Lebanon's Lifestyle, Beauty and Fashion Blog
I’m very happy to be featured in the August 2015 issue of Special Magazine out this Saturday. In the interview I’m attaching we discuss the idea behind Ivy Says, how it has evolved throughout the years and why City Centre Beirut is my preferred shopping destination in Lebanon.
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Check it out below and don’t forget to grab your copy!
A special thank you to the wonderful Special Magazine Team!
Read about my Big Reveal
More Ivy In the Press here
When it comes to hotels in Beirut, surprisingly your options are not as vast as one would expect from a country that relies so heavily on hospitality. You’d either have to check yourself into one of the usual larger five star suspects or take a gamble at one of the smaller less established “city” hotels with random, less comforting names that may leave you with a very bitter taste in your mouth, perhaps even literally.
Anyone who also travels to Europe frequently will truly appreciate the combination of location and trendy luxury. When you find a centered hotel that can actually offer both, you know you’re going to hang on it to it dearly. O Monot Luxury Boutique Hotel may have finally filled that gap in Beirut. It’s a true city hotel located on one of the most prime and convenient locations in the city, as the name suggests, Monot Street, especially for guests with limited time who don’t want to miss out on a thing. But it’s also a five star luxury boutique hotel, so there will be no need to compromise on service for location, whatsoever.
The place looks like it has taken a page out of Architectural Digest, the optimization of space and design will have you appreciating it as soon as you walk in. Don’t expect any of that over-the-top middle eastern decadent glamor and crystal chandeliers O Monot’s lobby is all about the understated minimalistic modern elegance, decorated with rich natural materials earthy tones, and with meticulous attention paid to every detail.
We were greeted by a courteous and well-spoken front desk clerk who gave us a quick tour of the hotel and showed us to our rooms. O Monot boasts 41 suites and we stayed at the very spacious and contemporary Deluxe Suite which came fully equipped with its very own Jacuzzi separated only by a glass wall with electronic blinds. The room was all-white and modern yet cozy and comforting.
The string of LED lights under the bed gave it a floating illusion and its upholstered taupe leather back provided the perfect rest for some last minute-blogging before we headed up to the rooftop for dinner.
O Monot’s Rooftop on 11th floor captivates. For starters the panoramic view is awe-inspiring, there’s no taking your eyes off the stellar chaotic urban vista that is so classically Beirut. But it’s the rooftop’s gorgeous setting that frames this scene so ideally. The zen furniture in light wood accents along with the purple and grey color combinations work so well with the background. The laid back 5-seater bar facing the miniature turquoise pool help make this setting so earthy and intimate, almost as though you’re in your own private patio.
A host of unfussy signature cocktails make their way to our table before dinner; with the Mojito and Margarita making lasting impressions. If you’re looking to enjoy a post-work sunset I definitely suggest you head there immediately.
The rooftop menu is mostly fusion food, with a creative variety of international favorites such as the marinated salmon with a side of greens, avocado and citron, the busy Thai Shrimp salad, the Filet de Boeuf with fries and a grilled seafood dish.
The following morning we had breakfast at the serene restaurant on the 10th floor, which also boasted its fair share of the city’s views. After some sunny side ups, scrambled eggs and jam and toast we headed up to the rooftop again for some sun soaking.The pool was cool and crisp just perfect for a quick dip while we sipped on our morning orange juice.
So whether you’re in Beirut for the weekend or got something special to celebrate or simply looking to kick back with friends over some sunset cocktails I highly recommend you head over to O Monot Luxury Boutique Hotel.
More Beirut Hotspots Here
I’ve been obsessing over UBER all weekend, making random people download the app, for two good reasons: the concept is brilliant and the service is practically flawless.
When I first heard about Uber coming to this city after being in more than 70 countries including KSA and Dubai my first thought was yeah right, it’s not like we don’t have enough cabs in Beirut. And I’m always skeptical about a technology orientated service in Lebanon in general. But here’s the common misconception, Uber is not a taxi company, it’s actually a private chauffeured car service that allows you to arrange every little detail of your ride though the mobile app.
How it Works:
It’s 7:40 pm and I’m at Pacifico in Monot having some drinks. I’m supposed to meet a friend in Deek Duke Ashrafieh at 8pm. But I’m really not in the mood to go through the hassle of getting on the phone and ordering a Taxi and giving him detailed directions and then unknowingly waiting for his “missed” call and passing on the phone to someone so they can give the right directions. And…and… and… Oh and one more thing, I don’t have any cash on me.
Uber cuts to the chase, the app allows you to pinpoint your location on a map and in a matter of seconds you will spot the driver closest to you on the screen. You will be able to view his photo and his vehicle model and make. It will show you exactly where he is and how long he needs to get to you. In fact you will be able to track him on a map as he approaches you. So you know exactly when to meet him outside. The app will even send you a notification once he’s arrived.
Why I love it
First, it’s cashless. For someone who’s always out of cash, I can’t tell you how convenient and fast it is for me to just hop in and out of a ride without a money exchange. That and the fact that you know you’re getting a standard rate, no rip offs or extras depending on the driver’s mood. All you need is a credit card that will automatically be charged when the ride is complete. The prices are seriously competitive with an average ride in Beirut costing you around $6 to $7 only, so you’re basically being charged by kilometer and minute. If you’re traveling with a friend who’s also registered you can pick the Split Fare option, where the app allows you to both share the cost from your accounts.
Safety
After a night out until 3am we need a ride home. In a matter of minutes, a driver in a Volkswagen Passat arrived to pick us up and drop us home safely for just $6. No waiting on the road, no drunk driving.
It’s not a Taxi
What makes this service even more brilliant is that fact that the cars are not branded, so you don’t get the taxi ride feel, but rather, you get picked up by a private luxury car with an elegantly dressed and well-spoken driver who greets and drives you to your destination.
Don’t forget to use my promo code “IvySays” to get $25 credit of your first ride here’s how
Most of us would make the hour plus long traffic-ridden stressful commute to either Jiyyeh or Batroun to enjoy a serene sun-soaking therapy session by the sea. But if you’re behind on your tan because you’d rather get pasty-white instead of going through the nerve-racking trip, then La Plage is your perfect alternative.
La Plage sits amidst the hustle and bustle of Ain El Mreisseh and embodies the posh lifestyle Lebanese are known to sport. Throughout the years it’s managed to stand strong as one of Beirut’s classic “see and be seen” venues, where the cities ’sexiest and toned bodies donning designer bikinis come to escape while still being in the center of it all. The place is not large but definitely adequate enough to give it an exclusive and cozy relaxed feel. A condensed pool and swim-up bar greet you as you walk in while a DJ Booth is strategically placed corner-side. If you’re like me and appreciate your space then I suggest you opt for the pier front lounge-area where you can stretch out on a full corner sofa and sun-bed with friends and enjoy unparalleled and unobstructed views of the Mediterranean.
La Plage boasts a list of fresh fruit cocktails and exotic punches which serve as the perfect refreshments. My personal favorite had to be the Fresh Coconut, which also included Lychee, Malibu, Rum and Coconut Cream.
After some intense tanning we made our way to La Plage’s Seafood restaurant situated only steps away from the pool and deck but visibly separated to ensure privacy, since it is also open to the public and not just beach-goers.
When I’m lunching by the sea, I have a classic selection of dishes I usually order especially when the spot serves Lebanese mezza and seafood combined. So we started off a crisp fresh bowl of the iconic Fattoush, a hearty bowl of hommos and juicy stuffed vine leaves.
I’m usually on the fence between Shrimp Provençale or fried ones, so we had both. You can never go wrong with a garlicky, lemony dish of fresh shrimps or a Fried shrimps rolled with vermicelli dough dipped in cocktail sauce.
As you’ve probably noticed by now I also have a thing for a golden portion of batter-coated fried Calamari with some Tartar Sauce.
For mains we shared a lovely dish of barbequed veal on a stick, which were as soft and tender as can be, smeared on the outside but pink and juicy on the inside.
And of course no Lebanese multi-course meal is complete without a mammoth portion of fresh fruits which really complemented the day so well.
Summer days are numbered so make sure to head down to La Plage for some good beats, great cocktails, fresh seafood and one of the primest tanning spots in the city.
Out of the hundreds of hotels that have set up camp in the Maameltein and Tabarja area, less than a handful are actually decent enough to recommend, in service, quality and reputation. So when Monte Cassino invited my man and I to be amongst the first guests to stay at this hotel which opened its doors back in June, we were taken aback by the grandiose establishment situated only a stone’s throw away from the landmark, Casino du Liban.
Monte Cassino is a luxury boutique hotel in Tabarja with an exterior that somewhat resembles a private Italian villa, with impressive pillars and a renaissance feel to it. The hotel boasts 12 opulent suites overlooking the magnificent Jounieh Bay with unobstructed views reminiscent of the Amalfi coast; steep green mountainous terrain and tranquil turquoise waters. Each suite is exquisitely designed for both comfort and convenience and also features its very own Jacuzzi either within the lavish washroom or right in the center of the suite. I was also pleasantly surprised to find that toiletries included one of my favorite ranges from The Body Shop.
After checking in to our room we made our way down to the Tulip Lounge for some fine dining. We kicked things off with glass of Chardonnay and a sumptuous dish of Beef Carpaccio on a bed of rocca with a lemon mustard dressing. I especially enjoyed the breaded calamari on some hommus, which I thought was a rather lovely twist to an otherwise classic dish. For mains I had a divine cut of Filet Mignon cooked to seamless medium-rare with a side of grilled vegetables and some splendid potato gratin. I also got to taste the orange salmon with a side of fluffy Basmati rice which I would recommend if fish is your thing.
We enjoyed more drinks on the lobby terrace before heading to Monte Casino’s new rooftop, SWAY, an effortlessly chic bar, lounge and pool area with a magnificent unrivalled 180 degree view of Jounieh and its surroundings. Just then the much –anticipated annual firework show began to mark the commencement of the Jounieh International Festival and let me tell you, we never before had the chance to experience it from what felt like a front-row seat. The rooftop began to get busier as more guests arrived and the DJ began playing some of the season’s hottest tunes as we were offered more drinks and danced the night away under the stars.
Following a great night’s sleep we had a continental breakfast in a glamorous area which happened to be my personal favorite, furnished in chic denim 50’s style. Most of the guests headed back to the rooftop pool which is open all week for those who want to soak up the sun.
There’s no doubt Monte Cassino will be at last upping the game in Jounieh, bringing much-needed elegance, standards and all-star service to a mediocre area that is seriously lacking in all three. All the while remaining effortless and elegant with none-of-that over-the-top tacky nonsense. It’s a true boutique hotel with a unique character that if remains meticulously managed at the same level will be raising the stakes.
More Reviews:
There’s something about the unfussy glamorous ambiance of the Four Seasons Beirut Spa that instinctively makes you want to throw off your shoes as soon as you walk into the door, splatter yourself on a flat surface somewhere and announce “take me away.”
Despite its luxurious five star status, the place exudes an ultra-chic effortless zen flair without coming off as too lavish for comfort, a place where you’re more than happy to turn your phone on airplane mode, put on a fluffy white Egyptian cotton robe and surrender. And that’s precisely what I did.
After detailing my preferences on a straight forward questionnaire the super friendly spa attendant led me to the marble clad locker rooms. It felt more like a changing room fit for a star. A dressing table sat in the center complete with an ample range of complimentary personal hygiene and essential products with every possible thing you would require post-treatment, from my favorite brand of hairspray to deodorant. Each detail had been carefully thought out. I slipped into my robe and a comfy pair of green slippers as I made my way to the steam room.
I was advised to give my skin a good five minute sit-in, namely to relax but also to get the steam to open my pores and sweat out toxins before my treatment began.
Five minutes was more than adequate to get me flustered and as soon as I exited the steam room, a cold bottle of water had discreetly appeared with my belongings. It doesn’t get more thoughtful than that.
My massage therapist was waiting right outside as she walked me to a large private massage room, one of seven the Spa boasts. As part of the relaxation treatment I was invited to soak my feet in a basin as she began an aromatic cedar-wood infused bath. Perfect.
I had opted for the Mediterranean Experience; it included a full body massage and an Arabian Exotic Purity facial treatment with Cedar wood essential oils and my personal favorite, extra virgin olive oil.
The full body massage was exceptional and delivered exactly what it had promised from foot to neck; balance and relaxation. The combination of that with the soothing music that played in the background put me on a natural high. To top it off, she concluded by massaging my feet with olive oil and wrapping them with more fluffy warm towels. I felt like a pampered baby.
Next came the facial, my skin was gently cleansed with a chamomile and lime, exfoliated and toned and hydrated with Rose Face Mist. Then came the eye lifting gel and a revitalizing face mask followed by a lovely massage and hot towel wrap and a velvety nourishing moisturizer. It was revitalizing to say the least. The entire treatment was performed exclusively with Sodashi products, a high-end chemical free Australian brand specialized in skin care and spa therapy, available at the Four Seasons Spa.
Getting up from that massage table was the hardest part after 120 minutes of pure bliss I didn’t think I was ready to face the world again. But I guess that’s why most respectable spas seat you in what I like to think of as the transitional room, a private lounge area where you can continue to experience the tranquility while nibbling and sipping on some tea and nuts and one of the best granola bars I have ever had, prepared at the hotel’s kitchen.
I couldn’t get myself to dab on makeup after that facial, my face was supple and firm, way too clean to be polluted, so I conjured up the courage to walk out makeup-free and happy.
The spa also offers an extensive list of massages from Traditional Thai to Swedish Massages in addition to a fabulous VIP couple’s suite with its very own private Jacuzzi , a perfect treat if you have something to celebrate.
I’m officially hooked, and I’ll be back for some more pampering soon.
To learn more about their spa packages you can visit Four Seasons Beirut here
Follow Four Seasons on Twitter and Instagram
Also check out my review of Four Seasons
There are two types of people in the world; the people who talk about making it happen and the people who actually make it happen. That’s Roula Nahas for you, the beauty and brains behind paRs, an inspirational (by-order only) line of charms that carry a series of empowering words you can keep next to your heart at all times: Dream, Faith, Love, Believe, Blessed, Success and Love, all towards one powerful underlying message; “Make it Happen”
And Roula sure did last weekend by throwing the brand’s advocates a delightful and intimate paRs-themed Champagne Brunch that was nothing short of fabulous. Guests indulged in a sugar feast by Vanilla Bean while we each rocked our favorite personalized paRs charms, mine being “Believe” in yellow gold surrounded by semi-precious stones. We also each got to go home with our own little chocolate jars designed as replicas of the charms. If you haven’t gotten your charm yet you can order it to anywhere in the world by getting in touch with the paRs through it’s Facebook page here.
