A small place for a big time

Bahrain is the smallest country in the Middle East and the only island state. For its small size, the country has an astounding amount of history and heritage to show off.

The island is the proud owner of the only Middle Eastern Formula One racetrack and combines modernity with history — all waiting to be experienced during a leisurely weekend.

Where to stay? The Ritz-Carlton Bahrain has a beach setting, extensive leisure facilities and is conveniently located near popular sights and malls. Choose from your own private villa or large room in the main building. It is perfect for the whole family. Call: 00973 1758 0000

What to do? Start with Bahrain Fort or the "Portuguese Fort" (as it is also known) on the west side of Manama. The site houses different dwellings dating back to 2800BC. The most recent structure — built on top of everything else — is a fort built by the Portuguese in the mid-16th century. Farther inland, there are two more archaeological sites, the Barbar Temple and the Ad-Diraz Temple, both dating back to almost 3000BC.

Next, head to the King Fahd Causeway that was completed in 1986 and connects Bahrain to Saudi Arabia. The actual border post is situated on an island about halfway between the two countries.

Two high, identical towers dominate either side of the island. The one on the Bahrain side has a restaurant situated at its bulbous top, allowing great views over the causeway and the sea.

There are approximately 85,000 ancient burial mounds all over Bahrain, but the village of A'Ali has the most impressive ones. In the village, there are huge royal burial mounds around 5,000 years old and up to 15m high with a diameter of 45m.

What the mounds look like from the inside can be viewed in the National Museum in Manama. If you have the time and the inclination, try and look for the so-called Tree of Life, a tree in the middle of the desert with an unidentifiable and mystical water source. On the way back to the airport the next day, pop into the 15th-century Arad Fort.

Where to eat? Skip the usual restaurants in the hotels and choose some unusual options, such as the la fontaine centre of contemporary art. It is an art gallery with a restaurant and is set in a historical building in the centre of Manama, near the souq.

The setting is magnificent, with the ancient surroundings complemented by the modern art on display. The food is excellent, whether you sit inside the elegant restaurant or in the romantically lit courtyard with its fountain. 92 Hoora Avenue, Manama. Call: 00973 17230123

Where to shop? Manama has a number of malls worth visiting — Al Seef and A'Ali, which are walkably close to each other and the new Bahrain Mall.

In the old part of town, through the Bab Al Bahrain, lies the traditional souq with many jewellery shops selling the famous Bahraini pearls.

— Ulrike Lemmin-Woolfrey is a UAE-based freelance writer

Go there...Bahrain

From the UAE
From Dubai: Emirates flies daily. Fare from Dh1,410
Gulf Air flies daily. Fare from Dh1,390

From Abu Dhabi: Etihad flies daily. Fare from Dh1,370

— Information courtesy: Dnata Holidays. Ph: 04 3166160