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Beit El Wadi, Jardins de Tyr and Beyt El Jabal
BEIT AL WADI
Beit Al Wadi was a labor of love for Loulou and her architect husband, Rabih. For ten years, Rabih gathered the stones that would become the foundation of his dream country home, building a simple and comfortable dwelling that combines contemporary design with the charm of traditional Lebanese architecture. Together, the dynamic duo welcomed guests from all around the world, introducing them to the warmth of Lebanese hospitality. Since her husband passed away a few years ago, Loulou has been running Beit Al Wadi. She is a natural host - funloving, charming and vivacious - with a welcoming spirit that makes guests instantly feel at home.
The guesthouse consists of two rooms, elegantly decorated with a melange of authentic Lebanese aesthetics and modern elements; traditional tiles with ornate designs line the floors, while modernist art pieces cover the walls. Equally inviting is the living room space: bathed in sunlight with rustic wooden accents and a fireplace, making Beit Al Wadi an ideal home away from home.
It is also the perfect place to reconnect with nature. The rooftop garden often basks in a golden glow, shaded by a hand-made, wooden tent. Flowers and trees surround the
quaint seating area and greenery stretches out as far as the eye can see. The fruits and vegetables that grow in the garden accompany the traditional breakfast Loulou serves to guests every morning and are also the key ingredients that feature in her fresh, delicious and flavorful lunches and dinners, prepared upon request.
What to do in the area
Those who wish to enjoy a quiet escape can relax in Beit Al Wadi’s garden, where they can read and admire the surrounding landscape. Alternativey, the nearby city of Aley offers guests a plethora of restaurant options and a vibrant nightlife. For those seeking to learn more about Lebanese culture, crafts and heritage, the Bsous Silk Museum (05 940767, thesilkmuseum.com) is a short 20-minute drive away.
hotelibanais.com
Looking for a change of scenery? Travel blog Notes of a Traveler reveals two new guesthouses in Tyre and Deir Al Qamar, where you’re guaranteed a great view and a memorable stay.
LES JARDINS DE TYR
In the heart of Tyre, surrounded by hectares of banana plantations, lies Les Jardins de Tyr: a stunning 10-room guesthouse. The beautiful building was inherited by Ramzi Charaf who renovated it to continue the legacy of his father and grandfather. Preserving the original architecture, he uplifted it with the distinguished touch he earned over years of acquiring and managing boutique properties in Cape Town and Geneva.
Indeed, carefully selected furniture, accessories and decorative items add charm to the gorgeous two-hectare property, which is endowed with a garden boasting more than twenty varieties of flowers and fruit trees. The project also includes a tennis court and a private pool for guests to enjoy.
Tyre’s famous Mina area is located just 10 minutes away, while the sandy beach is just a stone’s throw.
03 136073, lesjardinsdetyr.com
BEYT EL JABAL
Spread over juxtaposed terraces overlooking the green mountains of Shouf, Beyt el Jabal in the pretty village of Deir Al Qamar consists of eight rooms and a garden, remodeled and beautifully decorated to reflect the charm and authenticity of a traditional Lebanese home. Flowers, swinging chairs, books and warm smiles are part of the experience, as is the delicious home-cooked breakfast.
Beyt el Jabal is another addition to the Beyt family of guesthouses, providing the perfect destination to explore the picturesque village of Deir Al Qamar and the many attractions of Shouf, including Moussa Castle, Beiteddine Palace, Atelier Assaf, Barouk Cedar Reserve and Baakline River.
70 954057 notesofatraveler.com