The Novotel Al Dana Resort has been conceived with the family in mind, says general manager Philippe Montaubin.

"The hotel does not have night clubs, but on the other hand we have a wide array of restaurants, and most importantly, numerous activities for families ranging from water sports, a gym, a games room, a nursery, tennis and squash courts, an aerobic studio, a playground and a swimming pool with children- and adult-defined areas."

Montaubin believes that recent moves to 'clean up' the entertainment scene in the Kingdom should have a positive impact on the hospitality industry. He does, however, state that the process will not occur 'overnight', and feels that the scene should be monitored and controlled, but not eliminated.

Montaubin feels that new hotels, further development of new and already existing tourist attractions will go a long way in increasing Bahrain's potential to become a hub of tourism in the region.

"With the new link to Qatar and the Formula One track, I think Bahrain has the potential."

Novotel Al Dana Resort features 174 rooms and suites, each with an outdoor terrace overlooking the waters of the Gulf or the huge free form swimming pool.

The resort also features an array of dining experiences in its restaurants. The Zytoun Mediterranean brasserie-style restaurant is open around the clock offering buffets for breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as an a la carte menu.

For the seafood lovers La Perle restaurant is the right choice for breathtaking views, and culinary wonders. L'Alize is another venue for an open-air dinner and dancing.

The resort also features four multi-function meeting and banquet rooms which cater for up to 100 people.