With a peak at 3.086 meters above sea level, The Cedars Ski Resort in Lebanon reaches the highest altitude of any of Lebanon’s ski resorts. But with only 5 lifts (compared to Mzaar ski resort’s 18), it often gets overlooked. This winter, come find out why The Cedars is a well-kept secret for ski enthusiasts worldwide.

For a relatively small resort, The Cedars packs in great range and variety. There’s something for everyone here, from beginners seeking ski lessons to advanced snow sport addicts looking for some heady black-level slopes.

The Cedars features great cedar forests — a tree that appears on the Lebanese flag and is emblematic of the country. It’s perfect for nature-lovers. Another great attraction at The Cedars is the selection of Swiss-style chalets and other great lodging options.

Come ski at The Cedars on any budget! Here are three of our top picks in every price range:

1) Best budget option: Mon Refuge Hotel and Chalets

A great value for price, Mon Refuge Hotel and Chalets is a budget-friendly choice with a homelike atmosphere and warm, welcoming staff.
Proximity to The Cedars: just a five minute walk from  ski lifts
Price: from $41

2) Best midrange option: Cedrus Hotel and Suites

A top-rated ledge in The Cedars, Cedrus Hotel and Suites delivers for those who are seeking wintertime fun and cozy atmosphere. It is only a short drive away from Qornet El Saouda, the highest peak in the middle east at 3088 meters. Enjoy the warmth of the lobby’s hearth and the flavors of the hotel’s restaurant.
Price: from $141

3) Best Splurge: Cedars Palace

Pamper yourself in the elegance and luxury of Cedars Palace, a premier lodge in The Cedars with a true alpine wonderland feel. Choose from one of ten of the lodge’s suites, and wake up to your own private view of the majestic mountain and ski resort.
Price: from $364

When planning your winter getaway in 2012, think Lebanon. Get a little farther off the beaten track at The Cedars ski resort and book your hotel in The Cedars with Lebhotels.com, where you’ll find the lowest prices online, guaranteed.

Looking for the perfect souvenir or holiday gift in Beirut? Find something totally unique, artistic, and handmade. This Christmas, you’re invited to the AFKART Christmas Lebanese Designers’ Exhibition. It will be held at BIEL HALL 3, every day from 4pm until 10pm from December 16 through December 22.

This annual Beirut event is organized by AchtART and the non-profit organization Beirut Association for Social Development. Its goals are to create income opportunities for up-and-coming craftsmen, artists, and artisans in the local community. Since 1998, the organization has been working on various social, economic, cultural, and educational projects in Lebanon with the objective of a higher quality of life.

This year, over 150 artists, designers, and craft businesses will be represented at the exhibition. Wander around exhibits such as Purpule Handmade, Nina Jewellery Line, Gracia’s Creations, G Accessories, Draw Me a Song, Cocoa & Co., and Awan tea, among dozens and dozens of others.

Female Knees | Sandra Kheir Sahyoun | achtART

This is the kind of exhibition that offers total sensory stimulation. Smell the rich aromas of artisan bath and body products, feel the fine textures of dozens of local clothing and fashion lines, and come hungry because there will be plenty of craft food, drinks, and desserts for sampling and buying.

Why get stuck at the mall this holiday season when Christmas shopping can be an unique and original art experience. Don’t miss the Afkart Lebanese Designers’ Exhibtion to find the perfect stocking stuffer for your loved ones or just for you.

Scarf Plisse | Nayla Moawad Ghazali | achtART

Find a hotel in Beirut in the exciting downtown district at the port of Beirut here on Lebhotels.com.  Book with us and stay tuned about all of Lebanon’s hottest events through our Lebhotels.com newsletter, blog, and Facebook page. We’re your one-stop shop for Beirut car hire, airport pickup services, and the greatest selection of hotels in Lebanon to be found online.

November 22 marks the date upon which Lebanon secured independence in 1943. This years is the 68th anniversary of the event and, as with previous years, the date will be celebrated around the country.

The capital – Beirut – is home to some of the largest celebrations on this, one of the most important public holidays in the Lebanese calendar. Events usually revolve around a major military parade which makes its way through the city. Last year, fighter jets flew overhead while commandos demonstrated their training and skills whilst suspended from a hovering helicopter. Dignitaries from the Arab world and further afield come to pay their respects to those who suffered for Lebanon’s independence and to celebrate the continuing prosperity of the country.

Downtown Lebanon - photo by Abdallah K, Flickr

In addition the parade and top brass, the average Lebanese family also make a point of celebrating their heritage and love for their country on November 22. Flags are prominent, as are the national colors of red, white and green. Singing and dancing fill the streets, schools and homes of Beirut, and many families sit down to enjoy special meals together.

Visiting Beirut during the annual Independence Day celebrations will provide an angle on the city that view travellers get to experience. Most businesses are closed, so while the celebrations themselves are ongoing it’s worth just relaxing and trying to take in as much as possible.

If you are keen to take part, we recommend staying in a downtown Beirut hotel. This will put you in the heart of the action and will minimise the amount of time you need to spend moving around, which can be difficult due to the number of people present. The hustle and bustle of the festivities is all in good fun, but it’s also nice to be able to get back to the peace and quiet of a top Beirut hotel at the end of the day.

If you fancy venturing outside the capital, you’ll find Independence Day celebrations all across the rest of the country. Byblos, Tyre and Tripoli also play host to events.

If you’re thinking about planning a holiday in Lebanon toward the end of November, we’d advise you to be aware of Independence Day and, if possible, to build it into your plans. Celebrating Beirut style isn’t something that everyone gets to experience, so if you get the chance you should grab it with both hands!

This year, the holiday of Eid al Adha will be observed from Sunday November 6 until Tuesday November 9. In Lebanon, Monday November 7 is a bank and government holiday, and Tuesday Novemeber 10 is government holiday.

For those who are unfamiliar with this Muslim religious holiday, Eid al Adha is the second of two Eid celebrations each year. The first one, Eid al Fitr, marks the end of the fasting season of Ramadan, and it was already celebrated on September 1, 2011. The Eid Al Adha holiday, whose date is also determined by the Islamic lunar calendar and varies each year, begins with the ending of the annual Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca worldwide.

Whether you’re observing the solemn spirituality of the Eid al Adha holiday or simply visiting Lebanon during this holiday observed, a long weekend is the perfect time to take vacation getaway into the countryside of Lebanon.

The cozy Mzaarville Chalets are perfect for celebrating Eid weekend with the family

With the long weekend of Eid al Adha in mind, lebhotels.com has come up with an unbeatable package deal for celebrating the long Eid weekend in the deep relaxation of the mountains of Mzaar and Faraya village.

For a limited time, you can book one night of accommodation at Mzaarville Chalets and receive one hour of ATV touring free! It’s the perfect getaway for families looking for something truly thrilling for the kids and also deeply relaxing for Mom and Dad at the same time.

With a one-night stay at Mzaarville Chalets, get one hour of ATV ... free!

Take advantage of your holiday time this early November and book the Mzaarville package deal or another one of our discounted package deals today. This and other package deals end November 10 or 15, 2011, so this is your chance to enjoy the best hotel/activity combinations that Lebanon has to offer at an exclusive package deal price that can’t be beat.

Read more about our exclusive package deals
Read more about holidays and events in Lebanon

Fans of factual films and documentary lovers from around the world rejoice! The annual Beirut International Documentary Festival – or Docudays – is nearly upon us again.

Celebrating its tenth year as a major event in the calendar of Lebanese cinema, Docudays takes place over 5 days. Starting on December 15 and running to December 20, the festival promises to bring together a number of thought-provoking and inspirational works from film-makers living and operating throughout Lebanon and the wider Arab world.

Hosted in the Al Madina Theatre, the event takes place in the heart of downtown Beirut. Located on the bustling and popular conduit of Hamra Street, the theatre will be showing the cream of the crop of films submitted for the judge’s approval earlier this year. As this is the event’s tenth anniversary, there is also expected to be a certain amount of reflection on some of the outstanding contributions that have been put forward since the festival’s inception, including some special showings of the most popular films.

Previous winners at the festival have included Aline Kouyoumdjian, who took the award in 2000 for her film ‘Black & White’, and Sandra Madi, who won in 2009 with ‘Perforated Memory’. The festival is a high point of the social calendar for arts lovers and draws celebrated individuals from across the Middle East.

If you’re a film fan or a documentary aficionado, you owe it to yourself to take in some of the works of art on offer from some of the world’s greatest emerging talent in the field of factual filmography.

The festival can be enjoyed as part of a winter break to Beirut, where balmy Mediterranean temperatures are sure to keep any blues at bay. The Al Madina Theatre and the bright lights of Hamra Street are within easy walking distance of some of Beirut’s best hotels, and the charming marina district is also nearby. A couple of days enjoying the cultural highlights of Beirut is also the perfect complement to an extended ski break in Lebanon.

Another of Beirut’s cultural highlights is the Beirut Exhibition Centre, located on the other side of the marina waterfront. This space houses conventional gallery displays, in addition to specially organised arts events.

We here at lebhotels.com aim to keep you updated on any and all major upcoming cultural events across Lebanon, such as the upcoming ART DECO fair that we recently profiled. Stay tuned to this blog, follow us on Twitter or like us on Facebook to keep yourself in the loop.

What makes Beirut, Lebanon a premier business travel destination? Beirut events and venues attract industry professionals from all over the world. Beirut is ideal for trade shows and fairs. This month, it is proud to host the annual ART DECO 2011 trade fair.

The ART DECO fair will take place at the Beirut International Exhibition and Leisure Center from 13 Oct 2011 to 16 Oct 2011. The four day even is a leading trade show in the design industry. Producers and suppliers from across the industry will be arriving from all over the world to exhibit. This event is organized and hosted by Promofair S.A.L.

Vintage Art Deco postcard from Beirut

This year’s lineup of participants is long. Expect representatives from all over the world of design: If you are in the field of architecture, interior and exterior design, home deco, furniture, storage solutions, etc, don’t miss this great business opportunity to share and connect.

Exhibitors so far come from a diverse range of businesses. Among those represented will be: artificial flowers, air conditioning equipment, false ceilings, decorative lightings, lawn and garden equipment, swimming pool equipment, handicrafts, floor polishing, bathroom fixtures, bedding, furnishing, interior fabrics, wallpaper, carpets, doors & windows, kitchen cabinets, stone & granite, and more!

Design students, young talent, industry influencers, and specialists of all kinds will be present. Register as a visitor or exhibitor today. And be sure to book your hotel in Beirut with us!

Do you have your own business or conference event to organize? Contact our events specialists to help you coordinate your professional business conference in Beirut.

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.

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!