L’Ancre Seafood Restaurant – The most beautiful view in Jounieh

One of my favorite spots in Jounieh has to be L’Ancre.  This restaurant is ideal for both lunch and dinner with a stunning view of the bay of Jounieh all the way to Beirut.  If you look down to the rocks below, you’ll see fishermen collecting their catch of the day.

We spent the day today enjoying the view at L’Ancre but with such a stunning view and plenty of family pictures to take, I completely forgot to take a picture of the view alone.  But I found this beautiful pic of the view at night on the net. 

This spot is a must if you are a seafood fan.  Call ahead for reservations on 09855529.

Internations.org for Expats

Calling all Expats in Beirut!  I recently joined a community of expats all over the world that really make an effort to network and close the gap in distance.  So far I’ve been to one of their gatherings and I was happy to see that there is a quite large expat community of people in Lebanon from all over the world.  Many are originally Lebanese that have been living outside, many are foreigners who have moved over for a job and there are also many Lebanese who travel frequently that like to meet new people.  The website has a forum for each city in which members can gather, post and meet other expats.  Internations is originally German yet is available to most cities around the world.   You can apply to be a part of  Internations.org or visit them on their facebook group.

Links to Love: Marc & Angel Hack Life – Practical Tips for Productive Living

I love this site!  It’s a breath of fresh air to receive such inspirational words, lists and guidelines on a daily or weekly basis.  Check out some of the most popular posts according to their readers.  www.marcandangel.com.

• 30 Things to Start Doing for Yourself
• 50 Things Everyone Should Know How To Do
• 18 Things I Wish Someone Told Me When I Was 18
• 30 Things to Stop Doing to Yourself
• 50 Questions That Will Free Your Mind

Kimantra Spa – Dbayeh

I’ve been out of action for the last year although I have come across alot of treasures in Lebanon.  One of which is my ultimate relaxation haven called Kimantra Spa.  It initially started for women but recently opened up for men as well.  I’ve tried everything from Balinese to Thai to Ayervedic massage but I always come back to the Balinese as its my favorite. 

 This cosy little spa has a very rustic look set in burgundy and purple colors and dark brown wood.  The atmosphere is filled with calming scents and enchanting music.  Massages can range from $60 to $120 depending on time and detail required.

For more information, visit their website  or call them on 04-546654.

Lebanon by Bike!

This weekend, I accompanied a good friend on a Harley Group Ride across the mountains of Lebanon. There’s a sentence I thought I’d never say.  After the experience, I can safely say that you have not experienced the beauty of nature or the true value of Lebanon’s beauty until you’ve seen it in open air with nothing else but the crisp mountain air between you and your view of breakthaking views.  Moreover, it really brings out the child in you.  I couldn’t stop smiling for the entire ride and neither could any of the passerbys who were taking video and pictures of the 100 bike convoy. 

We started in Achrafieh, drove up through Aley to Hamana, then to Dhour el Choueir, Bekfaya and Jeita Grotto for lunch.  The ride lasted a good 6 hours but was worth every minute.  I’m happy that I did it on a winter day because the colors are so much more vivid and the mountain air is therapeutically fresh and clean.

Unfortunately for most of us, you need to own a Harley to get to ride with this friendly group or you can ride on the back.  Otherwise, just rent a motorbike, take a friend and go explore the mountains.  This experience is one that shouldn’t be missed.

Fab Find: Rue Hamra Earrings

I was browsing through FB and came across these really cute and unique earrings.  They are made by Zinab Chahine who creates handmade jewelry, totes, clothes and purses with a touch of Lebanon.  Check out her collection in her Facebook Group CTRL + Z.

One Traffic Law Closer to a Safer Lebanon

I’m loving the new traffic laws in place.  The last week on the roads haS been safe, less stressful and quite funny to watch.  Noone seems to dare try to go over 80km/h or cross red lights due to the new radars placed throughout the country.  Speed limits can range between 40 and 60 km/h in the city and 80 to 100km/h on highways.  Fines start at 50,000LL and can range up to 5,000,000LL for higher speeds.   To ensure you aren’t accumulating any tickets without knowing, visit www.isf.gov.lb and enter your license plate number.

Thalasso Caviar Facial at Habtoor

The Thalasso Caviar facial at Habtoor Elixer Spa makes for an excellent gift and a great treatment for special occasions.  Not only is it one of the most relaxing experiences I’ve tried in a while but the result is glowing radiant skin that can be enjoyed for months. 

The treatment which lasts for 1.5 hours includes a skin assessment of your needs, scrub, deep cleansing, mask of caviar products specially designed to lift, purify and renew and an additional collagen mask for the eyes if required.  In addition, clients enjoy a relaxing and stimulating massage on the face, neck and shoulders as well as the arms. 

The cost of this specific treatment is $120 with an additional $50 for the collagen mask.  The price may seem steep but it is definitly worth every penny for women and men of all ages as each facial is customized to the needs of your skin.

Post treatment, enjoy some of the most innovative facilities I’ve seen to date such as the arctic room, the amazon rainshower and the hotbeds to name a few. 

For more information, contact the Grand Habtoor Elixir Spa on 01-500666. 

 

Time to Unwind!

With summer days giving way to winter nights, its time to unwind! The best way I know how to unwind is invest in a good pampering treatment to destress, energize and ultimately find a way to reverse all the mistakes made during the summer (ie. sun, late nights, alcohol, great fattening food and travel).

Some of the finest spas in Beirut have opened their doors to Shop Talk Beirut to experience some of the best treatments on offer.  Of course, the market for beauty & relaxation in Lebanon is large and has an amazing variety in terms of location, price and services but the experiences in the next few posts are a great place to start.   

If spas aren’t your cup of tea, there are also many other ways to unwind such as new restaurants, activities, pubs and excellent travel offers.

Enjoy!

Dr. Scholls Fast Flats

Dr. Scholls knows how to cater to women!!!  I’m so excited to get my hands on their latest product, Fast Flats, because I will never be one of those girls that puts beauty over comfort.  I don’t think they are available yet in Beirut as they just launched in the States.  The product includes two very flexible slippers that are rolled up and tucked into a trendy carryon that can fit on your wrist, in your purse or in your car.  Love it!