The evolution of guest houses in Lebanon is not something new to the country. Lebanon’s open home concept was a significant part of travel to Lebanon for many decades. Today, the ideology of guest houses evolved into painting the heritage and true culture of lebanon’s history and transforming the beauty of the country into its’ popular cuisine and hospitality. The way around Lebanon, is through it’s guesthouses and there are a dozen of them. The key is, to pick the right one that matches the exact state of mind that you are looking for. 

Souk El Tayeb, an open farmers’ market concept launched its own guest house by Kamal Mouzawak, Beit Douma. The activities helping Lebanese women transforming their lives doing what they love through his kitchen. Some are non-profit and some are profitable but his goal and moto in life is to enjoy what mother earth has to offer us in the simplest way yet entrepreneurial.

Beit Douma is a home with 6 rooms and the purpose is to enjoy the serenity of the batroun countryside and the fresh ingredients in his kitchen that you help prepare daily. There is only one room at the garden floor which we took, the rest are located on the second floor of the an old, traditional Lebanese house that has been restored in a simple and subtle way. The oldest part of the ground floor dates back to the 18th century, and some of the original Summaqi stone floor remains in the library. The original Hharounn has also been preserved – a hole in the floor that when filled with hot coals heats the room.

Spend the morning picking up fresh fruits and vegetables from the garden where you can help prepare breakfast and bake a cake together

The kitchen is an open and light-filled space where breakfast is served, and where home guests are invited to give a hand to prepare lunch or dinner. 

The library is filled with cook books and ancient history books

Guests are also welcome to help themselves from the tea and coffee counter, which always has one or two desserts at hand

The first floor is centered around the Dar, which looks out towards an endless view of Tripoli and the sea through typical Lebanese triple arches

Home away from home. Five rooms are available on the first floor, each with its private bathroom.

Douma is a Lebanese village located at an altitude of 1150 m. It is 80 km from Beirut, 30 km from Jbeil and 43 km from Tripoli. Douma is a part of Batroun District and is known for its special location in a valley surrounded by mountains. Almost all its houses are made of red brick. It enjoys a unique temperate climate praised by physicians as the ultimate place of medical refuge. Its ground is rich and welcomes all sorts of plants especially and has an abundance olive trees, grapevines and apple trees.