Earlier this year, before summer’s oppressive climes chased me indoors, I had the pleasure of spending a few days in Bahrain. It’s a little (very little) GCC island nation that I’d never given much thought to before – which is a real shame because it’s an easily accessible destination packed with thousands of years of history, a rich Arabian heritage that has been carefully preserved and results in an authentic Middle Eastern experience, and a vibrant scene of modern – and awfully enjoyable – hotels and restaurants. And of course: pearls. Lots and lots of pearls.

The story’s out right now in the November issue of Condé Nast Traveller Middle East, and you can click the image below to read on, or pick up a copy of the issue on stands around the GCC.