Latest news with #BernarddeVillèle
Gulf Weekly
08-05-2025
- Business
- Gulf Weekly
Green fingers
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.
Daily Tribune
07-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Tribune
The Artists behind the greens
TDT | Manama The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain, known for its lush gardens, golden sandy beaches, and breathtaking views of the Arabian Gulf, guests are greeted by beautifully landscaped gardens, vibrant greenery, creating an atmosphere of relaxation and tranquility. The resort spans 70 acres, with 25 acres of meticulously curated green space, home to 137 species of plants, including 950 date palms, 37 tree species, 28 varieties of shrubs, 15 types of ground cover, and 15 seasonal flowers from around the world. But behind this landscape, there are stories few ever hear. Stories of the quiet artists who, day after day, tend to the property with passion and dedication. Our gardeners are the unseen hands that make it all happen. These are the individuals whose hearts are deeply rooted in the work they do, ensuring that every leaf, every bloom, contributes to the experience of guests who visit. 'Our gardening team's efforts go far beyond maintaining the landscape — they shape the very soul of our resort. Their passion and dedication are the heart of the beauty our guests experience every day', states Bernard de Villèle, General Manager of The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain, 'I extend my deepest gratitude to these remarkable individuals, whose committed passion and meticulous care shape an unforgettable experience for every guest who visits.' The resort's blooming gardens, manicured lawns, and vibrant greenery define the guest experience, brought to life by the dedicated hands of our cherished gardeners, the green hands behind our verdant oasis. In addition, the gardening team supports our commitment to sustainability by growing herbs like oregano, mint, rosemary, and thyme, and by managing an efficient irrigation system powered by our on-site RO plant, which generates approximately 2,500 cubic meters of water per day, with 1,000 cubic meters used daily for irrigation. The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain is deeply committed to sustainability, through environmental conservation, community engagement, and responsible dining practices. The property proudly holds the Green Key certification, recognizing our adherence to strict environmental standards. On Wednesday, April 30, The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain came together at La Plage to honor and celebrate the extraordinary gardeners who are the heart of the resort's beauty.
Bahrain This Week
03-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Bahrain This Week
Celebrate The Holy Month Of RAMADAN At Masaya Pavilion By STC At The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain
Embrace the spirit of Ramadan at The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain's Masaya Pavilion by STC, and in partnership with Bentley and Lamborghini represented by Behbehani Brothers W.L.L, promising an experience that celebrates the essence of community, tradition and togetherness. Masaya Pavilion by STC features the soft glow of Ramadan lights and intricate Arabian décor, creating an atmosphere that evokes the magic of the season, offering a serene setting for cherished moments. As you step into the enchanting ambiance of Masaya Pavilion by STC, where the aroma of freshly prepared Iftar and Ghabga delicacies warmly welcomes you, featuring various selection of international live stations, including a live Pistachio Kunafa crepe station, Pistachio Chocolate fountain, Traditional Gulf Ouzi. A mix of global flavors, from Arabic classics to international favorites, promises to delight your senses. With a wide selection of live stations offering Italian, Mexican, Asian, Western, Indian, and Arabic cuisine, each corner offers something special, ensuring a culinary experience like no other. As the holy month of Ramadan unfolds, step in the enchanting ambiance of Masaya Pavilion by STC, transformed into a captivating sanctuary, where the air is filled with the warm glow of lanterns and intricate hanging lights, casting a soft, golden radiance over the Arabian-themed décor. Every detail, from the rich, textured fabrics to intricate decorative elements, has been carefully selected to create an atmosphere of serene celebration. This year, there will be an outdoor gazebo seating by the beach, offering a serene setting complemented by the soothing sounds of the waves. It's a place where the beauty of the season comes alive, inviting you to experience peace and togetherness The collaboration with STC reflects our commitment to fostering community and connection. 'We are delighted to partner with STC to offer immersive Ramadan experience that blends genuine communal spirit with exceptional culinary offerings. In the essence of true hospitality, we wish you a Ramadan filled with tranquility, gratitude, and joy. May your evenings be filled with togetherness and your days with peace.'; wishes Bernard de Villèle, General Manager of The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain. Guests are welcome to join the breaking of the fast, Iftar, from sunset to 8 p.m., for BHD 40, and the Ghabga dinner from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m., for BHD 45. A special rate is available for groups of 30 and above. For additional information about Masaya Pavilion by STC, please call the hotel directly at (+973) 1758 6499, or visit The Ritz-Carlton website at Follow the hotel on Facebook and Instagram
