Encircled by the glittering Arabian Gulf, the archipelago nation of Bahrain is flanked by Saudi Arabia and Qatar.

A stroll around the capital, Manama, reveals piles of spices and coffee beans in souks lit with hanging lanterns, while the desert is lined with date palm plantations. On a drive around the main island’s coast you may spot caravans of camels and wherever you go you’ll hear evocative calls to prayer floating across the hazy air.

Tucked away on the isle’s south west coast, Jumeirah Gulf of Bahrain Resort & Spa is a secluded escape, 50 minutes’ drive from Manama. Here are 10 reasons to visit.

Amble along empty beaches

Surrounded by swathes of sand shimmering under the sun like iridescent oyster shells, Jumeirah Gulf of Bahrain Resort & Spa feels like a true desert island retreat. Set on a private beach, our tranquil location means you can spend a blissful afternoon dozing in hammocks, reading books on padded sunloungers beneath cream parasols or strolling along the beach undisturbed.

Sip sundowners on the sand

As the sun dips beneath the horizon, lights flicker on in our landscaped gardens and the sky turns shades of coral, conch shell and rose tea. Make the most of the sunset by enjoying a drink and delicious nibbles – think calamari fritters, couscous salad and freshly baked pizza – at our soon-to-open beach bar, Ousoul, where you can linger until the stars come out.

Swim in the sunshine

Whether you’re keen to swim serious lengths or splash with your kids, we have five pools to suit everyone. Our indoor lap pool is designed for women to swim in a female environment or to loosen tense shoulders beneath powerful water jets. You can also enjoy our adult-only pool and executive pool, while all ages can have fun on the slide in our family pool or take a dip in our kids’ pool.

Cruise on a traditional abra boat

In a nod to Bahrain’s heritage – in the past seafarers ferried people about on traditional wooden abras and traded dates and fish in East Africa on dhow boats – you can board an abra to meander along the canal that weaves around our resort. As you pass our palm-fringed pool styled like an ancient fort, look out for Arabic arches and intricate stone carvings.

Relax in our tranquil spa

If you’re seeking respite from the sun, retreat to our Talise Spa, a serene hideaway adorned in pearl hues. Relax in our sauna, steam room or dove grey marble hammam, which is enveloped by white lattice screens that mimic lace curtains. Our 13 treatment rooms include one area for couples and six spaces each for men and women. We also have a women-only area. Opt for a retreat programme or indulge in a rejuvenating treatment.

Play sports among palm trees

Craving an adventure? Whether you miss feeling your heart pounding in your chest or want to challenge your family to a friendly match, we have a range of activities for you to try. Work out in the gym, play tennis or squash, or grab your suncream and a water bottle and set off along the coast in a kayak or on a paddleboard.

Watch a film in our private cinema

Family time is sacred at Jumeirah Gulf of Bahrain Resort & Spa. Your little ones can also make new friends in our Kids Club – which has a play area and nap room – while teenagers can socialise in our Teen Club or sink into reclining seats to enjoy films in our private cinema.

Indulge in afternoon tea

Glass walls and a high ceiling fill our contemporary lobby lounge with natural light, which is perfect for the potted trees that surround its centrepiece: a shimmering pool. As well as afternoon tea, Majlis Al Fijiri serves light bites such as zesty fattoush salad sprinkled with sumac and umm Ali, a steaming Arabic dessert layered with puff pastry and cream and sprinkled with nuts, raisins and rose water.

Enjoy delicious Levantine cuisine

Whether you’re in the Middle East for the first time, a regular visitor or a resident, no doubt you’ll want to sample Levantine cuisine. Unwind over shisha and local dishes at Al Sama, our al fresco terrace with sea views. After falafel and kibbeh – almond-shaped patties stuffed with bulgur wheat, spiced meat and toasted pine nuts – you can finish with bites of honey-drenched baklava.

Visit the F1 track, discover ancient forts and gallery hop

Bahrain’s compact size means you’re never far from its extraordinary attractions such as Bahrain International F1 Circuit, a 20-minute drive away.

Qal’at Al Bahrain Fort is a little further north, near the coast. The 4,000-year-old settlement was once the centre of the Dilmun civilisation’s capital; today it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site home to cannonballs, tombs and stone camels used as children’s toys, as well as receipts carved into baked clay.

In Manama, meander around block 338, a hip district lined with cafes, galleries and street art, or explore Muharraq Island’s vibrant bazaars, winding lanes and traditional homes. You can also spend an afternoon learning about alternative medicine, wedding traditions and pearling, fishing and farming in Bahrain National Museum before catching a show at Bahrain National Theatre next door.

While you’re visiting, you may wish to explore some of our other beachside locations within the Gulf, such as Jumeirah Al Qasr or Jumeirah Mina A’Salam in Dubai.