HAWAR RESORT BY MANTIS IS LOCATED ON A TRULY UNIQUE NATURAL ISLAND. WHAT DISTINCT EXPERIENCES AND NATURAL ELEMENTS HAS MANTIS LEVERAGED TO DIFFERENTIATE THIS RESORT FROM OTHER LUXURY DESTINATIONS IN THE GCC?
Hawar resort by Mantis is not just another beach resort. The entire identity is built around experience and connection to nature. The name itself is an acronym for Man and Nature Together Is Sustainable. Everything we offer is rooted in sustainability, environmental appreciation, and showcasing the natural beauty of Hawar Island, combined with the warm and hospitable culture of Bahrain. Our goal is for guests to truly feel this blend of nature, culture, and serenity from the moment they arrive.
GIVEN THE FRAGILE ECOSYSTEM OF HAWAR ISLAND, HOW IS MANTISINTEGRATING SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES AND CONSERVATION EFFORTS INTO THE RESORT’S DAILY OPERATIONS AND GUEST EXPERIENCES?
Sustainability is one of our core pillars, and as part of the Accor group, Mantis is positioned as the brand that leads sustainability efforts across the portfolio. We enforce zero single-use plastic, conduct regular beach cleanups as part of team building, and recently introduced the Winnow system to measure and reduce food waste. Within the first month, food wastage dropped by 30 to 34 percent. We have also begun composting. The goal is to constantly refine our operations to protect and enhance Hawar’s environment.
AS A TEAM, HOW DO YOU BALANCE MAINTAINING THE MANTIS BRAND’S DEDICATION TO CURATED, AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCES WHILE DELIVERING THE HIGH STANDARDS OF LUXURY EXPECTED BY TODAY’S INTERNATIONAL AND REGIONAL TRAVELERS?
These two priorities are not in conflict. Today’s luxury traveler is highly aware of environmental impact and wants reassurance that their visit is not harming the destination. At Hawar, the experience actually strengthens the ecosystem and supports its preservation as an eco-destination. Guests enjoy world-class luxury while contributing to sustainability. The Mantis philosophy naturally blends authenticity, curated experiences, and premium service
HOW DOES HAWAR RESORT ENGAGE WITH THE LOCAL BAHRAINI CULTURE, ENVIRONMENT, AND COMMUNITY? ARE THERE SPECIFIC INITIATIVES TO INCORPORATE LOCAL ARTISANS, CUISINE OR TALENT?
Local culture is another fundamental pillar for us. Bahraini hospitality, cuisine, and traditions are beautifully rich, and we make sure guests experience them authentically. We recently launched our Bedouin tent experience, offering traditional Bahraini music, cuisine, camel and horse interactions, a campfire setup, oyster shucking with pearls, and even traditional attire for photos. These experiences allow guests to leave with meaningful cultural memories that reflect Bahrain’s heritage.
WHO IS THE CORE TARGET DEMOGRAPHIC FOR HAWAR RESORT, AND WHAT SPECIFIC MARKETING OR OUTREACH STRATEGIES ARE YOU EMPLOYING TO REACH THAT AUDIENCE REGIONALLY AND INTERNATIONALLY?
Our primary focus is families. We aim to be as family-friendly as possible, and children are truly treated as VIPs. We have dedicated kids’ and teens’ spaces, along with numerous activities that keep them engaged safely. It is always rewarding when parents tell us their children haven’t looked at their phones all day because they’re busy exploring. The Bear Grylls Adventure Center plays a major role in this, giving children the chance to climb, tie knots, and experience real adventure in a safe and supervised environment.
LOOKING AHEAD FIVE YEARS, WHAT IS YOUR ULTIMATE VISION FOR HAWAR RESORT BY MANTIS, BOTH IN TERMS OF REPUTATION AND ITS CONTRIBUTION TO BAHRAIN’S TOURISM LANDSCAPE?
We want Hawar Island to be recognized globally as a leading eco-destination, not just within Bahrain or the GCC. The fauna, flora, and natural environment here are truly exceptional, and they deserve global attention. Our goal is for every Bahraini to feel proud of Hawar as a national jewel. Whenever Hawar is mentioned, it should be seen as the pearl in Bahrain’s oyster.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST UNIQUE OPERATIONAL OR LOGISTICAL CHALLENGE HAWAR TEAM HAVE FACED IN BRINGING A RESORT OF THIS SCALE AND CONCEPT TO LIFE ON A REMOTE ISLAND LOCATION?
The challenge lies in the very nature of the island. Everything consumed here, and every person working here, must be transported by barge or boat. It is a massive logistical operation. Fortunately, we have a remarkable team that thrives on challenges. After a few months of operating, the process has become smoother, though it remains complex. At Mantis, we embrace challenges because doing something different is part of who we are.
