of the beach.
The hotel is owned by the Pension Fund, Mumtalakat, Gosi and Eskan Bank.
While the hotel has taken one year to be finalised, a few adjustments are still being made, explained Mr Chatila. "We are hoping to make this one of the best tourism destinations suitable for corporations to conduct training and workshops, for families, school field trips and couples. Or perhaps, when you just want to get away from it all.
"We had done a soft opening on November 25 and are currently sorting out our packages for the island."
Room rates and packages vary from weekend to week days and depending on the season. Mr Chatila informed us that the hotel is almost fully-booked for New Year's Eve with a rate of BD120 per night for single rooms and BD170 per night for a double room.
The tariffs include a boat trip to and from the island, a welcome drink, breakfast, lunch and dinner along with the New Year's party.
Later, Mr Chatila walked us through the hotel, showing us the Lebanese seafood restaurant 'Afandi', Moody's Club and the multi-cuisine restaurant 'Hirat' where we had our lunch.
The resort is also filled with activities for adults and children. There is a gym and a game room within the hotel that consists of baby-foot, a pool table and table tennis. For water sport enthusiasts there are jet skis and paddle boats. If you prefer to lounge by the pool, there are slides for children and also a pool bar. I personally liked the tour of the organic garden that includes veggies and herbs. There is also a go-kart track which is set to open shortly.
Children can enjoy the modern playground filled with trampolines and swings. Corporations will be able to conduct workshops or hold meetings within the hotel's two meeting rooms.
After a tour of the facilities and a fantastic lunch, we ended up having tea and coffee on the beach. Some among us took the jet skis for a spin while others took the opportunity to soak up the sun.
While I had visited Hawar Island in the past, I did find that the stay was a lot more relaxing as it was so peaceful out there. And the island is jam-packed with fun outlets.
Hawar is located 40km from Manama and is a 45-minute boat ride from the resort's private jetty situated in Ad Dur Village. The hotel has two boats and makes daily trips to the island.
To book a trip, log onto www.tulipinnhawarbeach.com.
