I don't blame John for his anger; it is the perfect example of the wrong guy in the wrong place at the wrong time. I do actually respect his opinion, however, it is an opinion at the end and it is not always right.
I wonder if John has googled Bahrain and tried to know the country, correct me if I'm wrong John, it clearly states in the whole World Wide Web that Bahrain is a hot country. Just for my curiosity, what makes you go there if you hate hot weather ?? Let us assume that you were attracted to the hotel or you were asked to review it, does a bad hotel means that the whole country is not worth visiting (The most boring country in earth)??
Let me extract something from this, for a country to be interesting, there should be clubs everywhere, people vomiting in every corner, unstable weather & naked womens!!! is this fun ?? if so then don't ever leave UK.
People travel to change & to have new experience John, to see a new place and to meet different cultures is what they aim for.

Fahad Behzad, East Riffa, Kingdom of Bahrain

I arived in Bahrain in 1989. I have seen it grow and change and "develop"! At one time I could not have considered a better place to be raised in as a child or young adult. The construction of the Spa tipifies the way in which Bahrain moving.... 1 man who has an ide without any planning or follow through. Bahrain has noooooooo idea where to place itself on the market and this has been it's long term problem. They talk about tourism in one breath and then destroy and chances of that in a second breath and conflicting decision.

Until the 'Rulers' make plans for the country based on what is best for the country and not their own personal gain, then huge mistakes like the Banyan will continue. More pwer to true democracy! Sarah, Lincolnshire

Sarah, Lincoln, UK

im sure that this man is an old minded, because the hotel is in area which is underconstruction.
and as farah said most of UK cities are tastless.

i dont understand how these people, if you are going to hear from someone think that the people in bahrain drinks OIL then i think its better to let him talk all over the night.

abduljalil Al-Alawi, west riffa, Kingdom of bahrain

I have to say that I recently went to the Banyan Tree and the writer hit the nail on the head. What an incredibly dull, eerily deserted place. It gave me the creeps.
You would have thought that they would have shipped countless palm trees in to give it the semblance of the desert oasis it claims to be. Instead it's a dusty, cavernous and soulless place, ripe for a tirade by a journalist worth his salt.
As for the rest of Bahrain, yes, it is dull as ditch water in the sense that tourism is simply not promoted and as such a water park, race track, a 'wildlife' park and a graffitteed tree leave rather a lot to be desired.
However what the writer didn't explain was that the people who live here make this island sandbowl a pleasant place to be. Bahrainis and foreigners alike (minus the weekend influx) are on the whole remarkably nice people. Other than Oman nowhere else in the Gulf comes close.

Charity, london,

Great article!!!

Elena I., London, UK

Seriously, coming from an English man I can understand your view completely. Without the drink you’re screwed for fun!!
From my 4 year stay in England (Yorkshire), if you don’t drink then your pretty much left with bad weather, literally tasteless overpriced food and a lovely country side to view when of course the weather permits it :) and this is when I had friends to entertain me!

farrah, Bahrain,

Look people, there is a HUGE difference between living in Bahrain and seeing all the positives of Bahrain (the great open-minded and well educated people for one) or as a tourist, which in all honestly, at this moment in time, has zero appeal for tourists. Bahrain is lacking in every single department for tourists, for example; Bahrain is an island surrounded by beautiful water and only ONE true beach club..there is no attempt of landscaping or beautification anywhere its ridiculous. Take this writers comments and improve!! And blame your Prime Minister...after all he has been in office for 50 years when all this should have been done!

Ben, Budaiya, Bahrain

I have stayed in this hotel several times and it is one of the nicest hotels i have been too, and those include 5+ starts worldwide hotels in Europe and the US. What i see very silly is this article, i think the times should have better thngs to talk about. As for the expats disliking to this countires mentality, weather and culture, then i dont see any reason for them to visit or make money by living in these wealthy lands. It is simple, dont bother yourself by visiting or pack your bags and go home.

Salem Kahlid, Dubai, UAE

You want to drink, go to Vegas. You want hot Russian chicks to entertain you, go to a club in Europe. Dubai is not culturally arabic anymore, everyone who knows at least one thing about the arabic community would say that. You dont even here the prayers. But people like you do not appreciate culture at its best. That's too bad. You're missing out.

Muneera Khalifa, Geneva,

I would only say if John's interest is drinking, then go to a pub in London or anywhere else because Bahrain has more to offer beyond his only interest, that's probably the only fun he knows. And the expats that don't like Bahrain, they could simply pack, leave and never come back, but from what i know, expats r having party life in Bahrain and don't want to leave.

Fatima, Manama, Bahrain

Thats probably the most hideous journalistic garbage I have ever come across in my life!

Ahmed Baqer, Manama, Bahrain

Sometimes you face some struggle in any country but that doesn't mean it's the end of journey. For example I spend the most wonderful time in UK and the most horrible days in London that because I chose the wrong time and place. Is this mean the end of the world.

Fatima, Coventry, UK

I have only been here for a few months, and I find Bahrain one of the very few GCC tranquil countries, that has so much to offer without expectations in return. Having lived in England, the US and other parts of the world including Japan, I find that John's remarks were so unrealistic and apparently, as Nadia puts it, didn't really make the effort to leave his room.
I also fully agree with Elle pertinent to a smally lovely island. I believe that John was searching for some thing that may be Bahrain does not cater for, but probably if he took the trouble of asking any taxi to take him to one of the shopping malls in Al Seef area, I am sure he would have said different things. One thing Elle said which is very important, Bahrainis do not shy out to serve you in their country, and work in all professions unlike other countries; this should tell John many things !!! However, some things are best remain untold !!

Hasan , Manama, Bahrain

Ha Ha Ha very accurate John. Very honest and refreshing.
As a resident of the middle east I totally agree.

mimi B, london, England

I think John was somewhat over the top in his comments but the facts are the facts. I lived in Bahrain for 3 years and its dull as dishwater.

The major tourist attractions listed by the government include amongst other things a concrete roundabout that's meant to look like a pearl! Now that's worth travelling for.

The reality is that Bahrain is Saudi Arabia's Bar so as long as Saudi's keep driving over the causeway to drink, shop and eat, there will be no signficant investment in major tourism projects. By the way I don't think a Formula 1 circuit constitutes a major tourist attraction.

If you want to see the real Middle East go to Oman its perfect!

Paul, Hong Kong, Hong Kong

I love Bahrain. Yeah, it can be boring and you find yourself doing the same thing over and over again after you've lived there for 15 years but what more can you expect from an island? AN ARAB ISLAND! it's probably one of the best Gulf countries, no wonder it's filled with people from the UAE and Saudi. Although, I probably do agree with half/most of the things John is saying, but i mean COME ON, you stayed in Banyan Tree which is located 40 minutes away from civilisation. Why didn't you stay at the Ritz if you were looking for something more in your league. And as the women you are talking about goes, the equivalent of these so called Russian breasts can be found at the Casablanca Hotel in Gudhaibiya, now don't you wish you went there? And as for Dubai, you out of all people should know the place is a joke. It's great for a weekend, actually i would love to live there, possibly even work there, but what exactly is it trying to achieve with its "one step ahead of the world" approach?

Linda Hoggart, London, England

I have tried Banyan Tree all overI - never dissapointed. I agree with John about the Banyan Tree Bahrain - well they should call it The Banana Tree.......Over priced - boring and gloomy at some times i was imagining myself in some military compound!!! In such a resort one would at least expect greenery - lush trees and flowers - instead "popemobiles whizzing around with massive white boxes - delivering peanuts to the monkeys that actually came up with the idea of having a resort in the Bahrani desert!!!! Verdict - do not even think of wasting a tank of fuel to try it!!! Lets wait for the next project!

c, malta,

Whilst many of his views on Bahrain are unecessary ("boring" is unfair, quiet, yes), he has some very valid points about the Banyan Tree (admittedly I have not stayed there but I have visited). How the BT got it so wrong is mind boggling - badly conceived, badly executed and they have a big problem on their hands - Bahrain is not an international tourist destination and (Bahraini tourism = Saudis, Kuwaitis looking to escape for the weekend). The approach to the BT is shambolic with high wire fences, construction equipment, site offices, portaloos etc. The 'desert retreat' will be engulfed by a large village / small town in due course and if you do want to spend the day on the beach there is only one (decent) beach on the entire island (Ritz-Carlton).

John, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain

I have to say that having spent a day at the Banyan Tree, I fully agree with the comments! The place is horrible!

I do however feel the need to defend Bahrain as a place of interest - there is plenty to do if you know where. Sadly the place is not a pretty place but the locals are extremely nice, we have designer shops and so many lovely restaurants offering all types of cuisine.

Finally, the Banyan Tree should pull out of this hotel as it is not good for their reputation at all!!

Christine, Bahrain,

It's very easy for Mr. Arlidge to write this kind of drivel because at present not many of his readers are going to come here and see how wrong he is. Certainly not his editor, it would seem, because otherwise he would be looking for a new correspondent.

The Banyan Tree is next door to a hugely impressive new water park and the world's most advanced motor racing circuit - it's also near the horse racing course. And the wildlife park.

The resort has been built and is run to the best standards in the region, and as the majority of its guests will no doubt come from nearby Gulf countries why should it not adhere to appropriate standards, such as not serving alcohol?

For a Western market there's always the Ritz, with its beach, from where you are a few minutes from the restaurant district of Adliya and a wealth of culinary treats. That makes a much better alternative to sitting in your room at the Banyan Tree weeping over the cost of the bottle of Château Musar you've smuggled in!

Nick Garton, Manama, Bahrain

I think Mr Arlidge had a horrible experience at Banyan Tree. But making false statements (e.g. the situation of expats living in Bahrain) and rude judgments about Bahrain is too bad for him more than it’s going to reflect on Bahrain, shame on you Mr Arlidge.

I just came from UK, and had an experience at a street shop in Cambridge, this is how it went, I ask the lady if the prices are fixed, its normal because the price is written by hand, and you look always for a bargain, her reply was that she don’t want to sell me, and when I told her its my right to buy since the shop is open, she tells me to piss off! How rude! Nevertheless, I never told people that my stay in the UK was awful and the people are rude, because it’s not true, and I shouldn't base my judgment on an incident, like in John's case.

And if he is an alcoholic, he could of gone to the million and 1 pubs around Bahrain.

I would personally invite Mr. Arlidge to Bahrain, and would take him around, from my personal

Mohammad Daoud, Manama, Bahrain

You know I lived in Bahrain for 15 years of my life after which I moved to London. I have always travelled extensively throughout the whole of my life and stayed at the best hotels in the world, and can assure anyone reading this journalistic blasphemy that every word is utter non-sense. I am also a fellow journalist Mr. Aldridge, and I have to say, this vindictive, verbal assassination of Bahrain surpasses any other biased piece of journalism I have ever seen. In fact, any credibility you were hoping to have from a journalistic perspective in writing a "review" has been lost within this utterly sickening venom that you have thoughtlessly spewed from your pen like liquid diarrhea. As such, I think it is unlikely that any point you were trying to make will have been missed by your readership who instead, I'm sure, have been left shell shocked by the vengeful nature of this article. There's clearly something more than banyan tree behind your hatred.

Nadine H, London,

Wake up to yourself. How dare you judge a whole country based on one bad experience at the Banyan Tree.
A few facts Bahrain has designer shops, we have nightlife other than Trader Vics. But all these things you know because you visited Bahrain and did your research properly. Or did you??? The Banyan Tree is along way from the shops and downtown. However I thought that was the point. In your research you would have seen that it is infact a small part in a massive project being built in the south. The water park for instance has just opened. Research????
By the way if you think Dubai is a better option with its traffic jams and expensive UK/European shops your welcome to it. Apart from the fact that you cant get a hotel room for a reasonable prices, or maybe thats just those who live in the middle east.
This country is evolving slowly and with some thought, just like Dubai did 15 years ago. Give it a chance and you may be surprised what it can offer the more open minded traveller.

Veronica, Saar, Bahrain

I think Mr Arlidge had a horrible experience at Banyan Tree. But making false statements (e.g. the situation of expats living in Bahrain) and rude judgments about Bahrain is too bad for him more than it’s going to reflect on Bahrain, shame on you Mr Arlidge.

I just came from UK, and had an experience at a street shop in Cambridge, this is how it went, I ask the lady if the prices are fixed, its normal because the price is written by hand, and you look always for a bargain, her reply was that she don’t want to sell me, and when I told her its my right to buy since the shop is open, she tells me to piss off! How rude! Nevertheless, I never told people that my stay in the UK was awful and the people are rude, because it’s not true, and I shouldn't base my judgment on an incident, like in John's case.

And if he is an alcoholic, he could of gone to the million and 1 pubs around Bahrain.

I would personally invite Mr. Arlidge to Bahrain, and would take him around, from my personal pocket

Mohammad Daoud, Manama, Bahrain

As a man who has decided to pursue a career which involves travel, I would have thought that you would show more dedication in learning about the different cultures that you visit. I got the impression that you had travelled to a very different culture than your own and sought to find all the home comforts you get in England.
If you had ventured outside your hotel room you might have found Bahrain has more to offer than you made out. If you truly wanted to try Bahraini food with an open mind, wouldn’t you have thought an authentic Arabic restaurant might have provided a more satisfying experience than room service?
Also a Hummer ride at the Bahrain Race Circuit costs £20 not £90. Trader Vic’s is not located anywhere near downtown but in the heart of uptown.. right next to a shopping mall dedicated to designer shops and if you wanted to experience outdoor spa treatments in the middle of a dessert it might have been smart to wait until Spring.

Nadia , Riffa, Bahrain

I totally disagree with John Aldridge's comments. However, I do feel he would be better suited to a holiday in Torremolinos or Ibiza - somewhere where he can get drink aplenty and all the nightlife he wants.

However, having lived in Bahrain for the last 14 years, I have never heard any expat refer to it as the "Isle of Wight" of the Middle East. There is plenty to offer - tax free salaries, better quality living accommodation than most people can afford back home, a thriving financial district with stunning architecture, plenty of nightlife, water sports, warm and friendly people, lower crime rates, etc. etc. Beach holidays are ten a penny. As for the Banyan Tree, I suspect they are looking for a more upmarket type of visitor, and will not be unduly affected by this type of criticism.

June , Manama, Bahrain

I've just visited the Banyan Tree Bahrain a couple of days ago - being in the lovely tranquil island for a break from the busy bustle of London. Having been to Dubai before that, I must say I prefer the tranquil uniqueness of a spa that has no beach to the multitude of cranes I saw in Dubai wherever I looked. The writer has clearly not done his reasearch because Bahrain is known mostly for its rich culture and heritage (you might want to google Dilmun, Tylos, Aradous and Awal). Can I also say that I enjoyed being served by a Bahraini in Bahrain rather than having to struggle to be served by a local in most other places in the Gulf!

Elle, London,

Dear Madam John
I will not be sorry for calling you madam but that is what it is, that is my perception, my preconcieved thinking about you based from the fact that you are worst than ignorant entity, writing something which is out of business conduct. Madam John, Attitude is very important and if you think you are adhering to high ethical standard then I recommend that you must get back to basic. As a writer, publishing something for public consumption, I would like to remind you that business conduct require fair play and honesty without coercion, conspiracy, corruption or abuse of words or abuse of economic power. Listen carefully - NO ONE CAN EXPECT TO BECOME A PHYSICIAN BY MERELY READING BOOK ABOUT MEDICINE

Joey Hernandez, Manama, Bahrain

Well, this is a quite remarcable piece written from the view of a UK bread individual that values little of what an average Middle Eastern values. Regardless, I tend to agree with the review of the Banyan Tree project which is bound to be a failure. However, I am one individual that gave up life in the US to live in Bahrain simply because Bahrain is not about the drinks, the pubs nor the clubs (which are available by the way). Rather, about the nights of ramadhan at a sheesha place, hanging out playing football with friends, barb-qing poolside at the family farmhouse or a rented one, and watching the national teams make a fool of themselves in the Asian Games.

Recently, Bahrain has been evolving and the new-world infrastructure is starting to come up. With time, Bahrain will have enough sea-side resorts, shopping malls and accompanied by a world-class Formula One circuit.

However, I would sum it with one thing, at the end of the day, I dine with a family, something the west .

Ali GM, Manama, Bahrain

I think John's story is funny, to judge a nation based on a bad personal experience with one of the hotels.

I visited the UK, and funny stories happened to me too, but this should make me judge the nation and everyone in it for that.

Moreover, I would gladly invite John again to Bahrain (my details are with the editor) to hopefully change his perception.

Mohammad Daoud, Manama, Bahrain

Brilliant!

Mike, Manama, Bahrain

I've lived in Bahrain most of my life and you visit for a few days and decide you know the country?
How dare you 'country-bash' Bahrain? Every place has it's good and bad and for you to go to such lengths and give such a negative picture of the Financial hub of the Middle East is completely unacceptable.
Unfortunately for you, there weren't any "Russian women with exuberant hair and cantilevered chests prowl(ing) the pool" and for once you couldn't get drunk (God forbid trying to enjoy without a drink)!!!
Bahrain may not have everything that some major touristic destinations do but the expats (some British expats have been here for 10 years or more-I wonder why?) know where to go and have fun so maybe you should consider improving your knowledge before visiting a 'foreign' country.
The Banyan Tree may not be as eco-friendly as they claim but we all try to do our small part to help the environment.
Oh, by the way, Trader Vics is a Polynesian-themed bar not Hawaiin!!

Revelta, Manama, Bahrain

John, I am sorry, but I must disagree with you. I have lived in London for 13 years before moving back to Bahrain. There is an enormous difference between the two countries. If you are looking for stunning half naked girls, then this might not be the place for you. But if you are looking for a comfortable place to relax and unwind, look no further.

The country is filled with various water sports activities, as well as many beaches, Clubs, and Bars. As for shopping, gold and pearls are of exceptionally high quality compared to what you can get in Europe. And things are only getting better, as I am writing this, there are at least 5 major projects as mentioned by Margaret T.

Please make sure when you review a location, restrict your comments to that project instead of the entire island and its people, without doing proper research.

Mohammed Sater, Muharraq, Bahrain

I can think of far wose places to be than Bahrain and would certainly not call it the most boring country in the world. While Bahrain may not have the "glam" factor associated with Dubai, Bahrain does fare a lot better in terms of culture, warmth, and charm. I do know that a number of expats love it here and are very sad to leave it behind when they move back home. No expat can deny that while Bahrain does fall short in some ways to their lifestyle at home, it does provide a number of positives and comforts that are much harder to come by back home.

In terms of the resort itself- it should be noted that this project was funded according to Islamic finance principles and as a result they are not able to serve alcohol. I was disappointed upon my visit to the resort and do agree that much work needs to be done- but the resort has done well given the limitations imposed on it and your attack on the country itself came across as the whining of a spoilt child- immature and unjustified.

D, Manama, Bahrain

I couldn't help but felt this verbal bashing from John Arlidge extremely unprofessional and somewhat vindicative. Were you badly embarassed (by means of your own fault) when you were last here in Bahrain?
Banyan Tree is a great brand with great service, worldwide, period. FYI, Bahrain has Durrat Al Bahrain, Bahrain Bay, Bahrain Financial Harbour, Amwaj Islands, and many more better-well-planned projects than in Dubai or anywhere.
I have been in Bahrain for 2 years, and travelled around the Gulf. Trust me, Bahrain is still the best in the Gulf!
Seriously, John should have done his research more thoroughly. And lastly, I think John should not forget to remove the catus from his bottoms before he start reviewing anything.

Margaret T., Manama, Bahrain

It is unfortunate that John Arlidge could see only the fortress-like walls of the villa and hot-and-cold-running slaves bearing pyramids of scented, chilled towels and sticky drinks in the Banyan Tree. The moment you touch down at the airport, you start experiencing the warmth and hospitality of the of the local people which is difficult to find in other Gulf Countries. If one is coming to Bahrain with the hope of seeing Russian women with exuberant hair and cantilevered chests prowl the pool, yes, definitely, this is not the place!!

As a tiny dot on the world map, Bahrain offers its own share of history and culture. The Banyan Tree Al Areen, the brochure claims, “nestles in the heart of the Arabian Desert” - How do John gets the feeling that it is on the beach? Though the Island has many designer shops, one comes here to not to shop there, but to enjoy shopping in the ever vibrant local market. We have not only Trader Vic, but miryads of restaurants appealing to any palette

Isaac Mathew, Manama, Bahrain,

I agree completely! Living in the US (or Europe), Bahrain is certainly no vacation spot, like Oman for example, or even the more dangerous Yemen, although it may be a terrific place to live in. Or to visit old friends and family. The Banyan Tree is true to format, but completely misplaced; no beach, no sea, no ambience in Areen (yet!) and no beverages that please - whilst on vacation. This is definitely for the neighbors and must be viewed - and reviewed - as such. From an expat point of view, it is a waste of time. A dump. Ritz Carlton, La Fontaine, Zoe.. - and out!

kareem choudhry, london, UK

I have never met any expats who live in Bahrain, and I know quite a few as I have been here for eight years myself, call it “the Isle of Wight of the Middle East", I would be very interested in your source for this statement.

Kelly Grant, Manama, Bahrain

Bahrain is a great place to live and work, I've been here nearly 27 years and looking forward to many more. Sorry John, but your comments are really wrong.

Sheila Spratt, Riffa, Kingdom of Bahrain

I think this gentleman must have visited another country, or the visit was under the influence. I am an ex-pat living in Bahrain and it is an absolute blast.

Mohamed ElEzaby, Manama, Bahrain

Hmmm Dear John, after reading your article all I could think of is… did you pick to come to Bahrain on the off season to judge its weather, nightlife, and different activities? Is that not like going to Denmark in February and saying that it is wet and gray with nothing to do? Or maybe go to the Maldives between May and October and complain about not being about to dive due to the rain…

Hani, Manama, Bahrain

The Bahrain Banyan Tree Resort might have limitations since most of the development around the resort is not yet finished, or for other reasons. But ridiculing a whole country without ever having a chance to discover it says a lot about the shallowness of your coverage. To many people who have visited Bahrain and lived there, it is a special place with rich history, culture, and best of all the friendly people and atmosphere. It is like judging the whole of England based on the impression one gets when landing in Heathrow! Dull, Grey, Congested, Rude, Confusing, and architectural horror (not to mention some and I say some of the awful people you come across). Be through and not shallow!

Basim Al-Saie, Manama, Bahrain

I respectfully disagree. I'm currently living in UK and compared to Bahrain, besides the weather, Bahrain is much more interesting to live in.
I've never been to the Banyan, but if you didn't like it, that doesn't mean that Bahrain in general is boring. I've always enjoyed fishing trips, diving, water sports, shopping, the interesting restaurants at very reasonable prices where I can also enjoy nice music and even a dance with a partner.
As for drinks, a bottle of smirnoff cost over 14pounds here where the same bottle 75m cost 3.8 dinars in bahrain. The country is more that 2 times cheaper than UK and you seriously need to know where to go and how to enjoy your time. I personally can't wait to go for a vacation to Bahrain again.

Sam Mufy, Leeds, UK

Mate, you are lucky that you didn't go to the "beach".
The closest onr to the "Banyan Tree" is used mostly by the "locals" who leave their trash behind (as they are accustomed to) and therefore looks very nasty. The water there is just as dirty and once in the "surf", you sink into mud. The only nice beach is the man-made oasis of the Ritz-Carlton hotel. They charge a small fortune to use it if you are not a hotel guest. - Fair enough, I guess.
As for a nice natural beach, forget it. All confiscated by the Royal family for their private enjoyment. As Mel Brooks says: "Gee, It's good to be king".

G. Morgan, Manama, Bahrain

As an expat living in Bahrain, I take great exception to John Arlidge's claim that Bahrain is "the most boring country on earth". I can only assume he has never been to Qatar. Maybe when they finish building the causeway between the 2 countries he could come back for his summer vacation?!

Richard Thayne, Manama, Bahrain

John Arlidge needs to see a doctor. I moved to Bahrain to start a new job. I'm 32 and I love it. Temperatures that go into the 50's during the day, nice atmosphere and a tax-free salary.
I'm making £5,000 a month here - a nice change from being totally drained financially and ripped off in the UK!

Tim Holmes, Manama, Bahrain

I totally agree regarding Banyan Tree in Bahrain, as Bahrain is a hot dry country no rain, no nature & the location of this resort should at least be by the sea and not in the desert, this resort is known to be by the sea, nature sourrounding, but how did the Mgmt of this resort agreed for this project to be built in the desert where there is nothing & only army training camps.
Its is very disappointing & bad image for Banyan Tree mgmt as this resort is located in the wrong area, wrong place.
We agree with the writers view as many think the same.

Mariam Mohammed, Manama, Bahrain

Who is the architect please?

James, London, UK