The Gypsy Travel Festival (TGTF), a curated travel extravaganza, produced by The Gypsy Travel Network, is coming to Mumbai’s doorstep on January 11th and 12th, 2025, at the Jio World Drive, BKC. This two-day festival will bring together the world’s most sought-after destinations like Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Seychelles, Utah along with innovative travel brands like CGH Earth, Club Med, Ponant Expeditions, Once Experiences and more.

Situated in the warm waters of the Arabian Gulf, Bahrain is an archipelago of 33 islands, a unique blend of ancient history and modernity. Back in 3000 BC, it was the heart of the Dilmun civilization and an influential trade hub between Mesopotamia and the Indus Valley. Its name means “two waters,” a reflection of the freshwater springs gushing up from the seas of the Persian Gulf.

Bahrain embraced Islam in 628 AD, and was ruled by various Arab dynasties until the early 16th century when the Portuguese took over. They were succeeded by Persians but, in 1783, the Al Khalifa family, originally from the Arab mainland, established their rule over the archipelago. A treaty in 861 gave it British protectorate status until independence in 1971.

Known as the “Island of Pearls”, until the discovery of oil in 1932, it was the first Gulf state to find and exploit these resources. Today its capital, Manama, serves as a cultural and economic hub, blending modern skyscrapers with traditional souks. The annual Formula 1 Bahrain Grand Prix attracts motorsport enthusiasts from across the globe.

Muharraq Island

International passengers arrive at Muharraq Island, the most northernmost of the archipelago and home to Muharraq City, the capital of Bahrain until 1923. Wander through its narrow streets to discover traditional Bahraini houses, many of which have been restored as museums and art galleries.

The Pearling Trail, a UNESCO-listed site, is a 3.5km path that tells the story of Bahrain’s pearl-diving industry, linking various sites which were involved in the pearling economy, especially in the 19th century. Taking place in December, the Muharraq Nights celebration features design, fashion, food, and music across the historic neighbourhoods of the city.

Manama, Bahrain’s Capital

The capital, Manama, stands at the gateway to the largest island of Bahrain and is the largest city in the country. A symbol of the country’s modernity, Bahrain Bay is a striking waterfront development featuring high-rise buildings, luxury hotels, and gourmet restaurants.

Stroll along the promenade, enjoy views of the bay, or dine at one of the many restaurants.  A unique way of appreciating its architecture is to take a stand up paddle boat tour around its waterways. Be prepared to get wet, although the water is warm.

Manama Souq

For a true taste of old Bahrain, head to the Manama Souq. Located near Bab Al Bahrain, this warren of narrow streets and alleyways sells everything from spices and traditional sweets to handcrafted jewellery and textiles. Don’t miss the chance to buy Bahraini pearls or dine in one of its many authentic cafes.

Al Fateh Grand Mosque

Built in 1988, at a cost of US$20 million, this iconic mosque covers an area of 6,500 m2 and can hold up to 7,000 worshippers. It’s the most important in the country and one of the largest in the world. Its two minarets dominate the city and the interior is elaborately decorated with Italian marble, Austrian glass and Indian teak.

Visitors are welcome and can join guided tours to learn about Islamic culture and the mosque’s design. Don’t worry about their dress code as suitable coverings are supplied. If you’re lucky to be there at prayer times you can witness the Iman making his call to the city.

Bahrain National Museum

The Bahrain National Museum, in Manama, is one of the oldest in the Gulf region. Its exhibits span over 6,000 years of Bahraini history, including artefacts from the Dilmun civilization, Portuguese and Persian rule.  Highlights include a reconstructed A’ali burial mound, dating back to the Dilmun period, and an interactive display about Bahrain’s pearl diving heritage. Interestingly there is no mention of the British.

Qal’at al-Bahrain (Bahrain Fort)

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Bahrain Fort is around 20 minutes from Manama. This archaeological site dates back to 2300 BC and has been a focal point of numerous civilizations, from the Dilmun to the Portuguese. Visitors can wander through its ancient ruins and explore the adjacent museum to learn about the site’s layered history. Perched on a hill overlooking the Gulf, the fort is particularly enchanting at sunset.

Bahrain International Circuit

Around half an hour to the south is home of the annual Bahrain Grand Prix. The circuit offers visitors the chance to experience high-speed racing or take a guided tour of the facilities. Adjacent is a professional go-karting track, open to everyone, a great way to boost your adrenalin levels and test your driving skills.

Jarada Island

14 km off the coast of Bahrain is Jarada Island, and the boat journey takes around 45 minutes. Basically it’s a sandbank which emerges and disappears with the ebb and flow of the tides. As the waters subside, the island reveals itself as a strip of powdery white sand surrounded by crystal-clear shallows. At high tide, it vanishes completely beneath the waves.

The shallow waters around the island teem with marine life, making it a haven for snorkelling enthusiasts. Visitors can expect to see colourful fish darting through the coral reefs, and you might even spot a sea turtle gliding gracefully beneath the waves. It’s essential to bring everything you might need, including water, food, sunscreen, although tour boats can provide these.

Bahrain makes an ideal stopover if you’re flying to and from the Middle East but it’s also a destination in its own right. It’s more laid back than its Arab neighbours, and you can enjoy the sumptuous sunsets with a cocktail in your hand. Sure there’s good shopping, but there’s also a wealth of culture and history. And don’t forget those pristine sandy beaches

Factfile

GO: Gulf Air flies direct twice daily from London Heathrow to Bahrain.

INFO: Bahrain has travel information.

STAY:

• The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain makes a comfortable base in Manama. Check availability.
• Raffles Al Areen Palace Bahrain is an oasis of luxury close to the Formula One Circuit. Check availability.

EAT:

• Timeout Market has a variety of food stalls with dishes from all over the world.
• Agaily & Karak restaurant serves up authentic local fare by Bahrain Bay.
• The Room is a cool bar and restaurant with a great selection of malt whisky.
• Haji’s Café in Souq al Manama served delicious Bahraini breakfasts.
• The Beach Bar at Solymar Hotel on Amwaj Island is good for sundowners.

You may also like:

• Saudi Arabia – what can you expect?
• Habitas Alula hotel review, Saudi Arabia
• Qatar – A travel guide 
• Mondrian hotel review, Qatar

 

The post Travel Guide to Bahrain, Middle East appeared first on The Travel Magazine.

Located  in a quieter quarter of Edinburgh but well within walking distance to all the major sights, Moxy Edinburgh Fountainbridge is a very alternative experience from what you might expect in a city centre teeming with big brand names.  This is an upscale boutique hotel that positively revels in challenging the status quo, with a playful hipster vibe celebrating  its previous incarnation as a brewery from the copper piping and stills to the walls of living hops. 

But there’s more.  Giant lounge teddies, grab and go snacks and drinks, a 24-hour gym, free luggage lockers for early arrivals and late departures, table foosball, deep comfy couches, free fast WIFI and a dog station with its own menu if your pooch fancies a tasty nibble.

Who For

Moxy Edinburgh Fountainbridge is perfect for anyone who wants to be based just outside Edinburgh’s busy castle district but near enough to easily drop in.  Whether you’re looking for a business, leisure, family or romantic stay.

Accommodation

Moxy Edinburgh Fountainbridge offers stylishly on-trend dog-friendly rooms with plenty of amenities. The beds are delightful. Queen-size doubles with luxurious linens ensure a great night’s sleep, and there is a genius motion-activated night light under the bed. 

Plenty of power outlets (supporting numerous country variations) workspace desk, comfy lounge chair and a personalised welcome message scribbled on the mirror.  You’ll also find free Highland spring water, free snacks, a huge flat screen TV and tea and coffee facilities.

There’s no wardrobes but plenty of hang-rail space.

Food and Drink

Moxy Edinburgh Fountainbridge’s lobby bar area is the beating heart of the hotel and doubles as the check-in reception. The multitasking front-of-house crew seem to be everywhere – pulling pints, wiping tables and refreshing the breakfast buffet (which is an impressive spread and well worth the £15 charge if it’s not already included in your booking). 

The library area is a quiet hang out for anyone keen on catching up with work or simply taking advantage of the fast, free WIFI on tap. While down in the main lobby the vast wooden table and comfy couches create a communal feel with plenty of natter space over coffee and lite bites or some serious beverages come nightfall.

Lochrin is Moxy Edinburgh Fountainbridge’s rooftop bar and when I stayed there it had just been awarded ‘Best Hotel Bar of the Year 2024’ in DRAM Magazine’s Scottish Hotel and Pub Awards. Inside it’s akin to a cosy front parlour speakeasy with table lamps, velvet drapes and floral wallpaper but the outside terrace area needs no such window dressing, it is simply the stage for a bird’s eye view over Edinburgh.

Facilities

Moxy Edinburgh Fountainbridge has small 24-hour gym and free luggage lockers that you can use before check in after check out. If you are there for business, the fast free wifi is useful. if you’re brining your pooch Sir Woofchester dog station has toys and a dog menu.

How Much

Rooms at Moxy Edinburgh Fountainbridge start from £99. CHECK AVAILABILITY

What is nearby?

Edinburgh’s famous castle and Royal Mile is less than 1 kilometre away. Mary King’s Close is about the nearest you’ll get to experiencing what life was like in 16th century Edinburgh. A warren of real streets, alleys and houses frozen in time below the Royal Exchange.  And don’t miss the opportunity to visit Johnnie Walker’s iconic Tasting Exprience which is head and shoulders above the kind of tasting sessions you’ll find at distilleries.

Verdict

Moxy Edinburgh Fountainbridge is an excellent example of a contemporary boutique brand which pretty much ticks all the boxes for a city stay if you enjoy plenty of light-hearted playfulness mixed with serious comfort where needed.

Also read: City break in Edinburgh

The post Moxy Edinburgh Fountainbridge review, Edinburgh, Scotland appeared first on The Travel Magazine.

Hotel Pelirocco has spent a quarter of a century bringing its unique style of glamour and kitsch to the nation’s hotel landscape and now it’s offering guests the chance to kick off 2025 in style with 25% off all bookings until 15 April.

Consistently voted Trip Advisor’s No.1 traveller-ranked hotel for Brighton and top-rated for Best Value, the hotel stands out as proudly independent, oozing charisma and individuality.

Behind the walls of a stucco-fronted townhouse perfectly placed just off the seafront in Brighton’s Regency Square, Pelirocco transports its guests into a world where cheeky seaside humour meets the cool and quirky.

With 19 eclectically-themed rooms – from the Parisian Salon Rouge, to the magical forest-inspired Botanica and Japanese-themed Koibito Love – designed by hot Brighton creatives, the luxury pad prides itself on its attention to detail and friendly atmosphere.

Now after 25 years of playing host to an adoring public and dozens of famous faces from Sophie Ellis Bextor, The Happy Mondays, Eddie Izzard and many more, Pelirocco is excited to embark on the next chapter continuing to push the boundaries of what a boutique hotel should be and seeking out innovative new ways to thrill its guests.

***“Prepare to be dazzled by eccentricity and outrageous decor. This boutique hotel is just rock ’n’ roll all over.” The Travel Magazine 2020 ***

How much: Doubles priced from £99. Breakfast is always included when booked direct at: Pelirocco

T&Cs: This offer is valid until 15 April 2025, excluding 13-14 February. Booking windows close at midnight on January 12. A minimum 2-night stay is required when booking double rooms on Saturday nights.

Read our review of Hotel Pelirocco

The post Celebrate Brighton’s Hotel Pelirocco’s 25th birthday with a huge 25% DISCOUNT on stays until 15 April   appeared first on The Travel Magazine.