In case you haven’t heard yet, Beirut’s biggest rock festival will be held starting tomorrow, Sept 2. This raging two-day event has an all-star line-up of rock musicians hailing from all over the world. If you haven’t made it the the last two, here’s your chance to get in on the third annual Beirut Rock Festival.

The venue is none other than the Roman Amphitheater in the town of Zouk Mikael near Mount Lebanon, just outside of Beirut. While you’re in Zouk, you can also check out its ancient Ottoman architecture and pleasant pedestrian markets and shops before the rock festivities begin. The Roman Amphitheater is a jewel of the town, serving as the venue for a whole series of major summer concerts.

Friday nights headliner is Serj Tankian, the Armenian-American singer best known as the voice of System of a Down. Little known fact: Tankian is ranked 26th in the Hit Parade’s Top 100 Metal Vocalists of All Time. He’ll be performing with the Lebanese National Symphony Orchestra.

Opening acts on Friday night will be Lebanon’s own singer-songwriter Eileen Khatchadourian and the Lebanese rock group epiSode. Also, Serj Tankian’s father Khatchadour Tankian will be performing, which will be a fascinating glimpse at family and musical roots.

Saturday’s headliners will be Portugal’s Moonspell and Sweden’s Katatonia. Moonspell is a Portuguese gothic metal band from Brandoa, Lisbon. Katatonia  is a Swedish metal band formed in Stockholm. Opening for these heavy metal heavy hitters will be some regional rock performances by The Hourglass (from Syria), Kimaera (from Lebanon), and Weeping Willow (also from Lebanon). To round it off, France’s Sex Assets and Waste Management will also be performing.

Find your inner rock star and lose it again in at the Beirut Rock Festival 2011. Tickets start at $45 for each night. And be sure to check out our Lebanon hotels special deals for an ultimate Lebanon experience.

We all know the feeling. After another hard week of work, all you want to do is crash out on the couch, maybe watch some TV and enjoy a glass or two of wine. Before you know it, you’ve slept all weekend and you’ve got a new wine stain on your living room carpet.

When you’re running on empty, there are only a few things that can really recharge your batteries and get you back on your feet. A relaxing spa break has to be one of the best options. There’s simply nothing quite like putting your feet up and being pampered.

The view from the roof of the Edde Sands Resort

Luckily, Lebanon has a huge amount to offer when it comes to luxury spa holidays. In addition to state of the art facilities and highly-trained practitioners, the deeply relaxing atmosphere and climate add significantly to any holiday experience. Imagine unwinding during one of the many wonderful treatment options available, before further relaxing on a beautiful beach as the Mediterranean laps at your toes. Bliss!

The tranquil waters of Le Royal, Beirut's indoor swimming pool

Hotels providing spa services can be found all over Lebanon. Locations close to the coast are popular, given the relaxing properties of the sea, but there are also plenty of inland options. Several of Lebanon’s famous ski resorts are also home to spas, providing some TLC to skiers tired from a hard day on the slopes.

Here are some of our favourite Lebanon Spa Hotels:

• The Edde Sands Hotel and Wellness Resort – located just outside the old town of Byblos, this large dedicated resort offers a wide variety of treatment options and other relaxing activities. It boasts a fully self-contained spa – including a hammam, or Turkish bath – several swimming pools and a number of bars. It also has areas catering specifically to children, allowing parents to relax in peace while their kids are entertained elsewhere.
• Le Royal – situated on a hill with grandiose views over downtown Beirut and the Mediterranean, this opulent hotel provides an oasis of relaxation in the midst of the capital. It offers various facial and body treatments, in addition to a number of water-based therapies.
• InterContinental Mzaar Lebanon Mountain Resort and Spa – this high altitude resort, superbly located on the slopes of Mount Lebanon itself, offers snow lovers a great number of ways to wind down and rest their sore muscles. Options include balneotherapy, pressotheraphy, massages, sauna and even a Jacuzzi.

The latest in a long line of festivals and special events to bring excitement to Lebanon this summer, Le Festival du Bonheur (or the Happiness Festival) has just kicked off in Ain Saade.

The town’s name can be translated as ‘Spring of Happiness’ and it certainly looks set to be bubbling with fun and excitement this weekend. Usually a fairly quiet suburb, tucked away in the pine forests that cover the hills overlooking Beirut, it now finds itself buzzing with activity.

Organised by local business UrbanArt, the festival promises to deliver something exciting for all the family. In addition to movies, music and art, it also offers special entertainment for kids and a parade of floats and performers. The more extreme option of bungee jumping is also on offer – something that’s sure to get the adrenaline pumping, even if you’re just thinking about taking the plunge!

Ain Saade is located just 10km outside of the capital itself, meaning it’s very easy to get to from any Beirut hotel in the centre of town. A trip to this picturesque little town can be the perfect break from city life and is definitely worth a visit, even when the festival wraps up this year.

We at Lebhotels.com love the idea of a festival dedicated completely to happiness! It’s truly a noble cause. For everyone attending, we wish you a taste of purest Bonheur!

If you’re interested in other festivals taking place in Lebanon, there are some other big events to be aware of. The Ehdeniyat Festival started a couple of weeks back and runs until August 28. The Mzaar Summer Festival is also well underway but wraps up next week.

If the idea of bungee jumping whets your appetite for an extreme experience, there are also plenty of ways to satisfy a craving for adventure:

• A Bird’s Eye View of Beirut
• ATV tours around Lebanon
• Boat Excursions from Beirut
• Paragliding Flight Over Jounieh
• Skywalking – Parcours Aventure

There are plenty of Beirut hotels available in the centre of the nearby city, which can cater to your every requirement. Whether you’re looking for a bargain hostel bed, or a pampered luxury experience you’re sure to find something for you at a price that’s right.

This summer’s Ehdeniyat Festival is now underway! This annual event – held in the North Lebanon town of  Ehden, nestled between the peaks of the surrounding mountains – takes place in both winter and summer. The brainchild of Mrs. Rima Sleiman, it is organised and run by a locally based NGO called Al Midan.

The festival, which has its roots in the local community’s traditions and love for the surrounding environment, started life in 2004 and has taken place on several occasions since then. The vision is to provide a platform for local people, but especially youths, to express themselves by sharing their love of various topics.

The events taking place more or less fall under one of the following four topics:

• Environmental activities
• Cinematographic activities
• Handicrafts
• Astrologic activities

Acts this year include Helene Segara, whose sold-out performance last night marked the official start to the festival, Tino Favazza, Bond, Arthur Satyan, Jahida Wehbe, Oussama Rahbani, Hiba Tawaji, Carole Samaha and Ilham Al Madfai. There’s also a week activities completely aimed at kids, so parents can be confident in the knowledge that there’s something on offer to keep the little ones entertained.

The festival runs from now until the August 28, so there’s still plenty of time to get involved if you’re keen to take part in a bit of culture.

In addition Ehdeniyat, Ehden has much more to offer to tourists. Its proximity to Mount Makmal and Kornet el Sawda, the highest peaks in Lebanon, offer plenty of opportunities for following Lebanon’s best hiking routes. The natural surroundings are inrecidbly impressive, with beautiful views afforded by Ehden’s significant elevation.

History buffs will be fascinated by the town’s ancient ruins, that include remnants of a Greek presence from thousands of years ago. The holy sites and places of worship, that continue to be used to this day, are also well worth a look.

Ehden is around 100km north of Beirut, meaning that staying in a hotel in Beirut is an option, but a hotel in Tripoli – just 30km to the West – may be a better bet for those who wish to visit Ehden. Alternatively, Bcharreh and the area surround Lebanon’s famous Cedars, is also an excellent choice. There are many outstanding Cedars hotels that can provide excellent accomodation, with Ehden jsut a short journey away to the north.

While hiking around on foot is a great way to see Lebanon up close and personal, the ultimate tour has to be one that’s conducted from the air. Beirut by plane is a new service that offers a complete overview of Beirut – literally!

Taking to the skies above Lebanon in a specially chartered Cessna is a truly once in a lifetime experience and offers you the opportunity to cover a great deal more ground than you would do on foot. A 45 minute circuit through the Lebanese air is ample time to take in some the capital’s most distinctive sites – albeit from a completely unusual perspective.

This bird’s eye view gives a much better idea of the both the city and the surrounding territory. It provides a glimpse of how this ancient metropolis has evolved and grown over the year; the placement of historic buildings that can be picked out from above suddenly make a lot more sense and their characteristic shapes provide a fascinating contrast to the lines and curves of the more modern developments downtown.

While it’s easy to drift off when you have your head stuck in the clouds, passengers on this flight can be guaranteed to be kept on target thanks to the expert narration provided by the pilot. His trained eye can pick out incredible focal points such as Raouche’s Pigeons’ Rock from high above, allowing him to call your attention to details that would otherwise be missed.

Other sights included as part of the tour include Jounieh Bay and the ancient port of Byblos. Nothing compares to the spectacle of the sun’s rays glittering off the gentle swells of the Mediterranean waters when viewed from above. As the pilot carves an expert course above the bay, it’s tempting to try to pick out a waterfront cafe in which to relax later once your feet are back on solid ground.

In between snippets from the pilot, losing yourself in the moment is made even easier by music piped in directly to your own pair of noise-cancelling stereo headphones. That’s right – your personal flying tour of Beirut even comes complete with a soundtrack!

Beirut from the air is truly the ultimate way to tour this ancient and fascinating city. It’s the ideal blend of adrenaline, information and pleasure. In addition to Cessnas, why not consider Paragliding in Beirut or Beirut by hot air balloon?

With so much to see and do as part of a visit to Lebanon, the hustle and bustle of moving from place to place can feel a little overwhelming at times. While there are plenty of adrenaline-pumping experiences on offer, it’s sometimes easy to forget that the best experiences are often the simplest and that the best way of seeing some of a country’s most unique sights is the old-fashioned way: walking.

The Qannoubine Valley - a great destination for hikers. Photo by David Holt, Flickr.

Lebanon boasts a huge variety of fantastic hiking routes, which make the most of its outstanding natural features and rich history. With the right preparation, planning and guidance, most of these routes can be enjoyed throughout the year. High temperatures during the summer months may be daunting, but getting up early to catch the sunrise or hiking through the twilight are both great options. Summer is also a great time to plan some routes for the autumn, when things start to cool off, making long walks easier.

Here’s a list of just a few of our favourite hikes:

• Al-Chouf Cedars Nature Reserve Hike – 50km outside of Beirut, this huge nature reserve is home to a wide array of species and is the ideal destination for lovers of the natural world. A guided hike through its foothills and forests is the perfect way to get back to nature.
• Hiking from Laklouk to Balaa Pit – This route takes walkers through the Tannourine Cedars nature reserve to experience some of the most unusual sights in all of Lebanon. The village of Balaa is home to a huge cavern, or sink hole, which provides a staggering backdrop to walks in and around the area.
• Hiking in the holy valley of Qannoubine – One for history lovers. The Qannoubine valley is an area steeped in tradition and is home to churches, convents and caves that have been used as places of worship for centuries. Above 900m in elevation, this is a challenging hike, but one that can be appreciated by all who take part.
• Reach the Highest Summit 3088m – This is the ultimate; a journey to the very highest point in Lebanon. Departing from the Cedars ski resort and getting an early start is the best way to enjoy the climb. The views from the top are beyond compare.

Hiking in Lebanon is an experience that can be enjoyed by just about anyone, but common sense does apply. Prepare in advance and always bring suitable clothing, sun protection and water.

After a day of hard walking, what better way to unwind than pampering yourself in a top Beirut hotel? Curling up in a soft bed is the ultimate tonic, and while you may have sore feet for a while, the memories will last forever!

Another summer of festival events in Lebanon is in full swing!  If the Baalbek International Festival and the Byblos International Festival weren’t enough, The Beiteddine Art Festival will also draw crowds and ignite artistic imagination in a sumptuous setting of rich cultural heritage.

The Beiteddine Art Festival takes place in the Beiteddine Palace, a magnificent structure that dates back 200 years and hidden in the Chouf mountains of Lebanan, just 30 miles south of Beirut.  Highlights of its regal architecture include lush courtyards, graceful arcades, and magnificent front gates.

The Inner Courtyard of the Beiteddine Palace is the regal setting for Beiteddine Art Festival

The story behind the festival

2011 will mark the Beiteddine Art Festival’s 26th anniversary.  The first annual festival was held in 1985, in the the context of war, as an audacious experiment of culture’s ability to triumph amidst turmoil.  Against the odds, the first few years of the festival were successful, and now the Beiteddine Art Festival has grown in prestige to become a leading cultural event in the Middle East.

Through the support of both public and private sponsors as well as a loyal audience that returns year after year, the festival has grown healthily.  Each summer about 50,000 spectators fill the palace’s courtyards to enjoy an impressive variety of both performing arts and fine arts exhibitions.

The details for 2011

This year, the Beiteddine Art Festival will feature a world-class line-up of performers and artists, both of Lebanese background and international acclaim.

The events are ongoing from June 24 through August 4.  Have a look at the program and don’t miss out on this beautiful celebration of art in culture in Lebanon.

Friday June 24 – Saturday June 25
Sabah: the musical!
A glamourous and fantastical musical, tracing the life of Lebanese pop icon Sabah

Friday, July 8
Roberto Alagna
Renowned Sicilian tenor singer of French and Italian opera

Friday July 15 – Saturday July 16
Kadim Al Sahir
Iraqi musician, composer, singer, songwriter, and cultural ambassador for peace

Tuesday July 19
George Benson
Award-winning American jazz guitarist and soul/R&B musician

Friday July 22
Babel (words)
Contemporary dance performance with choreography by Sidi Larbi

Wednesday July 27
Ibrahim Maalouf and his quintet Diachronism
Beirut’s own trumpet virtuoso with a five-piece brass accompaniment

Saturday July 30
Stabat Mater
A 13th century Christian and Muslim hymn of praise to the Virgin Mary

Thursday August 4
Farida and the Iraqi Maqam Ensemble
The voice of Mesopotamia” with Omar Mounir Bachir on Oud

In visual arts, the exhibitions of Sabah and Reza Abedini will be on display during the course of the festival,  June 24 to August 4.

Don’t wait til the last minute to book your Lebanon hotel.  The summer season is busy and rooms fill up fast!  Make your trip complete with our exciting Lebanon activities and tours.

Photo courtesy of wikimedia/blingbling10

The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Baalbek, known to the Ancient Greeks as Heliopolis or ‘City of the Sun’, is home to one of the world’s greatest collection of antique ruins. The temple complex contains fantastically preserved examples of ancient architecture, its various buildings dedicated to the Romanized versions of gods from civilizations dating back thousands of years.

In addition to its colossal historical value, this ancient site has, in recent years, become synonymous with contemporary cultural events. Since 1955, it has been home to the annual Baalbek International Festival, one of the most famous and popular events of its kind in the entire region.

The Bacchus Temple at Baalbek - backdrop and venue for the Baalbek International Festival. Photo courtesy of Heretiq, Wikimedia Commons

In the past, the BIF has played host to such various luminaries as jazz legend Miles Davis, soul icon Nina Simone and ‘first lady of song’ Ella Fitzgerald. By providing a platform for the performance of music, dance and theatre, it has done much to establish Lebanon’s rightful recognition as a supporter of both domestic and international cultural development.

This year’s festival, which commences on July 7, offers attendees a dramatic selection of entertainment to choose from, including:

• From the Days of Saladin – a musical play accompanied by orchestra and dancers
• The Boris Eifman Ballet Theatre of. St Petersburg
• The Gershwin Piano Quartet
• Abdel Rahman El Bacha

All acts will be performed against the unparalleled backdrop of Baalbek’s temple buildings, or within the incredible interior of the Bacchus Temple itself.

Baalbek is located some 90km to the East of Beirut itself. Most visitors will prefer to stay in Beirut hotels and make the round trip to BIF events (which takes around 90 minutes), but it’s also feasible to stay in other Lebanon hotels and make the journey to the temple site. Performances start at 8pm sharp, so be sure to allow plenty of time.

We recommend booking your accommodation in advance to avoid disappointment as hotels fill up quickly at this time of year.

Dec 12, 2009 – Travelvivi.com – L.K

These cities and town experienced a lot during their long history: both  raids and wars,  a high rise and deep decline. Now some of them  just  vanished and some are almost not visible when having a glance at the  map, while others are still  considered to be among the most influential world capitals. Our list will greatly surprise you with its information about the oldest cities of the world.

[...]

12. Tyr, Lebanon

Legendary birthplace of the beauty in Europe, Tyr, according to Herodotus, was founded in 2750 BC. In the IV century BC it was conquered by Alexander the Great and later became a Roman province. Today the main source of income Tyr became tourism. Roman hippodrome Tyr is listed in the UNESCO list of World Heritage by UNESCO.

Find out some of the best hotels in Tyre, Lebanon

[...]

10. Beirut, Lebanon

The capital of Lebanon even now remains a major cultural, administrative and economic center. Thanks to the excavations carried out today in the city you can see the monuments of the Phoenician, Hellenistic, Roman, Arab and Ottoman eras. After the civil war in Lebanon, the city became accessible to tourists.

Find out some of the best hotels in Beirut, Lebanon

7. Saida, Lebanon

Approximately 25 kilometers south of Beirut is one of the most important and perhaps the oldest Phoenician city. He was a kind of base from which the Phoenicians began to reign in the Mediterranean. In 333 BC Alexander of Macedon conquered the city.

Find out some of the best hotels in Saida, Lebanon

2. Jbeil, Lebanon

Founded by the Phoenicians as Hebe, Byblos takes its name from the Greeks. This is associated with the books  name which was given from the Greeks  papyri. In Byblos, the Phoenician temples , the city and the castle built in the XII century by the Crusaders Church of St. John the Baptistare worth seeing.

Find out some of the best hotels in Byblos, Lebanon

Nov 1, 2010 – Lonelyplanet.com

The 10 Greatest Comeback Cities

Toss aside your preconceptions, and come with us on a tour of the greatest comeback cities in the world, with this excerpt from Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2011. Once deep down in the urban dumps, these cities have bounced back from the brink of becoming no-go destinations, turning tumultuous pasts into tourist drawcards.

[...]

3. Beirut, Lebanon

Rallying from devastation is typical of Beirut: a city set back by two major conflicts in the last 30 years. Still, incredibly, meze and macchiatos are served up from its relaxed restaurants and cafes in a downtown rebuilt to its former grandeur. Hamra, a hotbed of Lebanon’s civil war, now has shops and clubs favoured by an international following of fashionistas and partygoers. Formerly on the front line, Beirut National Museum was torn apart by militia fighting: renovation has seen the museum regain its status as a world-famous cultural centre. Much like the city as a whole, actually.

*For full article: Top 10 greatest comeback cities

*Check out the best hotels in Beirut, from affordable to high end, budget to luxurious!