A journey into Bentley’s luxurious high-performance world.
Get ready to rev your engines and relax your soul as I recount my recent journey through the perfect combination of a luxurious driving experience in the all-new Bentley Continental GT S and a well-being retreat organised by Bentley Motors and Bentley Emirates.
The luxurious wellness event was held at The Oberoi Beach Resort, Al Zorah. It consisted of two days of pure indulgence – with some high-performance driving thrown in for good measure, which left us feeling rejuvenated, refreshed, and with a need for speed.
My journey started at the Bentley Showroom, where I was greeted by a fleet of Bentleys parked in front of the entrance. It was an impressive sight, with each car exuding a sense of elegance and power. After a brief introduction to our itinerary and a drive briefing, I was given the keys to the all-new Bentley Continental GT S 2023, fresh off the assembly line (with less than 20km on the odometer).
Instantly recognisable, the Continental GT S is a leaner, meaner take on the classic Continental GT, with a bold sports styling and an agile drive. The metallic Kingfisher bodyshell and black gloss exterior details were an instant attention grabber, and the 21″ five tri-spoke wheels with red gloss brake callipers were pure eye candy.
The interior was just as stunning, with a Beluga black leather finish and Kingfisher by Mulliner accents, evoking a sense of high luxury and a distinct sense of Bentley’s distinguished history on the racetrack with the engine-turned aluminium veneers. One of the first things I noticed was the ‘S’ emblem engraved into the metal surface of the interior treadplates, still covered by the protection stickers, which instantly turned me into a kid in a candy store, eager to peel them off from every inch of the brand-new car.
The Bentley-branded water bottles were a nice personal touch, and the smartly placed wireless phone charging in the armrest assured my passenger that I’d keep my eyes on the road. And for most of the journey, it worked. However, as I drove, I explored every aspect of the car’s unique character, and it was a masterpiece.
Despite being the 3rd car in a head-turning Bentley convoy, we mostly drove in Sport mode, like any petrol-head would when driving a twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 engine that delivers 542 bhp, translating into acceleration from 0 to 100km/h in 4 seconds and a top speed of 318 km/h. On this ride, we didn’t get a chance to feel the full wrath of the engine like we did on Yas Marina Circuit, where we floored the Flying Spur, Bentayga and Continental GT, but it was just as enjoyable. The Sport Exhaust was a bonus, providing a deep, throaty sound even at low speeds, reinforcing our presence on the road.
Upon arrival at The Oberoi Al Zorah, we checked into our rooms and had a healthy lunch at Vinesse with all the Bentley guests, discussing topics like the future of electric cars and other adventures behind the wheel. The next stop was the Al Zorah Golf Club. Adjacent to the resort, and amidst a stunning natural environment, with flowing sand dunes and inland mangroves, the golf course offered a relaxing and humbling experience, best described as a boogie and double boogie spectacle. After the game, the spoiling continued. I indulged in a relaxing aromatherapy massage, during which I must have dozed off, a testament to a perfect way to unwind after a morning of driving and getting golf balls out of bunkers.
The day was rounded off with a delightful dinner at Aquario, where every dish served up with exquisite attention to detail. The setting was perfect, and the conversations flowed as we talked about the day we had just had.
The next day, after breakfast and checking out of our rooms, we hit the road back to the Bentley Showroom in Dubai. The drive was just as enjoyable as the day before, with the Continental GT S delivering the same smooth handling and impressive acceleration.
Overall, the two-day wellness event was a great opportunity to experience Bentley’s luxurious and high-performance world. The Continental GT S’s bold sports styling and agile drive made it a dream to drive, and the resort was a sight to behold. Together, they provided the perfect setting for some much-needed rest and relaxation.
We can’t wait to see what Bentley Motors and Bentley Emirates have in store for us next.
GO: Visit www.bentleymotors.com for more information.
