Bahrain as a holiday destination

[pelicanpromise]

Evening,

DH is currently working in Saudi Arabia and has suggested we meet in Bahrain at October half term (along with DD12 and DS 7).

Can anyone tell me if this is a good idea? I've tried google but all I can find is travel websites encouraging me to book.

I lived there as a child in the late 80's! I went back in the early 00's for a holiday. I'm afraid I have no recent travel history, but its a hopeful bump for you anyway.

Its more liberal than Saudi. You aren't expected to cover head/body etc. I personally wouldn't be wearing skimpy shorts or spaghetti strap tops there- but I did see non-local women in shorts on my last trip.

Its a culturally and historically interesting place that isn't on the normal tourist trail, so I would certainly go. Far more interesting IMO than say Dubai! I recall seeing things in the museum about their previous pearl industry, there are old forts, museums, the souk, wildlife parks and things to see and do other than the flashy shopping malls. I think the grande mosque in Manama can be visited too now. My family always regretted not taking a trip on a dhow boat, so might be something to look into.

Had a bounce around Google, apparently liberal compared with Saudi as @SM4713 said, but also very safe for women.

I meant to say, that when I visited in the early 2000's, I drove around the island myself, and never felt unsafe. 1st time I'd driven on the right side, which turned out to be easier than I expected. Again, I haven't been back since, but would really like to.

I've been for a couple of weekends there but didn't see much of the area as it was for girls weekends away to make the most of the brunches ( I used to live in Kuwait ). What I saw if it was lovely though

I lived there for a few years until 2020 and we went back for a holiday this year.

I love Bahrain, it's a second/third home to me. It's known as the stepping stone to the Middle East, it's a lot more liberal than the other gulf countries.

If you have any specific questions I'd be happy to help

I lived in Bahrain and loved the country. If its easy for your husband to get to then its a convenient place to meet up.
In terms of restrictions its fairly liberal with no dress codes for women some 3rd country nationals can be very scantily dressed, alcohol is fairly freely available and there are good hotels and restaurants. Shopping is fairly good. Its a fairly short flight form London, other cities and you would need to transfer although I think Gulf now have a Manchester flight.

For an archipelago of islands nice beeches are few and far between and there aren't that many family attractions. The weather should still be warm enough for the Lost Paradise of Dilmum which is a water park. From this respect Dubai or Abu Dhabi would offer more and still be accessible from KSA.
For a family trip don't be tempted by apparently cheap rates at hotels in Juffair, its the nightlife centre and full of US sailors, expats and Saudis.

Thank you all so much for your replies, I posted them promptly fell asleep, apologies!

I'm glad I asked, all sounds positive. With regards to which area to stay, where am I best looking? Or any reasonable middle of the road hotels you'd recommend?

Not sure quiet how you define middle of the road. Its also a while since I stayed in a hotel in Bahrain.
As for family friendly areas Seef and Bahrain Bay are close to the major malls and have restaurants close by as well as being a reasonable distance form Adlyia which has lots of family friendly food / drink places.
Amwaj island now has some upper middle hotels and is pleasantly relaxed though a bit of a hike from the rest of the city.
The Novotel by the bridge between Manama and Muharraq where the airport is has a beach area and used to be nice though I haven't stayed there.
There are some cheaper hotels around Hoora, used to be a Holiday Inn express. The area is pretty congested though has a good for a variety of cheap Asian food.

I'd personally prefer to meet in Oman but it depends what kind of holiday you want.

If DH is in the Dammam / Khobar area, and will be driving over, its definitely worth a holiday.
If DH is getting on a plane, I'd go to Oman - both Muscat and the more remote areas are amazing.
Jordan and Lebanon are also with it.

Yes i much prefer Oman too. But Bahrain is a nice place to go for a holiday in October.

Four Seasons Bahrain Bay is the best hotel we’ve ever stayed in , and have been to all Middle Eastern countries (except Saudi) for winter holidays. Amazing food, rooms to die for, service above and beyond and hardly anyone there! I’d go for it 10000% (and I’ll carry your suitcase if you wish 😉)

I grew up there - its a great place to holiday with some great cultural activities as well. If you can afford it then stay at the Gulf Hotel.

I stayed at the Ritz Bahrain in May, didn’t leave the resort but it was very chilled / lovely lagoon. I’d prefer to go to Oman to be honest. Stay at the Chedi.