The Oasis Spa Resort — the first phase of the planned $600 million Al Areen Desert Spa and Resort in Bahrain — will be completed by 2005, its promoters said.
The ambitious desert spa and resort, claimed to be a first-of-its-kind in the region, is being developed by Bahrain-headquartered Gulf Finance House (GFH), a leading investment bank.
The project, conceived as an unparalleled destination for a mixed blend of relaxation and rejuvenation facilities, coupled with a host of tourism and leisure activities, hospitality services and residential units with modern amenities and infrastructure was officially launched under the patronage of Sheikh Abdulla Bin Hamad Al Khalifa.
Esam Yousif Janahi, chief executive officer at GFH said the Al Areen Desert Spa & Resort project will be a unique and unparalleled development that will set new standards for excellence not only in Bahrain but also within the region.
In its entirety, Al Areen Desert Spa and Resort, which will be located to the south of Manama on a tranquil and secluded hilltop rising from the desert, is composed of four major components: Oasis Spa Resort; Themed Hotels; Residential Village; and Aqua Park.
The project will only be a 25-minute drive from the city centre of Manama and a 35-minute drive from the Bahrain International Airport. It will be located behind the Al-Areen Wildlife Sanctuary and adjacent to the Bahrain International Circuit.
The heart of the entire development will be the $60 million Oasis Spa Resort, which is being designed to predominantly reflect traditional Arabic architectural and design elements. The resort will cover 300,000 sq m and will be developed as a comprehensive facility offering the entire array of health, spa and therapeutic facilities from the Indian Ayurveda to Roman Baths.
The Oasis Spa Resort will be the first component of the project to be fully operational and is expected to be completed by 2005. The themed hotels will be completed the following year, while the rest of the development will be operational by 2007.