Insider Edge: Insider Escapes

In summer, drive a short way up the coast in the direction of Tripoli to Byblos (Jbeil) – and swim and snorkel amid submerged Phoenician ruins. Wander along the beach, and eat at Pepe’s Fishing Club.

Or, in winter, instead of skiing in Farayya with the hordes, fun though that can be (and Lebanon has no less than 6 ski resorts including Laklouk, the Cedars, Faqra and Zaarour) - drive the approximately 45 min up to Falougha, in the mountains of the Chouf, making frequent stop-offs along the way to stock up on great local produce from the little Druze-run shops with men in traditional baggy trousers selling amazing organic olives, labneh, zaatar, honey, pollen etc etc – the Fortnum and Masons of the Chouf, clearly – they can charge a bomb, but its divine. So be warned – you can end up paying a “mere” $20 for a jar of cedar honey! Emergency roast chicken purchases for the upcoming picnic, straight from the spit of a roadside restaurant, with accompanying garlic sauce.

Arrive to stunning panoramas with the ski resort of Farayya in the background. Distinguished-looking villas, with the panoramic three-sided windows, reinforced glass balustrade on the balcony, minimalist modern fire place, burning away. Houses located right on the edge of a hillock, with panoramic views and huge windows on all sides, filled with the beautiful antiques and pictures from all over the world. Little walks in the snow… And the air – wonderful.

Image courtesy of www.bybloscafeandgrill.com