Formula One Fun at the Bahrain Grand Prix 2024

A Brightsun staff member had the pleasure of experiencing the incredible 2024 Grand Prix on an exciting Familiarisation trip to Bahrain.

Exploring the wonders of Bahrain took me through a tapestry of history, culture, sport, and natural beauty. I was hosted by the Bahrain Tourism Board and Gulf Air and travelled with other top selling UK travel agents. I soon discovered that Bahrain is a gem to explore time and time again.

My flight to Bahrain was direct with Gulf Air which was a comfortable experience with a warm and friendly cabin crew on-board, plus delicious cuisine and varied entertainment.

The highlight of my trip was the Bahrain Grand Prix spread out over three afternoons, celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Formula 1 race in Bahrain. The experience everyday was a thrill with jam-packed entertainment, market stalls and branded merchandise shops, the latest car displays, live interviews with drivers and team principals on the mainstage, and post-race concerts with huge global superstars including Trevor Noah, Kevin Hart, and DJ Diplo.

The qualifying race for pole position and final results were not a huge surprise with Red Bull winning the top two spots on the podium, followed by Ferrari. The after party at the rooftop bar was fantastic with DJ’s, fire-eaters, and saxophonists to entertain you for the rest of the night.

My touring itinerary began with a visit to the majestic white-beige forts that stand as guardians of Bahrain's past. As I wandered through the ancient corridors of Bahrain Fort, also known as Qal'at al-Bahrain, I was transported back in time to 2300 BC, when I climbed into hidden passages which women would listen and negotiate from, whilst preserving their identities.

Next was a tour about Bahrain's pearl diving legacy. With my fingers crossed for a pearl when an oyster was shucked for me (no such luck!) I delved into the history of this ancient trade with our incredible guide Hussein, captivated by the tales of daring divers who braved the depths in search of coveted pearls.

The Bahrain Pearling Trail, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers a glimpse into the hardships and triumphs of pearl divers through the ages. Seeing the displays in the Bahrain National Museum with magnificent pearl jewellery was breath-taking. It could take two years to make a five-strand necklace and find perfectly sized pearls to fit symmetrically along the chain. The Cartier displays (Cartier went to Bahrain to purchase and import these incredibly beautiful pearls in 1912) were stunning and are worth millions of dollars today. His designs were inspired by Arabic motifs and illustrations, as well as the rarity of the Bahraini pearls.

Following the museum, I visited the site of the first oil well in the Arabian Gulf. Standing before the iconic Avenues of Oil Well No. 1, I was told about the pivotal moment in 1932, that the first gush of oil sparked a transformation that would shape Bahrain's destiny and the entire region. Today, Bahrain continues its knowledge of oil mining and is a major global importer and refiner of crude oil, which helps to support locals who do not need to pay taxes and subject to conditions, are provided with housing.

We then stopped at a local bakery, of which there are many dotted throughout the streets, for some freshly baked Khobz with melted cheese, a traditional Arabic bread that is a staple in Bahraini known for its soft texture and delicious taste, especially when enjoyed straight from the oven. We watched as 20 were churned out per minute through rolling the dough, shaping, and baking in a huge hot tandoor style oven.

Later we visited a pottery market, where money pots were being shaped on pottery wheels, so expertly and fast with an output of around 30 money banks produced per hour, before being baked in ovens, dried, then spray painted in bold beautiful colours. Next door they had a shop with stunning hand painted candle holders, plates, tea sets, and sheeshas available at affordable prices where you could also haggle yourself a bargain.

Our final stop was amidst Bahrain’s desert landscape to the renowned solitary Tree of Life which beckons like a mirage. Estimated to be 450 years old, without any water in the vicinity, this ancient mesquite tree is considered a spiritual marvel.

Juxtaposing this ancient wonder with a final modern flourish, I enjoyed a boat ride along the marina - a waterfront hotspot dotted with private villas, cafes, shops, and restaurants, where we marvelled at Bahrain’s stunning skyline, full of uniquely designed architectural wonders which were comprised of many global brand hotels including the Four Seasons, Kempinski, and Wyndham, showcasing the appeal Bahrain has for foreign investment and tourism.

During my Bahrain trip I stayed at the Grove Hotel and Conference Centre, nestled in the centre of Bahrain. From the moment I stepped into the elegant lobby of this hotel, I was enveloped in a world of refined hospitality and warmth. My room boasted plush furnishings, soft linens, and modern amenities including a kitchenette and spacious bathroom. The breakfast experience at the Grove Hotel was a sumptuous spread of culinary delights, from freshly baked pastries to exotic fruits and savoury dishes inspired by local flavours.

Bahrain is a place to relax, unwind, and have leisurely strolls, and is a perfect getaway for friends, couples, and families. For large scale events such as the Grand Prix, you will enjoy yourself with excellent facilities, entertainment, affordable cuisines, and shopping. For a Bahrain holiday, five days would be a perfect amount of time to explore, or you could twin it with another destination such as Dubai, Saudi, or Doha for a Middle Eastern cultural escape.

Check out Brightsun’s best holiday packages to Bahrain  and let us help plan your next travel adventure in the Middle East.