When I travel, I usually like to do it “off the beaten path”. Away from the flocks of tourists and beyond the attractions that travel agencies and online guides advertise. Even in Cyprus, that tiny Mediterranean island. I love the freedom of spontaneous plans and the thrill of taking unknown roads. I love the mountains […]
Tag: #ruraltourism
7 Reasons to Visit Sept Winery this Summer
It’s hot and the beach is too mainstream for you on a summer weekend? It’s probably time for a different kind of relaxing getaway. What you need is awaiting you in the mountains of Batroun where a new winery has opened its doors to welcome you in its small haven of greenery overlooking gorgeous landscape […]
Domaine de Chouchene: The River Guesthouse of the Bekaa.
♣ It’s the “Chouchene” flower (Arabic word for “Iris”) that this beautiful guesthouse is called after. Visiting Domaine de Chouchene, you will feel in your own private little forest where your walks will be greeted by flowers and trees carrying their name and refreshed by a river flowing under your feet. This piece of heaven […]
Five Reasons to Visit Akkar, Lebanon.
Spring is around the corner and I’m sure you outdoor lovers will start itching for a nice escape in Lebanon’s beautiful nature. Chouf, Jabal Moussa, Tannourine, Cedars of God, Ehden, Qadisha Valley, Jezzine… I’m pretty sure you’ve got all of these covered. But have your hiking shoes gone as far as Akkar? Mine haven’t until […]
Serene Hike in the Heights of Batroun
Looking for a hiking trail that: Makes a pleasant nature escape without leaving your muscles soar for days? Is quiet and serene, i.e. you would only hear the sound of birds chirping? Has not been invaded, abused, and on everyone’s instagram feed yet? I have the perfect trail for you this fall. Where? In the beautiful region […]
Droub El Khenchara
Although the term “ecotourism” was launched in the 1980s, the concept was applied by villages in Lebanon before that. Like the village of Khenchara Al-Jwar, which used to welcome in the nineteenth century visitors seeking recovery in its mountainous climate and its fresh water renowned for its healing effect. Ecotourism began developing in the village […]
Haush el Bekaa
Al Haush was my latest “guesthouse” discovery in the region of Bekaa. Going back to the origin of the name, here’s what I learnt during my stay: A “haush” is a small village made of mud houses inhabited by people who work in agricultural lands during spring and summer. The Haushs belong to the land’s […]
Beit Wadih, Baytak.
Ever wondered what Lebanon looked like in the fifties? A short trip to Ghazir will be enough to give you the sweet taste of that era. Perched over a hill in Ghazir and offering a panoramic view of Jounieh bay, Beit Wadih welcomes you with its authentic architectural character to take you back to […]
Mtein: A Proud Village.
How can you not be proud when your village faithfully depicts the heritage and culture of your own country, so well preserved after hundreds of years? I can assure you that, when visiting Mtein, one of Mount Lebanon’s prettiest and oldest villages, you will feel it all: the historic past, the rich culture, thearchitectural heritage, […]
Les Terrasses de Abdelli: Mountains, Flowers, and Wine.
What is it in villages, hills, and heights that makes us feel so connected to our roots and the heritage of our country and its people? Is it because we’re closer to the sky and the sun, closer to where nature still flourishes freely and happily and where the soil still gives generously? Perhaps it’s […]