With Bahrain home to a wide range of five-star luxury hotels – including one on its own private island – the Kingdom boasts of some of the best swimming pools in the region.
From semi-submerged sun loungers to luxurious cabanas, there are plenty of ways to relax and take in the aqua vibes (all while enjoying a cooling beverage or two).
With miles of pristine coastline overlooking the Arabian Gulf, many hotels boast Instagram-friendly infinity pools which blend seamlessly into the skyline.
So get your swimsuit on and take to the water, because these luxury spots are far more than just a place to cool off in the afternoon sunshine.
Address Beach Resort Bahrain
One of Bahrain’s newest five-star hotels, the luxurious Address Beach Resort is all about the long infinity pool, with direct access to the golden sands.
Semi-submerged sun loungers and rows of sun loungers give the ocean-facing outdoor space a stylish feel, with a menu of pool bites and refreshing beverages on offer.
The main pool – which is surrounded by palm trees – is for adults only, with children given their own area to play at the hotel’s Splash Pad.
Once you’re done swimming, the resort boasts landscaped gardens and tempting lounge areas throughout the property – perfect for an afternoon of relaxation.
- Address: Marassi Al Bahrain, Building 355, Road 6407, Block 264, Bahrain
- Contact: +973 7799 8888
Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay
Perhaps unsurprisingly, the Four Seasons offers the island’s most luxurious pool, where guests can bask in the sunshine while enjoying bay views and listening to music via underwater speakers.
The free-form shape curves around the hotel’s private island beach, with staff serving up satisfying snacks and refreshing drinks throughout the day.
If the heat is too much, guests can take a break with a few laps in the indoor pool, which remains light and airy but with air conditioning.
For more refined luxury, the northwest side of the island offers six air-conditioned super-cabanas – with each including a television, a refrigerated private bar and a bathroom.
- Address: Bahrain Bay, Manama, Bahrain
- Contact: +973 1711 5000
Jumeirah Gulf of Bahrain Resort and Spa
On the far south-west coast of the island, around 30 minutes’ drive from tourist hotspots Seef and Juffair, Jumeirah is wowing guests at its five-star Gulf of Bahrain resort.
The hotel’s pristine private beach is complemented by an enormous main pool, surrounded by comfortable cabanas with their white curtains swaying gently in the wind.
But if one place to swim isn’t enough, then there’s plenty more to explore at the resort.
There are four more options catering to everyone, including an adults-only pool, executive pool, lagoon-style kid’s pool (complete with fun slides) and a ladies-only indoor lap pool.
- Address: Building 278, Avenue 63، Jazaer Beach,1067, Zallaq, Bahrain
- Contact: +973 7777 1000
The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain
The sprawling resort at The Ritz-Carlton features not one but five pools, all open from first thing in the morning (as early as 5am) until 10pm.
Soak up the sun while doing laps or kick back in a luxurious overwater cabana while taking in views over 600 metres of white sandy beach.
If it’s a little too hot outside, head for the indoor pool or take a plunge at the hammam – then head back out after sunset to see the beautifully lit hotel building in all its glory.
Other options include an infinity pool and dedicated space for children – and if you’re not staying in the hotel but still fancy going for a swim, day passes are available for purchase.
- Address: Al Seef District, Building 112, King Mohammed VI Avenue, Manama, Bahrain
- Contact: +973 1758 0000
The Merchant House
Small but mighty, the emerald-coloured pool at The Merchant House is tucked just out of view of diners at the Indigo Terrace rooftop restaurant, which also serves swimmers with light bites and cocktails.
It’s the perfect size for a dip, especially after a workout at the adjoining indoor gym, and a scattering of sun loungers mean you can kick back and relax for a few hours while taking in the sunshine.
Although it may appear small at first glance, the pool here offers enough space for paddling, and is actually around nine square metres larger than the average boutique hotel offering.
Open from sunrise to sunset, it’s also completely free of chlorine, meaning your swimming experience will be easy on the skin.
- Address: 150 Government Avenue, Manama 304, Bahrain
- Contact: +973 1667 1000
Palmyard Hotel
Lined with palm trees and plush, oversized wicker furniture, the pool at Palmyard Hotel offers bohemian vibes and benefits from all-day sunshine.
At night, when temperatures are cooler, the Instagram-friendly poolside plays host to diners from buzzing Latin restaurant Circa.
But in the daytime, it’s a relaxed and easygoing place to while away the hours while listening to beats played through speakers hidden among the palm trees.
If you’re planning on using the pool regularly throughout your stay, be sure to book one of the Executive Pool Terrace rooms, which offer direct access via a private outdoor seating area that’s all yours to enjoy.
- Address: 338 Shaikh Isa Avenue, Manama, Bahrain
- Contact: +973 1772 5000
The Gulf Hotel Bahrain
One of Bahrain’s longest-standing and most iconic properties, The Gulf Hotel has a lagoon-style swimming pool set among landscaped tropical greenery.
For those looking to relax, sun loungers can be found both at the water’s edge and placed in quieter corners of the surrounding gardens.
An outdoor jacuzzi is the perfect spot to lay back and take it all in, all while ordering up bites and drinks from the attentive staff.
There’s plenty available to keep children busy too, with a dedicated pool featuring water jets and power sprays.
- Address: Building 11, Road 3801, Manama, Bahrain
- Contact: +973 1771 3000
