A Cocoon in Manama, Bahrain: Finding Stillness at The Merchant House

It would have taken us nine years to return to Bahrain, but when the opportunity presented itself to spend two days in the kingdom at the boutique hotel The Merchant House, we didn’t think twice.

(Mind you, we received the invite in the midst of our Beirut trip for Wedesign, a trip that was supposed to be ending after six long weeks, during which we swore we would stay put until Christmas.)

As anxious flyer–AV geeks — yes, this paradox is somehow true — we also knew we’d be flying on the new Emirates A350, and couldn’t help but get even more excited. But as soon as we arrived at The Merchant House, despite a very short night behind us and our sunglasses still firmly on, we felt an immense sense of peace.

The hotel is a true oasis: right next door to the charming Bab Al Bahrain, a short eight-minute drive from mega-mall The Avenues, and yet it feels like a cocoon far removed from the hustle and bustle of Manama. We were quickly welcomed by the lovely team and the oh-so-charming Gordon Campbell Gray, an iconic hotelier known for creating spaces that feel lived-in, artistic and quietly luxurious — the kind of hospitality that stays with you long after checkout.

A Boutique Hotel That Redefined Boutique Hotels

Since opening its doors, The Merchant House has redefined the boutique hotel experience in Bahrain. With only 46 thoughtfully designed suites, each individually styled with curated artwork, the hotel blends comfort, creativity and understated luxury with a distinctly residential feel.

Every Urban Suite, Urban Plus, and Executive Suite includes a kitchen, dining and sitting area, while the Corner Suites flood with natural light thanks to dual-aspect windows. The Signature Suites, spanning 60 square metres, can interconnect with Urban Suites to create generous two-bedroom residences — ideal for extended stays, family trips, or simply when you want a little extra room to unwind.

This is not just a place to sleep, it literally feels like it becomes your holiday home.

A Destination for Dining and Design

The beating heart of the hotel is Indigo Terrace, the rooftop restaurant crowned by a floral British-style garden. Celebrated by Condé Nast Traveller as one of the Top 10 Restaurants in Bahrain and among the Prettiest Restaurants in the Middle East, Indigo offers a fine-dining fusion of Mediterranean and Asian flavours with a focus on sharing plates, seasonal produce and relaxed sophistication. From vibrant business lunches to slow evening dinners under the Manama sky, Indigo has become one of Bahrain’s most beloved culinary destinations. The black cod was particularly delicious.

Overlooking the lobby, The Library houses more than 1,000 curated books, creating an intimate space for reading, working, or simply sinking into a moment of stillness. Open throughout the day for light bites and refreshments, it transforms each afternoon into a refined tea lounge serving an elegant Afternoon Tea ritual between 2 pm and 5:30 pm with a choice of traditional British or locally inspired selections. We absolutely loved our tea-time (which with us had to obviously become a coffee-time; there was something so special about enjoying fresh hot scones and flipping through some books in the most plush atmosphere.

Just steps from the energy of Bab Al Bahrain Souq, Café Gray offers a tranquil escape for casual bites, pastries and freshly brewed coffee — the perfect in-between stop for both travellers and locals.

Wellness and Artistry at the Core

Guests are invited to unwind at PURE Spa, with bespoke treatments designed for deep relaxation and rejuvenation. Wellness continues at the chlorine-free rooftop infinity pool (which sadly we didn't have time to try), with views sweeping across the Manama skyline, as well as a fully equipped 24-hour gym for those rare moments of motivation while travelling.

But perhaps the most defining element of The Merchant House is its devotion to art. The hotel’s extensive collection -personally curated by Gordon Campbell Gray - features original works by Bahraini and international artists, infusing every corridor, suite and common area with moments of inspiration. There's a Pop Art- inspired artwork of Umm Kalthoum by Jamal AbdulRahim in the lobby that we would have loved to take home...

Behind the scenes, the hotel continues to invest in Bahrain’s creative ecosystem, supporting local suppliers across chocolates, spa products, art, menus and more, making the guest experience not only luxurious, but meaningfully local.

An Award-Winning Legacy

In just five years, The Merchant House has evolved from Bahrain’s pioneering five-star boutique hotel into one of the Gulf’s leading examples of contemporary luxury and cultural elegance. Accolades from Condé Nast Traveller, TripAdvisor, and the Haute Grandeur Global Awards reflect the hotel’s dedication to excellence  but its true charm lies in its intimacy, its stories, and its ability to make travellers feel instantly at home.

A Return Worth Waiting For

Nine years may have passed before we made it back to Bahrain, but staying at The Merchant House made the wait feel almost poetic. Between the art-filled spaces, the warmth of the team, the calm that settles the moment you step inside, and the unmistakable touch of Campbell Gray - it is a place that slows you down, softens the edges of travel, and reminds you of the pleasure of discovering (or rediscovering) a city.

We might have just found our home away from home.

More info on TheMerchantHouse.Bh