DESPITE having freshly inked a two-year agreement with Renault’s Formula One team to be the team’s official hotel for the Gulf Air Formula One Grand Prix 2007-2008, the Novotel Al Dana Resort is offering a host of activities for the whole family this summer.
“The execution of this agreement with Renault was driven by the excellent experience they had during their stay at Novotel in the past two years of F1, and we are thrilled with our new partnership, but more importantly our clients are delighted,” says general manager Khalid Anib.
The hotel itself is beautiful enough without the F1 link, evoking an Arabian Nights feel, nestled as it is amongst lush grounds surrounded by breathtaking water views. “This resort, with its indulgent service and beautiful views is a great place to go on family holiday. Whether staying in a suite or a deluxe room, the view never cease to amaze,” says a hotel spokesman.
“Ideal for the entire family, the hotel offers exciting ‘family bonding’ beach and water sports activities. Active adults together with kids can break into a sweat with a variety of activities at the resort to keep fit.”
For those who enjoy speed-boating, there is a speed boat available for day trips where guests are given the chance to discover various places of the kingdom and for added adrenaline flow, it can be combined with water-skiing, or to take the exhilaration further, jet-skiing. Wind-surfing is also a true delight on hot summer afternoons and sunny mornings, combining rhythm, colour and nature.
“For those seeking to experience the sensation of being accepted into a silent paradise, filled with infinite forms and myriad of sea species, we offer PADI diving courses,” says the spokesman. Water sports lessons are given by specialised trainers who are most knowledgeable in their respected fields. The Novotel’s state-of-the-art fitness facilities include a full range of conventional and the latest exercise equipments featured in both ladies only and mixed gymnasiums and exercise studio.
“The hotel understands the perfect pool completes the perfect holiday,” says the spokesman. “Swim, splash or just laze and enjoy your favourite refreshing fruit cocktail from the dive bar. At night, dine by the poolside or enjoy dive-in movies showing the latest films appropriate for young audiences.”
The hotel hosts a variety of food and beverage outlets. Zytoun restaurant is the perfect venue for all-day dining while a daily buffet is available at breakfast, lunch and dinner.
The hotel’s La Perle is a contemporary seafood venue in the Kingdom, and is surrounded by waterways featuring floor-to-ceiling glass panel walls and a central pond with running water.
Upstairs is Le Bellevue, relaxed beautiful bar with outdoor seating overlooking the Gulf – a nice way to lounge in the Bahraini sunset. After dark Le Bellevue invites lingering with live music by the hotel’s resident jazz duo.
Now open is the new beach bar – the place to sip cocktails and dance on the sand under the open skies. Serving light bites and refreshing beverages, Novotel’s beach bar is one of the few places of its kind in Bahrain, says the spokesman.
Children can enjoy the new Dolfi menu, featuring kid-tested favourites balanced with healthy options. The hotel also caters to those families requiring special needs like a handicapped-accessible room or specific food at no added cost.