Green fingers

Gulf Weekly

08-05-2025

In honour of the unsung heroes behind the iconic landscapes of The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain (RCB), the five-star property's management team held an appreciation ceremony last Wednesday to celebrate its gardening team.
Selected guests and media professionals were invited to join the celebration, which included a tour of the breathtaking property as well as a ceremony in honour of the 45-person crew.
'Our gardening team's efforts go far beyond maintaining the landscape – they shape the very soul of our resort,' The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain general manager Bernard de Villèle explained.
'Their passion and dedication are the heart of the beauty our guests experience every day.
'I extend my deepest gratitude to these remarkable individuals, whose committed passion and meticulous care shape an unforgettable experience for every guest who visits.'
Spanning 70 acres with 25 acres of carefully curated green space, RCB is known for its manicured lawns, vibrant flora and sweeping views of the Arabian Gulf.
The resort's gardens are home to 137 kinds of plants, including 950 date palms, 37 tree species, 28 varieties of shrubs, and 15 types each of ground cover and seasonal flowers.
And behind every bloom lies the handiwork of the resort's skilled gardeners – a team whose quiet commitment has been bringing life to the lush surroundings.
According to RCB engineering director Abhilash Coonjan, the gardens are central to the resort's identity.
'The gardens at The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain are a living reflection of our brand's identity – one that blends timeless elegance, local authenticity and pure immersive luxury,' he told the GulfWeekly.
'Architecturally, our resort is designed in harmony with its coastal surroundings, embracing the charm of Arabian hospitality while offering a modern resort-style escape.
'At the heart of our landscape are 950 date palms, each locally sourced from Bahraini farms, anchoring our deep-rooted connection to the kingdom's heritage.'
More than a visual delight, the gardens create a sense of serenity that enhances the guest experience.
However, maintaining such greenery in Bahrain's challenging climate is no easy task.
'The extreme heat, high humidity in the summer, saline-rich soil, and limited rainfall present significant challenges,' Abhilash explained.
'It's both an art and a science that requires innovation and constant care.'
The team also plays a vital role in the resort's sustainability efforts, growing herbs like oregano, mint, and rosemary, and managing an efficient irrigation system powered by an on-site water purification plant, which generates approximately 2,500 cubic metres of water per day, with 1,000 cubic metres used daily for irrigation.
As a result of the team's efforts, the property proudly holds a Green Key certification for its environmental practices. 'The gardens play a quiet yet powerful role in shaping the guest experience,' Abhilash added.
'What truly stands out isn't just one moment, but the consistency, passion, and care that bring beauty to life for our guests every day.'
The idea for the ceremony came from a desire to recognise this often unseen labour.
'The event was inspired to show appreciation and gratitude to the gardening team,' he explained.
'Their efforts often go unseen by guests, but they are key to creating the beautiful and peaceful environment that makes our resort special.'
Looking ahead, Abhilash said the resort remains committed to evolving its green spaces to 'improve the environment, introducing new species and enhancing the beauty of the property.'
At the heart of it all is a group of gardeners – quietly working, transforming, and now, finally, seen.