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THE stunning multi-million dinar chic Reef Resort opened its doors to a party of travel agents and members of the media as it moves out of its soft opening phase and starts to play a prominent part in the kingdom’s hospitality sector.
General manager Darryl Marsden alongside senior colleagues and Reef Island executives have been delighted at the initial reaction from guests and diners attracted to stay and visit the development and in recent days more outlets have opened to woo visitors inside … with more on the horizon.
“It’s gone very well actually,” said Darryl. “We have had a good response from guests coming over for the weekend from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait as well, alongside local Bahrainis and expats living in the kingdom who have visited to have a look at the property and dine and enjoy the Shisha Lounge.
“There are a number of people who have already booked to take in the three days of the grand prix and hopefully we will fill up, as will a number of the other hotels across Bahrain. We are hopeful of a successful F1 weekend.
“Our expectations are very high, and we have a long way to go, but I think it’s been a good start.”
The lounge has already received rave reviews with Reef Resort’s Executive Chef Steven Hill and his team bringing to the forefront his Middle Eastern culinary expertise with delightful dishes capturing the essence of Lebanese grills and Arabian desserts.
‘We’ve just opened up Tokyo Reef, our sushi counter, too,” said Darryl. “It’s open to everybody, all of those in the community, our guests in-house, as well as our Reef Island residents.
“We now have our Pool Delight, which is our buffet restaurant, open during the daytime. It’s available for breakfast for anyone who wishes to come and for our guests we are also having a Friday and Saturday lunch buffet in there.”
The Chocolaterie, featuring a stunning white and dark chocolate interior and lagoon backdrop, is also proving popular. The lobby café is hosting coffee mornings and Arabian and English high teas.
“There’s still lots to go!” said Darryl. “Next to come is the Sunset Saloon with an Asian tapas-style menu, again offering stunning, beautiful views, particularly at sunset over the water, so I think that will be a great attraction and it will be open in a couple of weeks time.”
Reef Resort also has plans to join in the highly-competitive Friday Brunch scene centred at a future outlet called Fred’s Best which Darryl describes as ‘a wonderful waterfront restaurant’ set to be launched in a month.
Australian expat Darryl remains extremely confident that Reef Resort’s touches of class will help it carve a substantial slice of the country’s tourism cake. As exclusively reported in GulfWeekly, he was convinced as soon as he met the visionary behind the project, Lulu Tourism Company chairman, Robert Mouawad.
“Today we invited regional travel agents to let them know we are here and what we have to offer and, hopefully, we’ll become part of their portfolio of properties they are promoting to their customers.”
There are 102 rooms in the resort spread throughout 39 individual residences, including 11 luxuriously-appointed two-bedroom villas, each featuring a king-size room and a double room, kitchen facilities and large living space.
Rates range from BD130++ for a Superior Room to BD220++ for a Luxury Suite per night, with several types in between, and the Royal Suite at BD700++, inclusive of buffet breakfast and high speed internet.
One of the star features of the resort is a cleverly-designed softly-sanded artificial beach leading to an enormous temperature-controlled infinity-edge pool, close to another sandy-beached children’s pool. Air-conditioned children’s play areas are also on site.
For more details visit www.reef-resort.com or call 13110110.
