The Hawar Islands have been described by Unesco as "Bahrain's last remaining true wilderness", but they are set to become a new eco-tourism hot spot. A luxury resort is to open its doors in September.
Mantis Bahrain Hawar Island is a boutique-sized hotel that can be reached by a 20-minute boat ride from the mainland. It has 102 keys, including 24 overwater villas that look as if they've been transported to Bahrain from the Maldives.
The resort was first announced in 2021 as part of the Mantis Group, founded by conservationist Adrian Gardiner. The brand is owned by hospitality group Accor, which is bringing Mantis to the Middle East for the first time.
Its properties are known for blending luxury with eco-tourism. At Hawar Resort by Mantis, the designs have been inspired by the ancient Bahrain custom of al korar, a collective act of weaving gold thread.
The islands are off the southernmost tip of Bahrain's mainland and are separated from Qatar by a narrow strait. Lauded by Unesco for its migratory waders and multicoloured coral reefs, the natural attractions of the islands will offer conservation-focused experiences for travellers, including birdwatching and snorkelling.
Hawar Resort, built in partnership with Edamah, the real estate arm of Bahrain Mumtalakat Holding Company, will also give visitors the opportunity to see diverse wildlife, including Arabian oryx, sand gazelles and Arabian horses, all of which have made the area their home.
The surrounding waters are home to marine life and blooming corals, as well as the region's largest herd of dugongs. A study in 2022 found a herd of nearly 700 dugongs near the islands. Guests at the eco resort will also be able to go paddleboarding and kayaking, or enjoy a waterside picnic.
Activities such as cookery classes, photography sessions and a safari under the stars will also be on offer. And children can learn more about nature while having fun at the Little Dugongs Kids Conservation Club.
Adventure seekers who plan to head to the islands can test their skills at the Bear Grylls Survival Academy, established by the UK television presenter and survival expert. Activities will push travellers to their limits and sharpen their outdoor skills. There will also be a water park and an adventure park as part of the resort.
For those seeking a slower pace, a luxury spa and wellness centre spanning 1,500 square metres will be available to guests. It's design is inspired by the natural elements and rich culture of Bahrain's islands. Treatment rooms at the spa will have views of the Arabian Gulf and travellers will be able to enjoy thermal experiences, fitness classes and an outdoor fitness studio.
There will be plenty of dining options, with five concepts for guests to choose from, including a sprawling all-day restaurant and a pool bar and grill.
“This project is of immense strategic importance to the kingdom, reflecting our vision to promote sustainable tourism while showcasing Bahrain’s natural beauty and preserving it for future generations," said Christopher Calvert, chief executive of Edamah. "The world-class offerings of Hawar Resort by Mantis will be a major addition to the kingdom’s tourism landscape."
Sustainable practices, including an initiative for sorting and reusing waste, and the use of water and energy conservation technology will help to minimise the resort's impact on the environment.
The resort should be able to receive bookings in the next few months, said Anil Ilhan, director of sales and marketing at Hawar Resort by Mantis. And while room rates have not yet been announced, the resort is positioning itself as "affordable luxury", he said at the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai.
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Why it pays to compare
A comparison of sending Dh20,000 from the UAE using two different routes at the same time - the first direct from a UAE bank to a bank in Germany, and the second from the same UAE bank via an online platform to Germany - found key differences in cost and speed. The transfers were both initiated on January 30.
Route 1: bank transfer
The UAE bank charged Dh152.25 for the Dh20,000 transfer. On top of that, their exchange rate margin added a difference of around Dh415, compared with the mid-market rate.
Total cost: Dh567.25 - around 2.9 per cent of the total amount
Total received: €4,670.30
Route 2: online platform
The UAE bank’s charge for sending Dh20,000 to a UK dirham-denominated account was Dh2.10. The exchange rate margin cost was Dh60, plus a Dh12 fee.
Total cost: Dh74.10, around 0.4 per cent of the transaction
Total received: €4,756
The UAE bank transfer was far quicker – around two to three working days, while the online platform took around four to five days, but was considerably cheaper. In the online platform transfer, the funds were also exposed to currency risk during the period it took for them to arrive.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Marathon results
Men:
1. Titus Ekiru(KEN) 2:06:13
2. Alphonce Simbu(TAN) 2:07:50
3. Reuben Kipyego(KEN) 2:08:25
4. Abel Kirui(KEN) 2:08:46
5. Felix Kemutai(KEN) 2:10:48
Women:
1. Judith Korir(KEN) 2:22:30
2. Eunice Chumba(BHR) 2:26:01
3. Immaculate Chemutai(UGA) 2:28:30
4. Abebech Bekele(ETH) 2:29:43
5. Aleksandra Morozova(RUS) 2:33:01
Fixtures
Tuesday - 5.15pm: Team Lebanon v Alger Corsaires; 8.30pm: Abu Dhabi Storms v Pharaohs
Wednesday - 5.15pm: Pharaohs v Carthage Eagles; 8.30pm: Alger Corsaires v Abu Dhabi Storms
Thursday - 4.30pm: Team Lebanon v Pharaohs; 7.30pm: Abu Dhabi Storms v Carthage Eagles
Friday - 4.30pm: Pharaohs v Alger Corsaires; 7.30pm: Carthage Eagles v Team Lebanon
Saturday - 4.30pm: Carthage Eagles v Alger Corsaires; 7.30pm: Abu Dhabi Storms v Team Lebanon
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PROFILE OF CURE.FIT
Started: July 2016
Founders: Mukesh Bansal and Ankit Nagori
Based: Bangalore, India
Sector: Health & wellness
Size: 500 employees
Investment: $250 million
Investors: Accel, Oaktree Capital (US); Chiratae Ventures, Epiq Capital, Innoven Capital, Kalaari Capital, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Piramal Group’s Anand Piramal, Pratithi Investment Trust, Ratan Tata (India); and Unilever Ventures (Unilever’s global venture capital arm)
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MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League final:
Who: Real Madrid v Liverpool
Where: NSC Olimpiyskiy Stadium, Kiev, Ukraine
When: Saturday, May 26, 10.45pm (UAE)
TV: Match on BeIN Sports
GAC GS8 Specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh149,900
