Last week I was lucky enough to have a stay at the Four Seasons here in Beirut.  In my previous post I wrote about the lovely hotel and the best night sleep I’ve had since I’ve been in this city, but of course I didn’t stay locked in my room the whole time (though honestly that wouldn’t have been the worst thing in the world).   A girl’s got to eat, right??…and get a spa treatment.

Let’s start with the pampering.  The Spa at the Four Seasons is a full service spa offering massages, body treatments and facials. You will also have access to their fitness center as well as a steam room and a dry sauna.

Water bucket in the Dry Sauna

The Spa has seven relaxing treatment rooms including one that is set up for couples complete with its own attached bathing/changing area.

One of the relaxing treatment rooms

The Spa is located on the second floor of the hotel and when I stepped out of the elevator I was met by Charbel who kindly gave me a thorough tour of the facilities. At every turn the staff made me feel welcome with the offer of fresh teas, dried fruits and comfortable areas to just relax and take my time.

Water, towels and robes on offer in the spacious locker room.

I ended up trying the 60-minute Ancient Influence massage which focused on the chakra points using hot stones and a lightly scented oil that I was able to select.

Before my massage treatment, I was able to select my favorite scent to add to the oils.

While the massage was very relaxing (I know I drifted off at one point because I woke myself up with a slightly unladylike snore) I probably would not choose that one again as I am a fairly tactile person and this massage involved a bit too much oil for my liking. Also, this treatment is designed to use lighter pressure while I typically like mine a little more towards medium to firm.  But what I would choose again is the massage therapist who worked on me. Her name is Mirna and she was the epitome of kindness.  Friendly and welcoming, she was very attentive without being imposing. She did an excellent job with my massage and I would definitely recommend her if you stop in for a treatment. Thank you, Mirna!

One of the worst parts about a massage is when it is finished and I have to peel myself off the massage table and head back into the real world.  Luckily, The Spa makes that process a little less painful by providing relaxation rooms to enjoy after or between treatments. It was happy to prolong the experience a bit by lounging in a comfortable recliner while enjoying a few dried apricots and cup of tea.

Detail shot from a treatment room

Of course getting pampered works up an appetite so I had to check out some of the restaurants on the property.  I took advantage of a warm May evening to grab a few drinks and Asian tapas at The Roof located 26 floors up on the top of the hotel.  Give me a tent and a sleeping bag and I’d happily camp out there for a few nights.  I really loved it up there!  That night was a little too cloudy for a proper sunset, but still there were great views of the city and the marina to be enjoyed.

Grab a cocktail and pick out your next yacht from The Roof

The highest pool in Beirut @ The Roof

The Roof is a perfect place to come for a relaxed evening cocktail with friends and co-workers any night of the week.   A renovation was completed there a few weeks ago and the results are fantastic. You’ll notice dark wood flooring, comfortable lounge areas, cool blue lighting accented by flames floating in the pool and above the bar.

The main bar at The Roof…

…and the rolling mini bar that comes to you.

While the view and the atmosphere were top notch, the drinks and food were not quite as high in my book.  While one could choose to order a $1660 bottle of Johnny Walker, I opted for a margarita, my favorite cocktail.  Unfortunately, this one was a little too far from its homeland (Mexico) to be very good.  It was too watery for my taste. Luckily I was much happier with my second choice, a flute of 

I couldn’t help myself! I ate two of these delicious shrimp dumplings before I could take this picture.

The crab wrap had a good flavor, but the wrap part was thick and difficult to bite through, which could be potentially embarrassing if you’re trying to impress your dinner guest. The chicken dumplings were a little bland and I think there were other more impressive things on the menu that I will try next time (because I will be definitely be going back to The Roof while I’m in Beirut).

The next day I stopped counting calories and splurged on a delicious lunch at the more formal restaurant, The Grill Room.

Table Setting at The Grill Room

This restaurant is known for its superb steaks, but unfortunately, I’m not know for eating superb steaks.  While I’m sure its some of the best you’ll find anywhere, I opted for a fish dish instead. Let me  assure the non-red meat crowd out there, you will not be disappointed here. My main dish of sautéed sea bass with dill, grape tomatoes, potato slices and fennel was light, delicious and cooked perfectly.

My main dish of sautéed sea bass.

I also added a starter of tuna tartare, grilled mushrooms for the vegetable dish and I had to have a side of the Mac & Cheese due to one essential ingredient: black truffles. I simply can’t pass up a dish that includes truffles.

Light and delicious. Tuna Tartare on top of avocado

I truly enjoyed everything, though I’d say the Sea Bass and the Tuna Tartare were my favorites.  The Macaroni & Cheese was actually very tasty, but I wish the truffle flavor would have been stronger.  And just when I thought I couldn’t eat another bite, the dessert menu shows up.  Well…I might as well try something. Although I was tempted by the profiteroles, I decided to try the Apple Tart which was made up of apple slices cut razor thin on top of a thin pastry. It was a lite finish at the end of a full lunch, though I found it to be a little dry. The vanilla bean ice cream on top, though, was delicious and in my opinion, made the dish.

Wrapping up the meal with an apple tart.

Honorable mention should also be given to the loaf of fresh bread served at the start of the meal. Warning: for anyone like me who’s a carb addict, you may want to stay far away. Its so good that I nearly went into the kitchen to see if I could stash a few loaves in my purse for later.

While you’re at The Grill Room, keep your eyes open for Jessica, the restaurant manager. She made a point of stopping at each table during lunch and chatting with the guests. Sometimes this process seems a little stiff and formal, but Jessica is a natural when it comes to small talk. I overheard her speaking with guests in what seemed like flawless Arabic, French and English and each time she had the guests smiling when she left the table.

A final cup of coffee gave me just enough energy to hoist myself out of my chair and head back to my room to gather my things.  It was a lovely visit and I left with a great impression of a property that I’m happy to recommend to anyone traveling to the amazing city of Beirut.

Disclaimer: My stay and services at the Four Seasons – Beirut were paid for by the property, but all opinions expressed here are my own.