Bahrain’s tourism landscape has received a significant boost with the launch of Hawar Resort by Mantis, an eco-focused, luxury retreat on the pristine Hawar Islands.
The resort is located on the unique Hawar Islands archipelago, which boasts a rich history and an ecosystem teeming with biodiversity. As a pioneering environmentally focused destination in the Middle East, the resort is surrounded by a thriving wildlife sanctuary and diverse marine life. Andre Erasmus, General Manager of Hawar Resort by Mantis, expresses his enthusiasm for the new resort, stating: “We’re very excited about this project and the value that Hawar Resort by Mantis will bring to Bahrain as a whole -- as a tourism, leisure, and MICE destination.” Mantis, renowned for its sustainable luxury hospitality, brings a wealth of experience and support from the Accor group, one of the world’s largest hospitality brands. “This will ensure that Hawar is positioned as one of the hottest new destinations for tourism in the region, catering to both leisure and MICE guests,” Erasmus adds. “It gives Bahrain a whole new dimension, showcasing the beauty of its nature, people, cuisine, and culture.” With very few natural island resorts in the region, Hawar Resort by Mantis stands out as a distinctive addition to the region’s tourism offerings. “It is an exciting new destination in terms of flora, fauna, marine life, and heritage,” continues Erasmus. TARGETING KEY MARKETS Asked about the market the resort will target, the General Manager explains that Hawar Resort by Mantis aims to attract a diverse range of visitors, starting with the local Bahrain market. “First and foremost, we want Bahrainis to rediscover their own island and be proud of what we’ve achieved here,” says Erasmus. “We’ve incorporated Bahraini touches in everything we do — whether it’s our food and beverage offerings, physical design, or activities.” Beyond Bahrain, the resort is eyeing visitors from the GCC, particularly Saudi Arabia, thanks to easy access via the King Fahd Causeway. Additionally, it is drawing interest from Eastern and Western Europe. “We’ve seen strong positive interest from Eastern Europe, where visitors are looking to escape long, grey winters. Bahrain’s climate is ideal for them — luxury surroundings, exquisite food, and world-class service make it an attractive choice,” he notes. “We’ve been in discussions with ambassadors, military attachés, and naval commanders, and we’re sure there will be keen interest from sailors looking for some rest and relaxation,” he adds. WORTH EXTENDING Erasmus recommends a minimum of two to three nights at the resort. “That gives you a good taste of our land-based, sea-based, and cultural activities, along with our food and beverage offerings.” However, some visitors, particularly from Eastern Europe, are already extending their stays to seven to 14 nights. “They tell us they haven’t even experienced half of what we have to offer, which is a very encouraging sign.” While the resort is currently focused on overnight guests, there are plans to introduce day visits in the future. “We specialise in overnight stays and immersive experiences,” Erasmus says. “A day visit can be a bit short to truly take in the full beauty of Hawar and everything we offer.” EXPLORING THE ISLAND Hawar Resort by Mantis is in the final stages of securing permissions to offer extended explorations of the island beyond the hotel perimeter. “Guests will be able to explore more of the island, but always with an escorted guide,” Erasmus explains. “Whether it’s on a safari in one of our Land Rovers, mountain biking or quad biking, we ensure a guided experience to protect the island’s delicate ecosystem.” “We are committed to providing a truly immersive experience while preserving the island’s natural beauty,” Erasmus affirms. EXCLUSIVE OFFERINGS, ACTIVITIES Hawar Resort by Mantis positions itself as an inclusive resort, offering a comprehensive experience within a single rate. “The rate that you pay includes all your meals — breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, minibar — as well as transfers to and from Durrat Pavilion,” Erasmus states. Guests can also enjoy a wide range of non-motorised activities, such as snorkelling, stand-up paddling, canoeing, kayaking, and yoga sessions. Additionally, the resort offers exclusive upgrades, including a unique culinary experience at the C-Salt restaurant. “We are collaborating with a celebrity chef couple from Singapore to create a Peruvian-Mexican cuisine infused with a touch of Bahraini flavours,” Erasmus reveals. Entertainment is another key feature, ensuring that guests always have something fresh and exciting to experience. “We aim to provide different entertainment, different cuisine, and different activities each night,” he says. There are a host of other activities and experiences that can be enjoyed at an extra cost. Speaking on pricing, Erasmus says: “Considering that everything is included in the package, I would describe our pricing as ‘affordable luxury.’” The resort is also catering to the corporate team-buildings, particularly through its collaboration with the Bear Grylls Adventure Zone by BGSA. “Corporate teams can come out here for team-building activities conducted by Bear Grylls-trained adventure guides,” Erasmus explains. The experience includes land and sea challenges from Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. SUSTAINABILITY INITIATIVES On the sustainability front, Hawar Resort by Mantis is setting a new benchmark. The resort has eliminated single-use plastics, established an on-site water bottling plant and implemented rigorous waste sorting and recycling processes. “We are now on the verge of constructing a large solar farm, which will allow us to become completely off the grid within the next six to 12 months,” Erasmus adds. “This initiative is expected to make the resort one of the first in Bahrain to run entirely on solar energy.” CULTURAL EXCURSIONS Unlike many island resorts where guests remain isolated from the mainland, Hawar Resort by Mantis offers excursions to explore Bahrain’s cultural and commercial attractions. “We have partnered with a destination management company to organize day trips, allowing guests to experience shopping, sightseeing, and cultural tours before returning to the resort,” Erasmus explains. The resort is also preparing special packages for the Formula 1 season, working closely with the Bahrain International Circuit to provide exclusive pre- and post-event stays. “We are looking at various ticket package options and working with the race organisers to see how we can promote Bahrain during this period,” Erasmus notes. With its eco-luxury concept, strategic location and focus on sustainability, Hawar Resort by Mantis is poised to redefine Bahrain’s tourism sector. As Erasmus concludes: “This resort opens up new possibilities for Bahrain, offering an unparalleled blend of luxury, nature and cultural richness. We are excited to welcome guests to discover this hidden gem.”