Skiing in the Middle East anyone?
You won’t find it in any ski brochures but Lebanon is a destination that might appeal to those who are getting fed up with the crowded slopes of the Alps and are desperate to try something different.
Admittedly anyone travelling to Lebanon will have to check their travel insurance will cover them as the Foreign Office advises against all but essential travel to some parts of the country.
However, there is no travel ban in place for Beirut, which is just an hour’s drive from the Cedars Resort, making it a reasonably convenient base for trips to those who want to combine a city break with trips to the self-styled ‘Switzerland of the East’.
Located in the centre of Beirut, the Gefinor Rotana hotel gives guests the option of spending the day skiing followed by an evening in the city’s souks or relaxing in the hotel’s rooftop spa.
The hotel offers guests a special ski rate from £54 pppn including transfers, ski passes and ski rental. Accommodation starts at about £61 per night.
Further details can be found at rotana.com/gefinorrotana.
Anyone travelling to Lebanon, including Beirut, is advised to read the Foreign Office advice first at its new web address www.gov.uk/fco.
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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