Temperatures are getting warmer, the sky is getting bluer, and the smiles wider. It’s that time of the year when everyone wants to escape the city. With summer around the corner, we thought about taking you on an adventure a little closer to home. No, we’re not taking you to the beach just yet, instead, we’re taking you somewhere that will make you feel more at home than ever, discover these Lebanese B&B gems.
L’Auberge de Faqra, Faqra
For all of you who like doing fun activities on the weekends, this place should be at the top of your list. Located in the heart of Faqra, L’Auberge de Faqra is your ideal destination for summer fun. Open since 1981, it has been called “the mountain legacy” ever since! This little piece of mountain paradise is the perfect getaway to relax and do all sorts of sport activities, from swimming to hiking, horseback riding, rollerblading, badminton, football and table tennis, there’s no wasting time. And after action-packed mornings, you can spend your afternoons relaxing by the pool or sipping coffee at the terrace, and your nights dining or enjoying a concert or an exhibition, as there is always something going on up there!
The plus, breakfast is served until 11AM, meaning that if you’ve stayed up enjoying one of the many activities going on at night, you won’t have to worry about sleeping in. Talk about convenience!
Le Telegraphe de Belle-Vue, Bhamdoun
Photo credits: life.executive-magazine.com
From the service to the location and the winery; this place has a unique feel. The winery is a one of a kind in Lebanon and what’s great is that you can take a personal tour. The family, who also helps in the management, will take you on a tour where you will learn the story the chateau as well as a wine tasting evening! How nice is that?
Although the hotel is busier in winter, it could be your perfect spring destination! You can enjoy a stroll around the chateau in the morning with a fresh breakfast experience afterwards, and sit under the sun on the terrace in the afternoon. The rooms are rustic yet modern so you’ve definitely got a Mr. and Mrs. Smith feel going on. As a welcome gift, a basket filled with fruits, cheese and ham with a bottle of wine! Now that’s a welcome.
A little piece of advice: try the Cindered Camembert; it’s out of this world!
Bouyouti, Chouf Mountains
Photo credits: L’Hote Libanais
What we call a delightful place for an intimate getaway nestled halfway between Deir El Qamar and Beiteddine. Just the road that takes you there makes you feel like you’re in the middle of a little piece of heaven that combines the charms of Tuscany and Provence!
Bouyouti is not your usual B&B, it’s a hillside estate made up of several small houses surrounded by terraces and amazing fruit trees, (or maybe nut trees too? Who knows!). You can enjoy a morning stroll around the estate and spend the afternoons tanning at the pool or relaxing at the gardens in a serene atmosphere.
It is said that Emir Bashir used to love spending his times in these gardens. Talk about being part of history!
Beit Batroun, Batroun
Photo credit: foodbloggerconnect.com
For those of you who can’t decide whether to spend the weekend in the mountains or close to the sea, this place is for you. 50 shades of blue and green from every corner of the house, you will feel as if you’re in the middle of the mountain while you’re only a 5 min drive away from the sea. Kind of the perfect deal, right?
Beit Batroun is tucked in nature’s quite fold, so the loudest sound you will hear is the calm and irregular breeze. And while you’re enjoying the sound of silence, you can enjoy the view that overlooks the Mediterranean coast: breathtaking!
The house is an old Lebanese-style home that reminds you of the good old Lebanese days with the “Liwan” (central room) beautifully decorated with two large arches. The owner has also restored the collectibles and they artfully decorate the rooms. So if you’re looking for a remote weekend, this is the perfect place to enjoy going back to your roots while relaxing by the pool or enjoying an afternoon at the terrace (there’s private ones too!).
Beit Douma, Batroun
A 19th century Lebanese villa with an impressive stone façade, tall arched windows and vaulted ceilings, Beit Douma will definitely take you back in time!
If you seek a Lebanese heritage experience, this is where you should go. Every detail of the house represents the passion of the owner towards Lebanon, as it is furnished with beautiful antique pieces. Here, breakfast is served in the kitchen, so you will definitely feel at home! You can also enjoy an afternoon outside at the terrace that overlooks the surrounding gardens and the valley. The atmosphere will definitely make you feel like you’re a part of a timeless story
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Photo credit: lebanonuntravelled.com
Beit Marsala, Jeita
“Beit Marsala is not a house; it’s a secret”, that’s how the owners describe this little gem, and we agree! Only 40 minutes away from Beirut, Beit Marsala is the most inspiring B&B in Lebanon. The family that runs this place is all about art and creativity and this reflects in the decoration of every corner. The house is located in the middle of a garden, which adds a lot of serenity and energy to the stay. The rooms have a unique sense and with the pink-painted walls filled with bright natural light it almost feels like a fairytale house! So if you’re looking for a getaway in an artist’s loft and a cozy, comfortable home away from home, you’ve got to give this place a try.
Start prepping for your getaway; it’s time to take a break from the usual.
If you’d like to book a stay at any of these Lebanese gems, here you go:
- L’Auberge de Faqra: 09 300 600
- Le Telegraphe de Belle Vue: 70 628 383
- Bouyouti: 03 310 200
- Beit Batroun: 03 270 049
- Beit Douma: 06 520 702
- Beit Marsala
