Listening to your mind and body when it’s begging for a break is essential for maintaining optimal health and preventing extreme levels of exhaustion. For that, some will head to a bar for a quick cooler and to unwind, while others would rather spend a day at home, honoring their own needs and desires to rejuvenate, rest, and reach the ultimate state of relaxation they’ve long been craving. For us, our new favorite way to escape, recharge, and ultimately feel better, is by pressing the pause button on the demands of daily life and embracing its calmer sides by booking a retreat at the SAKINA guesthouse.
Nestled in the heart of Mount Lebanon, in Fatqa to be more precise, just under an hour away from the country’s capital, Beirut, the recently inaugurated space is proudly earning a reputation for being a much-needed breath of fresh air. As the Cedar State is still having to come to terms with the crash of its own banking system, staggering levels of inflation coupled with shocking levels of currency depreciation, resilience adamantly is the keyword of the moment as the nation relentlessly strives to find peace of mind by any feasible mean possible. And the hidden gem is determined to become a sanctuary of solace and serenity amidst these challenging times.
Born during the pandemic, the site was traditionally enjoyed almost exclusively by family and friends living in neighboring villages, but has gradually earned the trust of locals as the spot started opening its doors to guests from the rest of the country, region, and world, to revel in the splendor that makes it the ultimate laidback destination that it is today.
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“My family and I actually live a few minutes away from Fatqa, which means that we’ve always been close to it,” Serge El Douaihy, founder and manager of SAKINA told MILLE. “The land initially belonged to a church, and our family used to rent it out for private use over the years to gather, plant trees and vegetables, and relax. Unfortunately, it was quite messy and full of litter, hence why my father decided to clean it all up and eventually create the space we have today,” he revealed.
With such connection to the land, the household began transforming the once-neglected space one step after the other, appropriating it through respect for the surrounding nature while also embracing its deep-rooted heritage. Taking it mainly upon themselves to uphold the beauty of their soon-to-become second home, without any specific blueprints to follow, the El Douaihy family engaged with residents, who should more appropriately be referred to as family friends, to co-create and shape the vision for the guesthouse and share its beauty with as many people as possible.
“During the pandemic, my dad built the small houses that are there today to keep himself busy,” he confessed, sharing that it was both a labor of love and a way to channel his energy during uncertain and unstable times. Little did he know that these small houses would evolve into the wholesome guest accommodations that now welcome visitors from around the world. “Once the pandemic was over, and we saw how things were shaping up, we collectively decided to add a pool, create a restaurant, and eventually turn the spot into a guesthouse. It was never a real plan that was thought of ahead of time, it was more of a hub for friends and family that we decided to extend to others,” he recalled.
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As the patriarch of the family was already accustomed to working with wood, and the son had just recently completed a degree in architecture in London, the dynamic duo, with the help of villagers, used each one of their specialties and savoirfaire, and combined them with the sole objective of bringing to life the charming and thoughtfully-crafted accommodations that now line SAKINA.
“It’s been a very organic build-up,” El Douaihy admitted, highlighting the sustainable tangent and eco-friendly focus SAKINA proudly boasts. He explained that while working towards the creation of the hotspot, his father was adamant on not wanting to cut a single tree down, which obviously influenced the way in which they eventually envisioned the guesthouse, its architecture, and its overall impact on the environment.
Despite not catering to any other specific demand in the market other than their very own, their family-oriented approach and dedication to environmental consciousness have struck a chord with like-minded travelers seeking a genuine and eco-responsible escape while simultaneously upholding a certain level of standards without ever having to compromise on quality nor values.
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“It was never thought to be a profitable business, or even a proper business per se, at all. We didn’t want to use the cheapest products we find on markets as we would’ve been the first victims of their poor quality,” he mused. “But at the same time, we didn’t have the pressure of creating something ultra-luxurious that is no longer sustainable. It was just common sense to reach out to local businesses, ones that surround us, to source high-quality materials and support our community whilst being as ecologically responsible as possible.”
And the same rationale is seemingly applied to those they eventually hire and entrust with the care and well-being of their guests, as well as the overall operations, maintenance, and conservation of the retreat. Understanding the heightened importance that lies within creating a holistic experience in the mountains, as much as the aesthetic does indeed matter, for SAKINA, mood and ambiance do as well if not more. There, members of staff not only carry out their duties but also share in the El Douaihy family’s vision and values. And, where better to look for dedicated individuals than the tight-knit communities surrounding the guest house itself?
“There was a focus on staff members coming from surrounding villages, for several reasons, one of which is the fact that since 2019, commuting has become incredibly expensive in Lebanon,” El Douaihy disclosed. “Add to that the fact that there is no real public transportation system, it would’ve been close to impossible to hire anyone outside of our area. However, despite the challenges, even if there was a way for people to come from all over Lebanon to work at SAKINA, I think it’s also important for us to have people from the village here,” he continued.
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“If you look at the staff, most are in fact students, working either seasonally over the summer or all throughout the year. It feels like since SAKINA is here, it’s become a real add-on to the area. They usually have a soft spot for the site as yes, they work for money, but they also do indeed care for it as if it was theirs— which it is to some extent. It’s extremely important to have that aspect as it preserves the family spirit it started off from. Without it, it would feel very different, so I’m very glad to have all these people with us along this journey. There are so many people at SAKINA that are involved, without necessarily having a hierarchy. We have job descriptions, but at the end of the day, we’re far from any kind of bureaucracy, which builds a sense of camaraderie and collaboration among the team and knits links across the villages.”
As you can imagine, we couldn’t resist but try it out for ourselves when passing through the Mediterranean country last month, and given the glowing reviews and reputation that preceded our visit, our expectations were high. We reached out to see whether the hype was worth it, and guess what? It indeed was. For that reason, below, seven reasons why an escape to SAKINA should be at the top of your summer bucket list.
The Location
Sat at an altitude of 600m in the Kesrawan mountains and less than a 40-minute drive from Beirut, SAKINA’s location offers the perfect balance between accessibility and serenity, making it an ideal retreat for those seeking a quick escape from the city’s hustle without compromising on the beauty of nature. The stunning views, fresh mountain air, and peaceful ambiance create an immersive experience that lingers long after you’ve left, leaving you refreshed and rejuvenated. Whether you want to embark on adventurous hikes or simply unwind in the tranquility of the surroundings, SAKINA’s convenient yet secluded setting will fulfill your desires for a peaceful and soul-nourishing getaway.
The Farm
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The founders of the guesthouse also took the time to build their very own farm surrounding the complex, which, according to El Douaihy, “has always existed in that space, even before SAKINA” came to be. While it turned out to be practically impossible to supply the restaurants with their own crops, as we were told that it was substantially more expensive to harvest their own vegetables on such a large scale, instead, the products that make their way out of the garden are used to boost their drinks. It’s these small but thoughtful details that showcase their commitment to providing a genuine and immersive experience by making every sip a celebration of nature’s abundance.
The Drinks
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Their seasonal signature cocktails, to obviously be enjoyed when lounging by the pool, add a delightful aromatic touch of freshness and authenticity to the entire retreat as the ingredients are either locally sourced or harvested on-site. The guesthouse’s alignment with its own ethos and ethics, all the way from the sustainable infrastructure to the flavors in your glass, is not only a commendable effort but a unique aspect that truly sets SAKINA apart.
Our favorites? The locally-made Gin Basil, a classic refreshment in Lebanon that tastes like the essence of summer; the Berry Lavender, made of white wine, mixed berries, lime juice, and Prosecco; and the Spice Mangorita, a tropical twist on the classic Margarita cocktail with the added spiciness of hot pepper and the sweetness of fresh mango.
The Food
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It’s worth noting that a great amount of attention was placed on the quality of food at SAKINA as, in El Douaihy’s own words, “after the crisis in Lebanon, it has become quite difficult to trust a restaurant on their food as cases of food poisoning have become far too common following the shortage of electricity and repeated daily cuts.” However, that should not represent any kind of fear when on-site as solar panels and generators have been placed around the entire complex to ensure a reliable and uninterrupted power supply to the kitchen.
As we already mentioned, the first people they aim to please are those that have helped built the guesthouse from the ground up (read: their very own family and friends who have been integral to the creation of SAKINA). The idea of maintaining a high standard is deeply ingrained in their philosophy, if they are not convinced nor pleased by what it served, who will be? As regular customers at their own eatery, it seems as if they treat each guest as an extension of their own family, ensuring that every plate served embodies the same love and care they would offer to their nearest and dearest.
What we tried:
For starters
Watermelon Halloumi, a bite-size entrée with slices of watermelon topped in grilled halloumi and drizzled in pesto sauce, is perfect to help you cool down after a warm day laying under the sun.
For mains
The Beef Tenderloin, which instantly melts in mouth when paired with the chef’s recommended wine. It is served with café de Paris sauce, a butter-based concoction distilled in mustard, dill, parsley, and garlic, as well as homemade French fries.
The Farmer’s Chicken is a rich and hearty portion of grilled boneless chicken, baby potatoes, and mushroom, infused in rosemary and the same succulent sauce you can find in the tenderloin beef. It’s made for those with an appetite that craves comfort and flavor, reminiscent of the warmth and comfort of home-cooked meals.
The Pool
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Situated on the edge of the resort with breathtaking views of the majestic mountains in which the retreat is nestled in, whether you’re basking in the sun or taking a refreshing dip, the pool at SAKINA offers an idyllic and serene oasis that truly embodies the spirit of relaxation amidst the nature’s splendor. Opt for a leisurely swim or simply put your feet up by the pool with a good book— the area provides a picture-perfect escape that’s both Instagram-worthy and a dream come true for nature lovers and travel enthusiasts alike.
The Accommodation
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With prices ranging from $140 to $200+ a night, accommodation at SAKINA does indeed come at a relatively hefty cost. However, the value of the overall experience, the service, and the opportunity to support a sustainable practice make it a worthwhile investment for those seeking a relaxing and responsible escape. The maisonettes, as they like to call them, are made out of wood and surrounded by centuries-old trees, providing an aesthetic charm that complements the natural beauty of the location. They are thoughtfully designed with modern amenities that offer a unique blend of heritage and eco-friendly comfort.
It’s also worth noting that the guesthouse is pet friendly, which comes at no extra costs, it provides free parking for its guests, all-day access to the pool, and includes a traditional complimentary breakfast in the morning in which you can expect homemade labneh, man’ouché, freshly-squeezed juices, a mouth-watering selection of local cheeses, and more.
The Peace of Mind
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Tucked away from Beirut’s bustling rhythm and constant honking, one of SAKINA’s strengths lies in its ability to transport guests into a world of much-needed tranquility and natural beauty. When you step through its doors, you are instantly embraced by a sense of serenity that seems a world away from the capital’s hustle and bustle. Its location, in the heart of Mount Lebanon, offers a secluded escape that allows guests to disconnect from the distractions of city life. Meanwhile, lush greenery and breathtaking views provide an ideal backdrop for relaxation and introspection (and photo dump content). Creating a space where nature takes center stage, the harmony with the surroundings fosters a sense of mindfulness and appreciation for the environment that only seems to exist in dreams, or almost exclusively at SAKINA.
