Tuesday, 14 June 2011

Lebanon’s “Luxury” Redefined Resort




After a long and painstaking week, there is nothing like hitting one of Lebanon’s high end beach resorts for a little sun, water, and pampering.  I spoke too soon.
At first I though I was the odd one out, and didn’t want to mention any names, but then I came across this blog:
and thus got a green light to trash the place.
Orchid, one of Lebanon’s posh beach resorts is located in the Jiyeh area slightly south of Beirut.  It is an exclusive resort that sticks to a strict door policy of 18 and above and requires previous reservations, especially on weekends.  With magnificent landscaping, different leveled structures, private areas that include huts and Jacuzzis, and a white finish that gives off peaceful vibes, Orchid is a must visit for anyone in Lebanon; seriously! 


Even though my first experience at Orchid was exceptional, this time, there was no justice in comparing.  Beach beds are laid so close to each other that you find yourself rubbing elbows, and a little more, with a total stranger, the pool – only pool – would run as a private pool for some villa, but instead its used to accommodate a couple hundred guests, and the service is so bad that you have to change your drink three times before you get a bug-free glass, the right amount of cranberry, and the complementary nuts and carrots.


Then comes the notion of Premium V/s Luxury.
I’m a person who doesn’t mind paying a premium price for premium products, and services.  In fact, I prefer paying extra to ensure that the place I'm visiting, product I’m buying, or serving I’m getting is at a high standard.  But I refuse to be “sheeped*” and pay a premium price for a name that claims to be luxury when it is just a reputation from smoke.
Being in a swimsuit is already uncomfortable; a feeling that is maximized when you are being watched by perverted eagle eyes.  People around you who claim to be wearing sunglasses to shield the sun, are really wearing them to hide were their eyes looking.  That applies for both guys and girls. 
And again, wedgies are normal, Speedo’s are the “It” fashion for men, and making out in the pool is everyone’s favorite pass-time.
I just hate the sleazy, sex-oriented, see and be seen, showy, braggy attitude most of this Lebanese generation is at.
BLEKHHH!!  
*Sheeped: It’s a word translated from the casual Lebanese jargon that means being cheated, schemed on, and treated like a dumb barn animal; the sheep.

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