If you live in Bahrain, you know the ritual. Ramadan arrives, and suddenly everyone is comparing Iftar menus, booking tables, and navigating Manama traffic in the hope of securing the right spot. Parking becomes a strategy. Reservations feel competitive. The evening can start before you even sit down.
But what if you stepped away from all of that? Instead of weaving through city lights, you board a boat and head somewhere quieter. Ramadan at the newly opened Hawar Resort by Mantis is promising a different escape. This is not a ballroom buffet tucked inside a high-rise. It is an island setting, open skies, sea air and a sense that the evening has room to breathe.
If you are looking to trade traffic for tranquillity this season, this might be the reset you did not know you needed.
The first thing that stands out about Hawar Resort by Mantis is the atmosphere. It delivers luxury without feeling rigid. The design is sleek and contemporary, yet it respects the island’s untouched, natural beauty. Instead of concrete skylines, you are surrounded by turquoise waters and native wildlife. Hawar is the kind of place that makes you want to put your phone down and breathe.
During Ramadan, that sense of calm deepens. Watching the sun dip into a clear horizon, free from city haze, as the call to prayer carries across the island, feels quietly profound. Whether you are visiting for Iftar or Ghabga, relaxing with shisha and conversations, or choosing to stay the night, Hawar takes on the air of a hidden sanctuary, set apart from the pace and noise of everyday life.
Now to the food, because Ramadan is as much about gathering as it is about fasting. At Hawar Resort by Mantis, the experience centres on two dining venues: Bahri and C-Salt.
From Saturday to Wednesday, Ramadan evenings take place at Bahri. Iftar is served from sunset until 8:00 pm and is priced at BHD 22 per person. The setting suits those who prefer a measured, unhurried meal, where conversation flows as easily as the courses themselves.
For guests who favour a later start, Ghabga begins at 9:00 pm at BHD 18 per person. The atmosphere stays calm and comfortable, without the usual city bustle. It is the sort of space where conversations lengthen naturally, where no one is watching the clock, and where the evening unfolds at its own pace.
When the weekend rolls around, the focus shifts to C-Salt at Hawar Resort by Mantis, a restaurant that sits quite literally over the water. Here, the sea surrounds you, the gentle sound of waves beneath you and open skies stretching out beyond. It is the kind of place where tranquillity settles over you naturally, the views wrapping around you like a quiet embrace. Iftar here is BHD 22, with a lovely touch for Thursday and Friday evenings: women dine for BHD 15.
It is a welcome incentive to plan a midweek escape with friends and swap the mainland for open horizons. Weekend Ghabga extends until midnight, giving you time to settle into the rhythm of the island and make the most of those sea-lined nights.
While you can certainly visit just for dinner, the boat ride back may feel too short once you’ve settled into the island vibe. That’s where the stay packages come into play. Ramadan is a time for self-care and spiritual renewal, and waking up to the sound of waves is a great way to do it.
The resort is offering competitive rates for the holy month. Room rates start at BHD 80, while villas begin at BHD 90. This includes both Iftar and Suhoor at Bahri Restaurant, making it a bargain for a luxury escape. The villas are particularly appealing if you want extra privacy and space. You can spend your day relaxing or exploring the island’s natural trails, break your fast at sunset, and enjoy a quiet Suhoor before dawn.
Ramadan tents have their place. They are lively, generous and often theatrical. But they can also be crowded, loud and overstimulating. Hawar Resort by Mantis offers a deliberate contrast. Here, the focus is on stillness. It is about sitting by the water with a coffee after Ghabga and actually hearing the wind move across the shore.
If you are looking to host family somewhere memorable, or simply want a weekend that feels removed from routine, this setting delivers. You have the polish and service of a Mantis property, paired with the raw, untouched character of Hawar Island. The combination works. It feels like a small adventure without being complicated, a retreat without being remote, anchored by genuinely satisfying food.
To secure your place on the boat and at the table, you can call or WhatsApp +973 32183628 for dining reservations, or +973 32183610 for room bookings. The 30-minute boat ride becomes part of the experience, a natural shift from city pace to island calm, and arguably one of the most refreshing transitions you will make in Bahrain this year.
READ MORE: Hawar Resort by Mantis Turns 1
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