BeirutThere is one destination that is all over the travel and style magazines this year and its Beirut . So we decided to have a look and fly over for a long week end. To get a bit of sun and soak in the ambiance , just a couple of hours from Europe.
Some after "war" buildings are still there and despite the claims of new harmony you can see some UN and military troops hanging around . Most of the city has been cleaned up and rebuilt.
Massive investment has been made for reconstruction. You can feel a real desire to be back on the map with heavy reference back to the towns glory days of glitz and glamour . Beirut is putting all the effort to become the destination of the middle east.
Luxury shopping, luxury hotels and apartments, good restaurants, friendly people , safe and discreet banking system , are all part of a good recipe.
Mosques and churches have been built next to each other. In the tourist district you don't feel any cultural tension and harmony of religions appears to exist
We stayed at the four seasons which opened few months before. We chose this hotel , for is location on the water front and for the roof top swimming pool. Both very disappointing , as , all around the hotel is a construction site and the roof top swimming pool is not yet open .
Anyway, if you do not pay attention to that , and if you also do not pay attention to too much of the Chinese influence in the hotels decoration, which feels strange in this location , this is the best place to stay.
The service is immaculate. If you forget your sport shoes and go to the gym , they will provide you with a brand new pair ...To compensate for the absence of swimming pool , you have access to the George Yacht club which is just next door. Despite the plastic chairs, you will meet there the "happy few" of Beirut in Bikinis smoking Nargilé.
This is the place to be seen as are other beach clubs a taxi ride away
The other new hotel in town is the Gray , which is located downtown, in the new shopping district. There you will find all the luxury brands, nice cafés and restaurants.
Where to eat: Al sultan Brahim, Casa Blanca. Babel (if you like big busy places), Cocteau is an excellent chic French restaurant
Day trip : Byblos
Beach: Orchid Beach Club...white, clean..Nikki beach look alike, 30 mm from Beirut
Beirut is a smoking friendly city.