Escape to Paradise: Your One-on-One Luxury Getaway in Lebanon's Dhour Choueir
Escape to Paradise: Dhour Choueir, Lebanon – My Chaotic, Luxurious Getaway (Spoiler: Totally Worth It)
Okay, buckle up, because I just got back from "Escape to Paradise" in Dhour Choueir, Lebanon, and my brain is still buzzing. This isn't a polished travel brochure; this is me, post-spa glow, trying to make sense of it all. Honestly, it was a whirlwind. I’m still trying to sort out the difference between a body wrap and being swaddled in heaven.
First things first: Accessibility. Let's be honest, I'm a klutz. I’m not in a wheelchair, but clumsy and steps are my enemy. The website says facilities are available for disabled folks, but I'm skeptical until I see it. (Note, I'll update you as soon as I figure out where I can verify that aspect.)
They have a Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], and Valet parking, which is a huge deal, especially in Lebanon. Navigating the roads solo is… an experience. Having someone else park my car was a luxury I embraced wholeheartedly. They also have Airport transfer and a Taxi service, which makes arriving and departing infinitely less stressful.
Getting Around? Forget public transport, it's a whole thing. Driving the car is best. As someone who is not used to driving in Lebanon, the valet parking was a lifesaver.
The Internet, The Lifeblood (Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!) Okay, okay, this is important. They offer Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!, which is a must in my book. Forget trying to wrestle with a sketchy connection. The Wi-Fi's also solid in public areas (Wi-Fi in public areas), and they had Internet [LAN] and various Internet services. I'm not sure what those fancy "Internet services" were, but the Wi-Fi worked, so I was happy.
Rooms, Rooms, Glorious Rooms! (And the little details that make a difference)
My room? Chef's kiss. Seriously. Imagine a room designed for maximum chill. They have Air conditioning, thank GOD. The Air conditioning in public areas was a blessing. It comes equipped with Additional toilet, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone (who even uses those anymore?), Bathtub (essential!), Blackout curtains (sleep is important!). Carpeting, the Closet, Coffee/tea maker, and Complimentary tea were all there, because of course. Oh! And Daily housekeeping – which is the best thing. No more making my own bed on vacation! Desk, Extra long bed (I am a tall person!), Free bottled water (hydration is key), Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities (because wrinkles), Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking (whew!), On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels, Scale (the dreaded holiday surprise!), Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed (thank you!), Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone (again… who?), Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], and a Window that opens. I’m probably forgetting something. This place is packed with amenities.
Food Glorious Food! (And sometimes, a slight hiccup)
Alright, let's talk food. If you're a foodie, you're in for a treat. The Restaurants offer a serious culinary adventure. They have A la carte in restaurant, Breakfast [buffet], and a Breakfast service. The Breakfast takeaway service made a huge difference, I really appreciate them offering me a simple takeaway breakfast when I want to start my day by the pool. They have an Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Bottle of water, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, and Western cuisine in restaurant.
I ordered room service at 3 AM one night. It was a lifesaver. The food was delicious, and the service? Impeccable. I'm a fan of room service.
A confession: I requested a specific dish one evening, and it wasn't quite what I expected. It had a slightly… unusual texture. But, hey, no place is perfect, right? Also, there are Alternative meal arrangement options.
Things to Do? Ways to Relax? Oh, Honey, Where Do I Begin?! (My Soul Needed This)
This is where "Escape to Paradise" truly earns its name. The Spa is… well, it's a spiritual experience. Seriously. I went deep.
Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, and Swimming pool [outdoor]. It's a sensory overload, in the best way possible.
The Pool with view…OH. MY. GOD. Picture this: Infinity pool overlooking the mountains, a gentle breeze, a cocktail in hand. I spent an entire afternoon doing exactly that. It was pure bliss. It was the pinnacle of self-care. I emerged from the pool a new woman, softer, happier, and slightly sun-kissed. That pool alone is worth booking the trip.
The "One-on-One Luxury" Experience (Getting Personal)
This whole concept is designed for relaxation, privacy, and feeling pampered. The service is personalized. They really do cater to your every whim.
Cleanliness and Safety? Absolutely! (Because 2024)
The hotel takes cleanliness and safety seriously. They use Anti-viral cleaning products, and they have Cashless payment service. The Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, Hot water linen and laundry washing, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, the Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Shared stationery removed, Staff trained in safety protocol, and Sterilizing equipment all gave me serious peace of mind. COVID is still a thing, and their dedication to keeping guests safe is admirable. I mean, the attention to detail was just… reassuring.
Other Services & Conveniences
They have Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities (I didn't use them, but they're there), Cash withdrawal, Concierge (who was incredibly helpful with arranging excursions and giving me advice on safe routes for driving), Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests (I still need further details about that), Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center. This place truly spares no expense.
For The Kids (If you dare bring the little monsters)
They have Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, and Kids meal, so yes, it's great for families. But personally? I went solo for a reason.
Safety & Security?
It's reassuring to see: Access, CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Check-in/out [express], Check-in/out [private], Couple's room, Exterior corridor, Fire extinguisher, Front desk [24-hour], Hotel chain, Non-smoking rooms, Proposal spot, Room decorations, Safety/security feature, Security [24-hour], Smoke alarms, and Soundproof rooms.
Getting Around?
They offer Airport transfer, Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, and Valet parking.
**The Minor Annoyances (Because No
Ahmedabad's BEST AC Dormitory? Charyana Hotel's Secret Revealed!
Alright, buckle up buttercup, because this ain't your grandma's meticulously manicured travel itinerary. We're going to One to One Hotel in Dhour Choueir, Lebanon, and let's be honest, it's gonna be a ride. Don't expect pristine organization, I'm still trying to figure out what I packed five minutes ago.
The Almost-Plan (aka Day 1: Arrival & Altitude Adjustment)… or, How I Almost Became a Sherpa
- 7:00 AM (ish): Wake up, because jet lag is a cruel mistress. I somehow managed to convince myself that this tiny, vaguely-comfortable hostel bed was going to hold me. That was a lie. Check the email confirmation, then double-check it, then triple-check it. Okay, it's all as expected. Hopefully.
- 7:30 AM: Breakfast. Whatever's being served. I'm not picky, as long as it has coffee. If not, I will be cranky.
- 8:00 AM: Flight to Beirut. The airport situation is always a gamble. Praying I don't get stuck next to a screaming baby or a guy manspreading across three seats. Fingers crossed, eyes crossed.
- 10:00 AM (ish – give or take a few delays, because, you know, it's the Middle East): Land in Beirut! Breathe in the Lebanese air… and maybe hold your breath a little because, depending on the day, traffic. The first adventure: navigating Beirut traffic. Okay, deep breath. Found the transportation, a chaotic taxi ride to our pre-arranged meeting point, it was quite a bit of work.
- 12:30 PM: The Road to Dhour Choueir. Now, the drive! The scenery is supposed to be breathtaking, mountains, and everything. I'm already mentally composing a travelogue with dramatic descriptions. Realistically, I'll probably just be staring intently out the window, trying not to get carsick.
- 2:00 PM: Check-in. Hopefully, the hotel actually is what it looked like online. I've been burned before. The desk clerk is a charming, slightly-smirky local. Okay, maybe he already smelled my jet lag.
- 2:30 PM - 4:00 PM: THE ROOM. Unpack. Assess the situation. Is the bed as comfy as it looks? Is the shower pressure adequate? Does the view live up to the hype? (Spoiler alert: The bed was amazing. The shower, not so much. But the view… well, I'll get to that soon.)
- 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Wandering around the hotel, exploring. Finding the pool. The pool is gorgeous BUT freezing. Contemplating jumping in anyway because, you know, adventure. Regretting it immediately.
- 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Evening drinks on the balcony. Watching the sunset over the mountains. This is the moment. This is why I came. And it's… perfect. Okay, maybe I'll be back to my pessimistic self, or maybe this is real.
- 7:30 PM: Dinner at the hotel restaurant. Trying all the Lebanese food. The hummus is incredible. The tabbouleh is okay. The shawarma is divine. Am I going to eat myself sick? Probably. Do I care? Absolutely not.
- 9:00 PM: Staring at the stars. They are brighter than I've seen in years. Wow. I forgot what this feels like.
- 9:30 PM: Crash.
Day 2: Unearthing Dhour Choueir… AKA The Hike That Almost Broke Me
- 9:00 AM: Wake up. Breakfast. More coffee. Repeat.
- 10:00 AM: Explore the town. Dhour Choueir is charming, quaint, and filled with winding cobblestone streets. I'm immediately picturing myself getting lost and never being found.
- 11:00 AM: The Great Hike (or, The Moment I Realized My Cardio Needs Work): A local told me about a beautiful hike up into the mountains. Sounded great in theory. In reality, it was a test of my physical endurance. The scenery was absolutely STUNNING, but I was gasping for air most of the time. At one point, I thought I'd have a heart attack. Multiple times. Worth it? Maybe.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch in a little cafe after the hike. I'm starving.
- 2:00 PM: Stumbling back to the hotel, absolutely exhausted. I deserve that nap.
- 2:30 PM - 5:00 PM: Nap time.
- 5:00 PM: The pool, again. Getting used to the cold now.
- 6:30 PM: Happy Hour at the hotel bar. More local wine. Because I'm on vacation.
- 8:00 PM: Dinner. The food. Oh, the food.
- 9:30 PM: Stargazing and chatting with newfound friends.
Day 3: Day trip – The Ruins of Baalbek… or, How I Realized I'm Not Indiana Jones
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast. Load up on carbs. Today's energy, I will need it.
- 10:00 AM: Taxi to Baalbek. A bit of a drive.
- 12:00 PM: Baalbek! The sheer scale of the ruins is mind-boggling. I wandered around in awe, imagining the people who once lived and worshiped there. I tried to be "cultured". I learned a lot.
- 2:00 PM: I found a secret spot to just watch the ruins in the silence of the desert.
- 4:00 PM: Taxi back to the hotel. More traffic.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner.
- 7:30 PM: Packing, because I have to go back.
Thoughts, Ramblings, and General Messiness
- The Food: Lebanese cuisine is amazing. Seriously. Everything is fresh, flavourful, and utterly delicious. Hummus, falafel, shawarma, baklava…my stomach is begging for mercy, but my taste buds are in heaven.
- The People: The Lebanese people are incredibly warm, welcoming, and resilient. Despite everything, they're living their lives with zest and humour.
- The Scenery: The mountains are breathtaking. No photos will ever do it justice.
- The Hotel: One to One is a lovely place. Simple, clean, and with some great views.
- My Emotional State: A rollercoaster. Jet lag, cultural differences, the sheer beauty of the place…it's a lot to process. I'm exhausted, exhilarated, and slightly overwhelmed. And also, extremely happy.
- Imperfections: There will be delays. There will be traffic. There will probably be miscommunications due to the language barrier. Embrace it! These are the things that make travel interesting. It's a journey, not a slideshow.
- My Favorite Part: The sunsets over the mountains. The stars at night. They're just…unbelievable.
- Would I Come Back? Absolutely, without a doubt. Maybe next time I'll actually learn some Arabic.
- Final Thoughts: Go to Dhour Choueir. Go to Lebanon. It's a place that will get under your skin, in the best possible way. It's chaotic, beautiful, and unforgettable. Now get out of here.
Escape to Paradise (Dhour Choueir Edition): You've Got Questions, I've Got... Well, Answers. Mostly. Maybe. Look, it was amazing!
Okay, so "Paradise" is a big claim. Is it *really* that good? Like, actual paradise good? Spit it out!
Alright, alright, settle down. "Paradise"... look, it's *close*. Dhour Choueir, with its mountain air and those views... yeah, it's pretty damn good. It's not like, angels with harps and a golden gate kind of paradise. More like, sipping a ridiculously good Lebanese coffee on a balcony overlooking a valley that makes you want to weep with joy. Actually, I *did* almost weep. Twice. Once from the view, and once because I accidentally spilled coffee all over my favorite shirt. Paradise can be messy, okay?
What's the "One-on-One" part about? Does that mean I get to boss everyone around? (Asking for a friend... mostly.)
Ha! While I understand the appeal of a personal army (believe me, I do!), "one-on-one" doesn't mean you get a squad of butlers at your beck and call. It means *personalized*. Think intimate experience. Tailored to *you*. They actually take the time to figure out what you want. My friend, Sarah, is obsessed with stargazing. They set up this whole telescope situation for her! Me? I needed a massage. And a LOT of coffee. They delivered on both. Ruthlessly.
I'm a picky eater. Can they handle that? 'Cause I eat, like, *nothing* except plain pasta and… well, you get the idea.
Okay, look, even *I* get a little judge-y about picky eaters. But, yes! Absolutely. They cater to dietary restrictions. Tell them you're allergic to *everything* (just kidding, don’t do that) and they'll still probably make you something amazing. They're seriously good. Sarah, the stargazing fiend (yup, still bitter about the telescope), is vegan. They had vegan everything! And it didn't taste like cardboard! (Which is a win!). They’ll work with you. Just, maybe… *try* a little something new? You might surprise yourself. Honestly, the food alone almost made me move in permanently.
What's the accommodation like? Is it a dusty old chalet or a modern palace? (I'm hoping for palace.)
Palace might be a *slight* exaggeration. And I am not a fan of being overly grandiose. But, the accommodations are incredible. Think luxurious but understated. Cozy, but with space to breathe. I stayed in a suite with a balcony that overlooked the entire valley. It even had a fireplace. *A fireplace!* I mean, Lebanon isn't exactly known for its brutally cold winters, but still… It was perfect. Okay? It was perfection. The bed? Cloud-like. I may or may not have fallen asleep during my massage, on pure principle alone. Just saying. And the details… oh, the details! Fresh flowers, plush robes, and a minibar stocked with every kind of sugary delight imaginable. Someone had to tell me to stop eating the Baklava. It was me! I was the one eating it!
Tell me about the activities. Do I have to go hiking? I hate hiking.
No hiking unless *you* want to! Thank God! They offer a range of activities. Massages? Definitely. Cooking classes? If you're into that sort of thing. (I was not. I prefer eating.) Wine tasting? Essential. They even organized a private car for a day trip to a vineyard in the Bekaa Valley. (That was *amazing* wine, by the way.). Did I mention the massage? Because like, seriously, you MUST get the massage. They even offer guided tours of the local area, which I will admit, was pretty interesting. I learned things. Things I'd probably forgotten within, oh, an hour. I'm not good with history. But, hey, there are people who remember all of that stuff. And the pool looked lovely. I just never got around to it. Priorities, people! Priorities!
What's the best part? The *absolute* best? Tell me *one* thing I can't miss!
Okay, this is tough... because honestly, the whole experience was just... *chef's kiss*. But if I *had* to choose... one thing... it's the feeling. The *feeling* of complete and utter relaxation. Of being completely disconnected from the real world. Of knowing that every single need is catered to. It's the feeling you get when you finally exhale after months of holding your breath. It's the feeling of… being genuinely *cared* for. And it's the coffee. Don't forget the coffee. Oh, and the smell of the pine trees. And the sunsets. And the... See? I can't choose just one. Go. Just go. You won't regret it.
Any downsides? Gotta be *something* that's not perfect.
Alright, alright. Fine. Nothing's *perfect*. And I'm a bit of a contrarian, so I'll dig deep. Okay, here's the "downside". Leaving. Seriously. That's it. The only downside is that you have to eventually *leave*. I almost didn't. I considered staying there. Permanently. Living off of Baklava and perfect massages. That was seriously my whole plan. Good thing friends and jobs exist... in the real world!
Would you go back? Be honest!
Are you kidding me? Do you even have to ask? I'm already planning my return. Saving up. Lapping up every moment of the memory of that experience. And trying to figure out how to make Baklava at home that even remotely compares. It's on my bucket list. It's on my "If I win the lottery" list. It's on my "Escape the world" list. So, yes. Absolutely. Without a doubt. Go. Seriously. Book it right now. Before I do.
Okay, okay, you've convinced me.... but... is it *expensive*?
Yes. Let's not beat around the bush. It's not a budget trip. It's aBook Hotels Now
