Ritz-Carlton opened its fourth hotel in the Middle East on January 1, 2003, when it assumed management of Le Royal Meridien Bahrain.

The company, headquartered in Atlanta, also manages luxury properties in Doha, Dubai and Sharm El Sheikh. This will be the 50th Ritz-Carlton in the world.

Located on a golden sand beach, with expansive views of the turquoise Gulf waters, The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain Hotel and Spa, is the only five-star calibre resort property in the area, just three miles from the centre of Manama.

Set on a 20-acre seafront development, the hotel is the showplace attraction of an exclusive community of recreational and residential amenities for the sophisticated traveller. Among the hotel's many notable features is the spa, an elaborate facility with an extensive menu of treatments and services. It is currently the largest spa in the region. A sporting club with indoor and outdoor swimming pools, and a 22 berth private marina are also part of the complex.

The 7-storey, 264-room hotel, open since 1994, includes several restaurants, from formal to poolside casual. More than 24,000 square feet of meeting space, and the hotel's semi-secluded setting, make it an ideal choice for important regional and international meetings, says a spokesman. Meanwhile a 24-month, multi-million dollar restoration project has begun.

While the enhancement to guest rooms and public space is completed, The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain Hotel and Spa will remain fully operational.

Construction will soon be completed on 23 deluxe, 3 bedroom villas, each with their own private swimming pool. When open in the spring of 2003, these ultra-luxurious residences will be available for guests wishing for surroundings of exceptional elegance and style. Also being completed is the 15-storey Sail Tower, offering a condominium lifestyle, which includes an array of personal guest services from the staff of The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain Hotel and Spa. When these projects are complete, the hotel's room count will reach 307.

The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain Hotel and Spa is owned by the International Hotel Establishment. 'We are pleased to have reached an agreement with Ritz-Carlton to manage the hotel. They understand the expectations of the international guest and are experienced with the culture and traditions of the Middle East,' said an owner's representative. Simon Cooper, President and Chief Operating Officer of The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company called the new hotel 'an impressive and important addition to the collection of five star hotels and resorts managed by Ritz-Carlton around the world.'