As Beirut wakes up to the Mediterranean summer and the beach clubs begin preparations for a peak season entertaining the city’s ‘pretty people’, the marinas are also on standby, with a gleaming selection of elegant yachts. Powered polished and ready for potential rental clientele.
The Lebanese boating season begins in May, after the Beirut Boat Show, and cruises until the end of September, and the good weather continues long after the beaches of the western Mediterranean have been left in the hands of Riviera fans and elegant old ladies. with groomed poodles. Beirut is a city that doesn’t sleep, and where appearances matter, so spending the day sleeping on the lounger of an 80-foot Azimut is perfect after the ‘after party’ before the day gets off to a good start with an exquisite dish. Seafood and a glass of Moet at one of the trendy beach club restaurants.
This is Beirut on the water. Glamorous and delightfully accessible from the two main marinas: the sprawling La Marina in Dbayeh and the elite Solidere near the center. Take a yacht from a 50-foot sports car to a luxurious 200-foot one and plan a program that includes a relaxed cruise, a stop for lunch ashore, and cold cocktails served by the crew as the sun slowly sinks over the horizon.
Beach clubs along the Lebanese coast are constantly moving upmarket with Oceana, Edde Sands and Orchid offering destinations with easy access to Beirut marinas. The Lebanese are smart, they have a privileged stretch of the Mediterranean coastline and the lack of offshore islands and quaint little ports does not prevent them from adopting a nautical lifestyle synonymous with the glamorous Italian and French Riviera. With complimentary shore boat transfers and award-winning chefs, there are plenty of good reasons to leave the yacht at anchor for a couple of hours and enjoy a sensational beach experience. Think Pampelonne on the French Côte d’Azur – style is all about making a grand entrance and this beats parking anytime!
Lebanon is a popular destination for expatriate Lebanese and visitors from across the region who love the exotic combination of the Mediterranean environment with a Middle Eastern flavor. The Lebanese’s relationship with the sea is as old as the Phoenician ruins that dot the coast and although the joys of being in the water are more hedonistic than commercial these days, the spirit of Neptune continues to attract all who embrace this country. and its unique heritage.