The luxury resort is the first in the country with this bold initiative

MANAMA, Bahrain - December 10, 2008 - Leading the charge in creating a healthy social environment for guests and employees, The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain Hotel & Spa goes smoke-free at all restaurant venues and public areas starting January 1, 2009.  A purely voluntary initiative, the hotel will be the first luxury property in Bahrain to publicly introduce a non-smoking environment at such a large and wide-ranging scale.

"The genuine care and comfort of our guests is our highest mission and creating a smoke-free environment demonstrates a new level of service and care for them," says Bernard N. Viola, general manager. "We have received very positive feedback in regard to this trend-setting policy and we are proud to have this opportunity to make such a significant contribution to environment protection. It is of outmost importance to us to consistently enhance the experiences of our today's health-conscious guests - individual travelers and families alike - when visiting The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain."

The new policy encompasses all restaurants, lounges, lobby, The Club Lounge and public spaces, including The Sports Club & Spa. Smoking will be still permitted in designated areas such as Burlington Club and the banqueting rooms at the present time. The new initiative will also positively impact the team of the hotel as The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain is committed to creating the best possible working environment for their ladies and gentlemen.

The beachfront Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain Hotel & Spa features 245 rooms and suites, each with unparalleled views of the city or sea. The Sports Club & Spa offers an extensive menu of treatments and facilities such as an indoor and outdoor swimming pool, tennis courts and a magnificent Turkish bath. The 23 villas, each with their own swimming pool, private beach, and 24-hour lifestyle butler provide the ultimate retreat for guests seeking total tranquility. 

-Ends-

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. of Chevy Chase, Md., (USA) currently operates 72 hotels in the Americas, Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Africa. The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company is the only hospitality company to have twice earned the prestigious Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, which recognizes outstanding customer service. For more information contact The Ritz-Carlton toll free reservations at 1 (800) 241-3333, your travel consultant or visit www.ritzcarlton.com.

© Press Release 2008