This Gorgeous Stay in Lebanon’s Batroun Was Once an Abandoned Home

It’s a known fact that Egypt’s Alexandria has come to be known as the ‘Bride of the Mediterranean’ amongst both poets and vacationers alike, but could the greatest of the seven seas perhaps be a little less monogamous and a little more polyamorous? While we’re unfamiliar with the marital whims of the sea deities, we can at least be certain that if that position were vacant, Lebanon’s Batroun would swiftly occupy it. 

A historical port city, Batroun is amongst the Levant’s most culturally relevant coastal hubs, and – in recent years – has slowly grown into a tourist favourite. Though, it still remains in a somewhat relatively obscure position on the global map, at least when compared to more commercially popular MENA tourist destinations.

Yet, for those who seek a more intimate and authentic coastal experience, Batroun holds a secret that whispers through the salty sea breeze—Sea Salt Batroun. Nestled along the shores of this picturesque port city, this guest house, which cut the proverbial ribbon in 2021, was once an abandoned home left to rubble and ruin until a group of locals decided to pass the rough and eventually saw the diamond.

Vowing to respectfully preserve its historical past, Sea Salt Batroun’s founding fathers decided to keep its cavernous stone arches, reminiscent of Mediterranean Greek taverna, and pair them with raw wooden accents spread throughout the premises. 

Across its six spacious studio rooms, the refurbished boutique stay offers an escape rooted in history but one that does not shy away from modern opulence, with the ‘Maris’, ‘Lesba’, and ‘Salinis’ suites being equipped with their own private jacuzzis for the ultimate private relaxation. 

Given its location in the heart of Batroun, Sea Salt Batroun is a few steps away from the Old Souk, where you may treat yourself – and your loved ones back home – to a variety of memorabilia and homegrown products. Or, you could choose to indulge in a variety of local restaurants and cafés serving authentic Lebanese cuisine instead. 

Yet, if frolicking around the ancient city is (for reasons we can’t fathom) not your priority, you can give your body the rejuvenation it yearns for through Sea Salt Batroun’s own spa, appropriately named the Sea Salt Spa. 

Located on the top floor of the guest house and overlooking the azure vista, the spa offers everything from soothing massages and facials to body scrubs and wraps, all with the comforting woosh of waves of the Mediterranean in the background, and the oh-so-sweet knowledge that you are indeed on vacation and not obligated to reply to those 57 emails any time soon.