Sadly, much of this spectacular coastline is now marred by concrete buildings and public beaches are few and far between. In spite of this, the country’s coastline remains dramatically different. Whether your idea of paradise is a day spent relaxing in a hammock in a garden, with a waiter to bring you drinks beside the pool, playing volleyball on a stretch of warm sand, or donning a snorkel and water shoes to photograph Mediterranean fish and discover hidden caves, there really is something for everyone.
Closer to Beirut is the small village of Jiyyeh, where you’ll find a string of private beach resorts. The standout is Lazy B, a lush, landscaped garden set across multiple terraces with a relaxed bohemian vibe and gorgeous Indian-inspired furnishings. Guests can choose to relax in hammocks, snooze on loungers, swim in the sea or cool off in the resort’s swimming pools. L’Hote Libanais is happy to announce a partnership with Lazy B this summer, which allows us to offer our guests special rates for a day of relaxation and pampering.
Heading north, the beautiful seaside town of Byblos boasts a secluded cove with a string of sandy beaches. After a visit to the city’s spectacular ancient ruins, choose to rent a deckchair for a few dollars or lounge in state on one of the comfortable recliners belonging to the more exclusive resorts. There’s nothing like watching the sunset with a cocktail or a fresh mint lemonade in hand before heading into town to enjoy the city’s famous nightlife.
Batroun is home to some of Lebanon’s most dramatic and picturesque stretches of coastline. Jutting rocks hide secret caves and secluded pools and the water is deep and crystal clear, making it a perfect place to snorkel, dive and spend whole days exploring. A stretch of beaches runs along from Batroun towards Beirut, including relaxed reggae bar Pierre and Friends and the popular Jammal beach, where tables slope down into the water, allowing you to keep your feet cool as you eat fresh fish and mezze, before swimming out to explore the caves.
Radio Karantina: from Beirut to the world, and vice-versa
Rather than undertaking the gargantuan, nay impossible, task of listing all the names associated with Lebanon’s incredibly rich musical mosaic why not invite you to discover it yourself through the eclectic compilations of a colorful palette of Lebanese artists and creators scattered all over the world?
Nasri Sayegh, a Lebanese visual artist brought to life Radio Karantina on March 15, 2020, to share ‘music, images and tales from isolation.’ His personal project resonated so strongly with Lebanese people across the globe, it was transformed into an intimate collaboration, cultivating a musical mélange and visual feast. Sets are shared from Beirut to Canada, from Paris to Palestine and include contributions from indie queen Yasmine Hamdan, screenwriter/film director Ghassan Salhab and fashion designer Rabih Keyrouz.
In a similar vein, Radio Quartiere offers a much-needed mix of nostalgia and camaraderie, with many listeners interacting with the DJs and each other online. In addition to a wonderful mix of beloved Arabic classics and contemporary songs, Radio Quartiere’s DJs ups the nostalgia ante with recipes of Lebanese staples, astrology readings, stories told to them by their grandparents, cartoon theme-songs, and jingles from hilariously cheesy commercials.
Let these sounds and stories of Lebanon seduce you and share with us via Facebook, Instagram or our contact form make up the soundtrack of your Lebanon.