As a self confessed “Lebophile” it is a pleasure to share with you my love of this extraordinary country. I was lucky - I married in, but for the visitor, Lebanon has so much to offer and suites every taste.

 Not much larger than Wales, Lebanon sits on the Eastern Mediterranean, a narrow 200km coastal strip boarded by Syria and Israel/Palestine to the South. The coastal plain is the location of the major cities such as Beirut, Tripoli, Sidon and Tyre. Just 20km to the East are the foot hills of the Jabal Loubane, the Lebanese mountains, a beautiful and rugged region in summer with vast snow fields and excellent skiing in winter and home to the famous Lebanese Cedars.

Further to the East is the fabulous Bekkaa valley. Rich with vineyards producing superb vintage wines, the valleys fertile soil warm summers and mild rainfall means that pretty much anything can be grown and it is the source of the fresh fruits and vegetables that makes Lebanese food so distinctive. Many would claim the Bekkaa as the Garden of Eden – and certainly the Romans where impressed building probably the most impressive temples outside of Italy, Baalbek (Heliopolis) to celebrate its bounty - feeding the Eastern empire.

Truly and country for all seasons, Lebanon enjoys a balmy Mediterranean climate with approximately 300 days of sunshine a year. Winter is mild on the coast but as you enter the mountains temperatures drop to create an Alpine climate, loved by the ski enthusiasts.

On the cross roads between East and West this lush and fertile land has since ancient times been both the cradle of civilization with the Lebanese city states predating those of Greece, as centres of trade and a fiercely independent nationhood.

Often occupied, but never conquered, 5,000 year ago it was the home of the Phoenician civilisation whose sailors traded throughout the Mediterranean particularly with the Egyptians who traded Lebanon’s fragrant Cedar wood for religious rituals and building Royal Sun boats to the afterlife, in exchange for papyrus used for parchment making hence the origins of Byblos considered to be the oldest city in the world.

Lebanon offers the tourist a treasure trove of world famous archaeological sites.  Egypt, Rome, Greeks, Crusaders, Arabs, Turks, French – event the British have all left their mark on the land and the locals show a genuine pride in showing off their rich heritage.

Un-crowded and inexpensive, and more over accessible, you are free to explore sites to your heart’s content – or you can for a few dollars hire a multilingual guide who will point out important features and explain their historical context. Even those without any great interest will be awed by the magnificence and beauty of the remains. With both Muslim and Greek orthodox religion established, religious and tranquil pilgrimage sites abound. 

Modern Beirut is vibrant and exciting, relaxed and cosmopolitan. The city boasts great clubs and entertainment. You can find great buys at the designer shops in the major shopping malls, or dig deeper   and you will find fabulous bargains in the gold and silver markets. Beirut cafe society – open hospitable and culturally unique. Whatever your tastes, Lebanon has it all: once you have experienced the country and its warm welcome, Lebanon will be in your heart forever.

Joumana's Kitchen has exclusive access to several a high quality three bedroom apartments located  overlooking the costal resort of Jounieh located only 15 km north of Beirut. With a fabulous panoramic view of the town below, this is the perfect base for your Lebanese holiday.  

Jounieh retains the charm of the past with its old stone souk area which has recently undergone a complete restoration and now you will find of outdoor cafes and restaurants amidst boutiques, artisan shops, banks, supermarkets and hotels of all categories. At sunset, the daytime charm turns into night-time glow; hundreds of restaurants, pubs and night clubs are scattered along the old bay side road from Jounieh northward to Maameltein. The area is crowded with fun and night life seekers all week long. The twinkling jewel of the area overlooks the bay and the "Casino Du Liban", recently restored to its former splendor.

The casino, its bars and restaurants are always filled with Lebanese and tourists, enjoying the night life, or going to plays or shows in its "theater hall", "Baccara" or "Salle des Ambassadeurs". Jounieh is a hub of fashionable Lebanese life style. As well as the cafes and shops which flank the seaside promenade and beaches, during the summer there is annual festival held in the pedestrian souk area, where music and dance can be enjoyed until the early hours of the morning. Another famous, but much less secular attraction, is the statue of Our Lady of Lebanon, towering over Harissa, while below, in Sarba, lies the Greek Catholic Sanctuary of Saint-Sauveur, built on the ruins of a Roman temple dedicated to Serapis.

CLICK HERE to view images and details of the accomodation. To make an enquiry please email: chris@joumanaskitchen.co.uk

Welcome To Lebanon!