Eddesands Wellness Resort in Lebanon

In June of 2018, I spent my two-week vacation in Lebanon and stayed with my niece and her lovely family. They live in the ancient Port City of Byblos, or Jbeil as the Lebanese people call the city.

That vacation was the best I ever had. It tops all other vacations I ever took.

On a hot summer day, my niece and I had lunch at the Mon Maki A Moi restaurant in Byblos where we ate delicious Japanese food. As we sat chatting, we decided to do something different.

We opted to spend half a day at the Eddésands Wellness Resort that is situated on the beach of the Mediterranean Sea next to Byblos City. My niece and her family live in Byblos city, so it was a 15-minute drive from her home.

We went on a weekday just the two of us, without her kids. Her sister-in-law took them to play with her children.

Located in Byblos, Eddesands Hotel and Wellness Resort is on the beach. Roman Colonnades and Byblos Castle are local landmarks, and some of the area's attractions include Our Lady of Lebanon Cable Car and Dream Park.

Eddesands has a natural stretch of rich gardens and unique architectural landscape decked with walkways and sand stones on the clear blue water of the Mediterranean Sea. I still remember, in vivid colors, the breathtaking beauty of the surroundings.

From the moment my niece drove her car by the entrance sign, she took a downward winding road shaded by palm trees, for three to four minutes, before we got to the reception area. All in a quiet environment.

The expanse spreads over an area of 100,000 square meters with:

• Five major swimming pools
• Eight beach-front bungalows with roof-top terraces
• Three suites by a circular pool
• Nine deluxe poolside rooms
• Ten Cabanas with Jacuzzi
• Hotel with 28 rooms
• Eight restaurants
• Indoor Ballroom, and
• Indoor heated pool.

I was taken by the beauty, the degree of comfort and ease, and the high standards of luxurious services they provide.

Their éTropical Spa has two settings for spa treatments:

• The Indoor Spa that has traditional arches and an Ayurvedic feel; and
• The Outdoor Spa, which is an extension of the breathtaking natural environment, where you can have your treatment under blue skies.

Roger Edde is the owner. He is an international property tycoon and an economic magnet. He started this project as an act of love. For him, it is a matter of prestige for both his beloved country Lebanon, and his hometown Byblos City, to have such a luxurious resort. He was inspired by the mythological history of Byblos, and his plan to help the failing local economy.

Eddesands Resort is the prime destination for local, regional, and international tourists. Their prime customers are the elite of the Arab world from the Gulf, Egypt, Iraq, Syria, and Jordan. Business has been reduced by 40% since the war started in Syria. Roger Edde has to invest his own money to keep his pet project alive.

As a former yoga teacher, I was intrigued by their consultancy team and wellness retreats. You can find, all year long, a differentiated experience with:

• Personalized spa treatments at the éTropical Spa with packages in relaxation, slimming, and detoxification.
• Wellness meals prepared at La Pêche du Jour by wellness chefs and supervised by local nutritionist and food safety consultant.
• Nutritionist consultations.
• Yoga classes.
• AquaGym classes.
• Personal trainer sessions.
• Accommodation at one of their suites; and
• Workshops on various health and wellness topics booked.

There is so much to see and do that a whole week is needed to explore the settings and use available services.

What I loved most was the open blue sky, the view of the much-loved Lebanese mountains, the rich plant and animal environment, the exotic trees, and the different kinds of fish swimming in ponds.

My niece and I are in regular contact. She is like a daughter to me. We sometimes remember how wonderful it felt to be in such a gorgeous environment.

If you ever visit Lebanon, you really must try to spend a day at Eddesands Wellness Resort.