First, let’s put wellness and medical tourism into perspective. Wellness in the hospitality business generally refers to the spa with holistic treatments from mud baths to facials, a concept which has been operating successfully at Le Royal for several years now, supported by trained therapists and renowned natural products of Dr. Burgener Switzerland. Two years ago the Royal Spa introduced sophisticated slimming equipment and an in-house dietician, designing programs for locals and travelers who wished to lose weight, change their lifestyle and regain their health. Thus, the road to medical tourism was officially launched.

Recently, Le Royal Hotel went a step further and launched a complete Health Tourism package by partnering with the new, highly sophisticated Bellevue Medical Centre a general hospital in the vicinity, and Middle East Airlines. The package is aimed initially at Arab travelers who visit Lebanon for anything from plastic surgery and dental care to intestinal bypass operations, yet is set to attract a growing number of European tourists seeking excellent value for money. There are also partnerships with other specialized medical centers that will bear fruit in the near future. 

Potential growth in Medical Tourism is enormous. Lebanon is well known for its advanced medical services and internationally trained doctors. Most doctors in Beirut’s excellent hospitals have specialized in Britain, France and/or the United States. Medical tourists come here not only from the Arab world, but from Cyprus and Greece as well for a slimming cure right in the comfort of the Royal Spa. With the country having hit a record number of tourists last year, there is no doubt that non-seasonal medical tourism is set to increase and boost the hospitality industry. The travel and tourism sector must be ready to embrace these new challenges

LE ROYAL HOSTS PRESTIGIOUS EVENT FOR ’THE LEADING HOTELS OF THE WORLD’

As a member of this prestigious organization, Le Royal Hotel Beirut hosted Road Show for ’The Leading Hotels of the World’, emphasizing Lebanon’s role as a luxury travel destination and market.

In yet another positive sign regarding the tourism sector, Le Royal Hotel Beirut hosted a high-profile hospitality and tourism networking event on March 25 for the exclusive ’Leading Hotels of the World’ brand. The Leading Hotels of the World – of which Le Royal is a proud member – aimed to strengthen the ties between this prestigious organization and leading travel industry stakeholders through this event.

In addition, the presence of the Leading Hotels of the World (LHW) at Le Royal underlined Lebanon’s position on the luxury tourism map, as well as Le Royal’s presence as the first of two LHW properties in the country. The event brought together 25 general managers from some of the world’s most luxurious hotels, who networked with a privileged number of industry players in Lebanon and the local press.

This exclusive event helped travel agents, event organizers, businesspeople and hoteliers explore possibilities for both incoming and outgoing tourism, representing also an unprecedented opportunity for the Lebanese to familiarize themselves with the crème de la crème of hoteliers worldwide. The one-day event was followed by a sumptuous buffet dinner where local and foreign attendees had a chance to sample the culinary accomplishments of Le Royal’s award-winning chefs. Most importantly, the event resulted in many networking opportunities and promising agreements that will undoubtedly help promote the country as an international tourism player.

Lastly, it is worth noting that as a member of LHW, Le Royal is considered a first-class property worldwide, at the level of other prestigious LHW properties such as Grand Hotel in Milan, Hotel Fouquets Barriere in Paris, One & Only Royal Mirage in Dubai and the Ritz in London.

About the Leading Hotels of the World

MULTIPLE AWARDS DESCEND ON LE ROYAL BEIRUT

The property wins two major awards as Leading Hotel and Leading Resort at Dubai’s World Travel Awards, only days after its chefs won nine medals at Beirut’s Salon Culinaire!

There’s a strong feeling of pride and jubilation taking over Le Royal Hotel Beirut this year after having been voted both as the Lebanon’s Leading Hotel and Lebanon’s Leading Resort at the World Travel Awards 2009, held in Dubai on May 5.

“We’ve always worked very hard to exceed our standards and it is very rewarding for our management, staff and even guests to have received not only one, but two awards of great distinction,” says Nather Auchi, General Manager of Le Royal. “This proves that hard work and good hospitality are important for success, particularly in these challenging economic times,” he adds.

There were four awards for Lebanon in this year’s awards ceremony, and Le Royal managed to earn 50% of these among over a dozen competing properties in the luxury range.

The Voting process was done online, supported by a year-long communications campaign to encourage global participation. The votes came from 170. 000 executives working within travel and tourism, mostly from the travel agents. In 2009 the voting was open to the traveling public, although travel agent votes counted as two votes while those cast by non-industry voters counted as one vote. “This shows that the voting has been objective and accurate,” says Auchi. In addition, all votes have been internally audited by World Travel Awards to ensure the validity of each individual vote.

This year’s victories for Le Royal Beirut at the World Travel Awards have come at the heels of nine culinary medals for the property only days before at Horeca 2009’s Salon Culinaire, considered the most important regional hospitality show. “The multiple victories confirm Le Royal’s position as a luxury business and leisure resort in every respect,” says Auchi, “and my deep thanks goes out to all the hardworking management and staff, as well as to our loyal guests and partners who have shown their trust in us.”

If the solid bookings throughout the summer season at Le Royal are any indication, the luxury resort and spa complex with its Watergate Aqua Park are signs that Le Royal’s awards are truly well deserved, making the property proud to be an uncontested leader in the rediscovered Lebanese hospitality experience.

Le Royal takes weddings to new heights by winning the table-setting contest at Horeca 2009

Le Royal Hotel has always been known for its outstanding themed weddings and catering talents for special events. Yet the latest official confirmation came recently with the winning of the prestigious table-setting contest at Horeca 2009, the regional hospitality tradeshow which took place late last month.

Required to create a table based on creativity, innovation and sophistication under the theme of “design”, Le Royal’s wedding organizer Mathia Gebrane took up the challenge with prize-winning results: “I wanted something that was eccentric and artistic at the same time, yet with a more natural feel” says Mathia. This is why she decided to omit the traditional centerpiece, instead perforating the table with two circles and enriching it with flowers “in a funky up-and-down design”. A white table with red chairs added a more daring, modern twist. “In order to blend the extremes of pure design while respecting traditional table etiquette, the answer had to be a concept that remained minimalist and elegant yet creative,” explained Mathia.

As a result, the table-setting contest’s six judges from different hospitality and design backgrounds voted unanimously to elect Mathia’s work of art as the winner, confirming Le Royal’s supremacy in the field of wedding design and planning once again.

In a related development the highly creative and talented chefs of Le Royal also won a variety of gold and silver weddings at the Horeca Salon Culinaire, ensuring that any wedding at Le Royal will benefit from award-winning cuisine as well.

It is important to note that Le Royal proudly works with the finest suppliers in the industry related to the wedding field, from sound systems and flower arranging to entertainment and interior design.

Last but not least, special recognition goes out to all the Food & Beverage team at Le Royal, whose management and staff have worked in total harmony and dedicated follow-up to achieve success at Horeca 2009 and in exceptional wedding events throughout the year.

For more information contact Le Royal’s wedding organizer:

Mrs. Mathia Gebrane
+961 4 555127
+961 3 593706
Mathia.gebrane@leroyalbeirut.com

The ultimate slimming system has finally arrived!

With the coming of every new year, thousands of people make it their New Year resolution to lose weight and exercise, only to give up after a few days or weeks. At Le Royal there is a simpler, easier way to be slim and fit, without getting exhausted and losing hope.

Backed by the latest technology in weight loss and toning equipment, the Royal Spa is introducing a new “healthstyle” in 2008 for Lebanon with the Starvac slimming system. This is a revolutionary system that drains, heats, tones and shapes the body quickly and efficiently to yield fast results. In fact, Royal Spa clients can expect to see results in only 10 to 12 sessions with these machines, which in combination are guaranteed to accelerate blood circulation, tone muscle tissue, reduce cellulite and burn fat. According to professional, fully-trained instructors and physiotherapists at the Royal Spa, results can even be seen from the first session in most cases, depending on the metabolism and age of each customer. Once the 10 to 12 sessions are completed, customers will only need to come back after long intervals for maintenance sessions.

Beneficial dietary advice will also be given by the specialists at the Royal Spa in order to ensure a well-balanced, supervised health program.

It is worth mentioning that all the Starvac equipment, considered among the safest and most modern in the industry, has been approved by the European Union, as well as the FDA in the US.

Finally, in addition to the Starvac system, the Royal Spa offers a fabulous swimming pool, modern gym and a variety of treatments such as body wraps, facials and unique massages. This comprehensive slimming program, as with almost all facilities and treatments at the Royal Spa, are suitable for all adults, male or female, whatever their age. The program is administered in an ambiance of five-star service, and in one of the most magnificent spas in the country with a captivating, relaxing view of the Mediterranean Sea.

LE ROYAL MIRRORS ITS “MADE-IN-LEBANON” CULINARY SUCCESS

Le Royal Beirut’s winning Lebanese culinary team at Horeca 2009 proves that Lebanon is truly at the centre of the world!

Lebanon has always presented itself as a mélange between East and West, an inspiration to both hemispheres and a centre of unique creativity. Nowhere is this more true than with its cuisine, respected as one of the world’s finest and arguably among the top ten globally.

In a spectacular affirmation of its culinary sophistication, the exclusively homegrown team of Lebanese chefs at Le Royal Beirut, under the guidance of Head Chef Souhail Ghazal, scooped no less than nine medals for their culinary creations at the Horeca 2009 Salon Culinaire.

Imagine gold-medal canapés which on one hand include Mediterranean ingredients such as basil and sun-dried tomatoes, carefully paired with shrimp, trout, mango-ginger and goat cheese to name a few.

Borrowing on the best ingredients from all over the world yet with a Lebanese twist, gold status was also received for Le Royal’s seafood display: this included creations that fed the soul and palate such as ‘terrine of sole and fresh salmon stuffed with artichoke and mushrooms’ in addition to ‘saffron potato with asparagus mousse topped with crayfish.’ A panel of international judges from France, Spain, Italy and Lebanon handed out two silver medals for Le Royal’s six-course menus at the Salon Culinaire, commending again on the ingeniousness of East meets West. Winning dishes included the very original ‘Ostrich terrine with marrow chutney and poached snapper with fennel and fava beans served pot-au-feu style’ as well as the mouth-watering ‘Roasted veal loin stuffed with oyster mushrooms and caramelized leek potatoes’.

(Needless to say, visitors to Le Royal today can sample similar gold-medal dishes designed by Chef Souheil.)

Perhaps the Royal’s team winning touch was most present in the gold-medal dessert, a three-plated affair that played on Lebanon’s French heritage while keeping in line with local ingredients: ‘Chocolate mousse on a saffron biscuit with caramel nougat’ could be a winner by itself, yet it was matched with sumptuous ‘Layers of Sahlab cream on a bed of date biscuit’, as well as a delectable ‘rosemary macaroon stuffed with melted chocolate flavored with green tea, strawberry jelly and coconut cream.

’ This powerful triple creation stands witness to Le Royal’s superiority in the dessert domain.

Our country’s creativity, heritage and gastronomic excellence have always been admired around the world, and the hard-working “made-in-Lebanon” team at Le Royal has proved that Lebanon’s uniqueness in this respect is stronger than ever. Bravo to all the country’s talented chefs and their victories!

A Royal thank you for loyal clients

Le Royal Hotel Beirut launches the Royal Club program to reward its repeat customers and VIP guests for their loyalty and offer an outstanding hospitality experience

Voted as Lebanon’s Leading Hotel in the World Travel Awards 2009 as well as Leading Resort by its faithful clients, Le Royal Beirut is showing its appreciation to its clients – both current and future – by launching the Royal Club customer loyalty program. “We have earned these prestigious awards thanks to our customers’ faith in us around the world” says Joyce Mouawad, Director of Sales & Marketing at Le Royal, “and we want to show them how much we care for their continued support.”

With the program’s Royal Club Card, which confirms Le Royal Hotel Beirut as a member of the “Leading Hotels of the World”, guests can take advantage of many exciting benefits while collecting points that award them with free stays at the hotel, among several other services.

Because many of Le Royal’s guests are VIPs and dignitaries, this special Royal Club is also about offering distinguished services and added value to members. “This is why we’ve established a Silver membership and a Gold membership” adds Mouawad. While both levels allow guests to redeem points for overnight stays, special accommodation packages, spa treatments and car rentals, the Gold level includes complimentary airport transfer, access to the WaterGate Aqua Park and executive lounge (with a guest as well), in addition to free room upgrades.

“Le Royal is a luxury hotel that offers individual attention to our guests, and we want to show them how special they are” says Mouawad, explaining the concept of an “outstanding hospitality experience” for the guest in true Lebanese style.

Recently, in addition to the two awards, Le Royal has also received nine medals for its Food & Beverage team at the Horeca 2009 Salon Culinaire. Its reputation as a luxury resort with culinary excellence has been confirmed by global, independent experts. Now it is time to savor these triumphs with the guests!

Le Royal Beirut promises 15 days to a new you!
Experience a Royal “healthstyle” that promises 15 days to a new you!

Le Royal turns Beirut into the ultimate “healthstyle” capital of the Middle East

While the Europeans are busy heading to Karlovy Vari for a health cure, Middle Easterners are wondering where to go in their own region for an extraordinary spa experience. One of the Middle East’s best kept secrets is Le Royal Spa and its state-of-the-art slimming center, tucked away in the luxurious Le Royal Hotel in Beirut. The Lebanese, after all, know how to look their best and keep fit, as the Arab World considers Lebanese women and men the ultimate in style, fashion and fitness. With this in mind, Le Royal has launched a sophisticated body sculpture package titled “Reshape your body in 15 days.”

The art of healthy food

The Royal Spa has its own dieticians that asses each case and formulate the most appropriate diet accordingly. Light and healthy buffets with a twist of luxury are part of the spa, so is detailed advice on balanced meals for your body type.

The science of slimming

A proper health cure involves toning and shaping initiatives, enhanced through the very latest in fat reducing equipment, lymphatic drainage and thermolipolisis. In addition to Thermojet techniques, the Royal Spa is arguably the only one in the region to feature the revolutionary Starvac slimming system, which burns and drains fat while toning muscle tissue to shape the whole body quickly and efficiently. Equally important, it reduces cellulite to create a healthier, more confident person.

Spa for the body

In combination with a proper diet, a healthy life style that promotes fitness is a must. The Royal Spa offers a complete range of fitness equipment and programs that ensure a fit, toned body, in combination with the swimming pool, sauna, steam therapy and Jacuzzi that all contribute to general wellbeing and stress relief.

pa for the soul

In conjunction with the slimming center, the Royal Spa features a unique Turkish Bath for efficient body peeling and Dead Sea mud treatment. Meanwhile, the hot stone massage removes tension required to revitalize, while the hydromassage with rose petals enhances relaxation. A beauty salon with talented staff adds the final touches.

Accommodation in luxury

An important part of any cure is feeling good about yourself, which is why staying in a luxury hotel overlooking the Mediterranean, such as Le Royal, can be beneficial. Interactive television, wireless internet and superior room service are all part of the experience.

Power package

Le Royal is offering a special spa package in beautiful sea-view accommodation, which include a healthy breakfast and special health menus for the rest of the day. All spa facilities are free of charge with this package including one parking space, plus special rates for an additional room. As a bonus, guests will be part of Le Royal’s “Keep Lebanon Green” initiative which plants a tree in their very own name!

LOOKING ON TO GREENER HORIZONS, LE ROYAL BEIRUT INVOLVES ITS GUESTS AND STAFF IN THE REFORESTATION OF LEBANON

With the sun shining on Le Royal Garden, a reserve in Reshmaya near the Chouf where Le Royal Hotel Beirut has taken the initiative to help replant trees in Lebanon, the staff and management of the hotel got together on January 18 to launch the “Keep Lebanon Green” campaign. The luxury property also invited its esteemed guests – who showed tremendous interest – to the Reforestation Day so they too could to participate in planting trees and making a difference to the environment. As a reward, each guest and staff member got to a tree in their own name.

Among the notable personalities in Lebanon who joined the initiative were this year’s Miss Lebanon, Nadine Njaim, as well as television personality Claude Abou Nader Hindi. Representing the hotel’s management, Mrs. Hind Auchi was there to lend her support to the environment and help raise awareness among the staff and guests.

The friends and family of Le Royal also enjoyed a traditional Lebanese brunch made with plenty of organic ingredients, reflecting the natural bounty of the country and underlining the importance of a healthy environment.

Collaborating closely with the AFDC (Association for Forest Development and Conservation), Le Royal’s aim is to help make Lebanon green again, launching the one-year campaign today with the planting of 300 trees. The hotel complex is rapidly positioning itself as a leader in environmental causes in the region, and has plans to increase initiatives that will help make our country – and ultimately our planet – a better place to live in.

Dear Sirs,

Greetings from sunny Lebanon on the Mediterranean! While some people are not always aware of our country’s tourism potential, I would like to point out that Lebanon has been voted by the New York Times recently as the number-one destination for tourism. Representing a mosaic of cultures, cuisine, natural beauty and historical attractions, our enigmatic country has reclaimed its position as a ‘specialty’ tourism destination for sophisticated travelers, which is set to attract a record of over two million tourists in 2009.

Ever since the trading era of the Phoenicians, Lebanese hospitality has been written about for centuries. I would like to assure you that Le Royal Hotel Beirut is carrying this tradition in true five-star style. Our luxury complex right outside the capital commands an unparalleled view of the Mediterranean and the bay of Beirut. It provides surprisingly quick access to major attractions such as Byblos and Qadisha Valley, designated as Unesco World Heritage sites. To every visitor’s advantage, the old town of Jounieh, the wondrous Jeita Grotto and the bustling downtown of Beirut are all minutes away from Le Royal Hotel. Our concierge takes pride in helping cultural visitors who use Le Royal as a base to visit other noteworthy attractions like the old souks of Tripoli and the Roman temple of Baalbek.

Yet what makes Le Royal an exceptional property in my opinion is its world-class Royal Spa with the only authentic Hamam in a Lebanese luxury hotel, as well as its very own WaterGate Aqua Park, considered one of the most sophisticated in the Middle East and a welcome treat in balmy summer months. I would like to emphasize Le Royal’s culinary strength, thanks to award-winning chefs and the position of Lebanese gastronomy as one of the best in the world. In addition the hotel excels equally in French, Italian and Asian specialties – no doubt because of French dominance in the past and the country’s strategic position between east and west, next to the silk and spice roads.

Le Royal Hotel has received excellent reviews from guests at the hotel and strong interest from travel stakeholders in international fairs such as ITB and WTM. Our property is implementing a new environmental policy to maintain its leadership in the market and benefit society. We have also launched the Royal Club loyalty program to cement our loyal following.

For a cultural, historical, gastronomic and emotional trip that will unveil all sides of the Middle East at its very best, come visit us at Le Royal to truly discover what Lebanon is all about.

Warmest regards,

Joyce Mouawad

LE ROYAL BEIRUT AS A CONVENTION AND CONFERENCE HOTEL

Voted as one of the Leading Hotels of the World, Le Royal Beirut is located on the northeast coast of Lebanon and offers a spectacular view of the Mediterranean Sea. This modern complex with its elegant luxury liner motif makes a distinct impression and is a prominent structure within the Beirut skyline. A member of The Leading Hotels of the World, the hotel is located in an attractive area just 15 minutes from the city centre and 25 minutes from the airport, making it an ideal conference destination. Participants in any MICE event at Le Royal can stay in any of the 380 spacious rooms with panoramic views and luxurious amenities. For a special business treat, guests can stay within the 128 suites and two Royal Club floors, which boast state-of-the-art audio-visual and multi-media equipment.

In the hotel, the Pearl Ballroom has been conceived as the primary venue for successful conferences. It seats up to 800 people and can be divided into three separate soundproof rooms for smaller events. There are also 5 fully-equipped meeting rooms for conferences and banqueting events.

The adjacent Watergate aqua park, part of Le Royal Beirut, is also a stunning complementary open-air location from MICE events that can be used for most of the year, with its shimmering pools, lighting effects and temperate evenings. In terms of technology that world-class conferences rely on, Le Royal Beirut features the latest in audiovisual installations, as well as wireless internet access throughout the property. A fully staffed business office with online connectivity and secretarial services ensures that businesspeople have access to facilities that will make their event at the property a comfortable one.

No conference hotel would be complete without a solid Food & Beverage department to complement its conferences. In this respect, Le Royal Beirut is proud of its renowned cuisine and award-winning chefs that transform every conference into a gastronomic experience.

Finally, a conference hotel should offer leisure activities where guests can relax and network while enjoying their time. Le Royal Beirut has one of the leading spas in the country, as well as the Watergate Aqua Park which offers opportunities for downtime during any event. There is also a shopping arcade, a variety of exotic restaurants, and organised rapid access to the country’s main attractions.

In all, Le Royal Beirut believes that successful conferences are a culmination of services and facilities, from high-tech equipment and multiple venue outlets to superb cuisine and Royal accommodation.

Sitting on a hilltop above the sea just beyond the hustle and bustle of Beirut, a vibrant and captivating city with amazing nightlife, the 380-room Le Royal Beirut has established itself as a world-class destination. Clients particularly enjoy the gastronomic delights offered at the Food & Beverage outlets, whose chefs have recently won a record number of awards at the Horeca 2007’s culinary competition. To illustrate, a visit to Le Royal Beirut’s Azurea will reveal sublime French cuisine while Diwan Shahrayar takes diners on an unforgettable voyage into Arabic hospitality, complete with Oriental dance performances and music entertainment.

The property’s excitement does not end with its gastronomy. Le Royal Beirut has also become a tempting place for celebrations and conferences between its luxurious ballroom and the adjacent Watergate Aqua Park, considered one of the most sophisticated in the Middle East. While businesspeople have been enjoying executive services and state-of-the-art facilities such as wireless access, pleasure seekers have been turning to our Royal Spa with its sophisticated pools and Turkish bath.

When unique treatments from different cultures are combined with top-of-the-line products in an amazingly designed space, the result is the Royal Spa. Divided into 8 sections for each category of treatments (e.g. Facial, Prestige, Body, Masculine, Holistic, Mud, etc.), the Royal Spa boasts unique experiences with different products such as Lebanese wine, local Mediterranean sea salt, seaweed, and mountain olive oil. From Turkish baths to Asian treatments such as Ayurveda and Reiki, the Royal Spa offers strong cultural diversity as well. Both local and international treatments, along with the prestigious Phytomer products, are popular with world celebrities such as Angelina Jolie, Elie Saab and Nancy Ajram who visit the spa regularly. Yet beyond exceptional treatments and products, the Royal Spa encourages and inspires guests to embrace a healing lifestyle for mental, spiritual and emotional wellbeing. Highly specialized staff, rigorous training, and a variety of additional services from nutrition and skiing to tennis and swimming ensure that the Royal Spa is unmatched in the region.

Finally, the location of the spa on the hills outside Beirut is unique, as it overlooks the blue serenity of the Mediterranean Sea. Gazing into the horizon while receiving specialized treatments has its own natural benefits that cannot be compared with underground spas.

Le Royal Beirut: Bringing the sea closer than ever

There is something fascinating about the design, architecture and style of Le Royal Beirut, subtly designed by famed decorator Pierre Yves Rochon around a maritime concept to fit harmoniously with the property’s Mediterranean setting. From the outside, while Le Royal’s rows of balconies and central structure almost look like a grand cruise ship, the hotel’s maritime theme is more present on the inside.

Perhaps the most sea-like element is the Titanic Restaurant, with a central aquarium, round porthole-like windows, a wave effect on the carpeting and a name that evokes an oceanic saga like nothing else. In fact, if Le Royal were a cruise liner, it would be a modern luxury one with a royal touch no doubt. The design-led furniture and fittings are definitely modern, reflecting the classy comfort found on today’s luxury ships. The wooden finishing seen every now and then across the property and in the chalets is also meant to add to the ship-like effect.

Even the rooms were originally designed to continue the maritime theme, but the idea was then abandoned in favour of a more elegant, luxury-like décor yet with a modern edge. Still, the spacious rooms do feature sea-inspired colours in the fittings, furnishings and even lighting, while the balconies all look out onto the Mediterranean in all its splendour, inviting the blueness of water right into every room.

The most splendid feature about the Royal Spa is also the sea, as its large windows overlook the blue waters of the Mediterranean giving guests in the edgeless swimming pool a sensation that they’re right in the sea. The luxurious Pearl Ballroom, which fits 800 people, also competes for a stunning view of the sea, giving guests a spectacular feeling of well-being and serenity that this body of water is known for.

In addition, the Waves Aqua Park, part of the Royal complex, adds to the maritime charm, so do the abundance of swimming pools on the property.

Ultimately, this property that’s 250 meters away from the sea was brought much closer to the shore with all the design elements. In the future, a cable car connecting the hotel with the seashore will be the final touch that anchors Le Royal to the Mediterranean Sea like never before.

After designing the Saint Georges and Vendome Hotel in Beirut, in addition to the Georges 5 in Paris, one can confidently say that Pierre Yves Rochon accomplished a design marvel with Le Royal. It is a property that’s well worth a visit not only from a hospitality point of view, but from an architectural point of view as well.

From Switzerland in Europe to the Switzerland of the Middle East, Dr. Burgener is taking the Royal Spa to a whole new level

There’s a fresh scent of Swiss mountain air blowing over the Mediterranean and Lebanon, a country that has often been called the Switzerland of the Middle East. Le Royal Hotel Beirut has introduced an exclusive new line of spa products direct from Lausanne in Switzerland to the Royal Spa, promising to revolutionize spa care and treatments in the country.

“We have received a very exciting range of products that comes from a country known for its quality and excellence, in addition to its therapeutic herbal mixtures,” says Maher Deiri, the Manager of the Royal Spa. Switzerland is famous for its healing herbs and purity of its natural ingredients, while Lebanon is known to appreciate Swiss quality and finesse.” Active complexes and true concentrates of nature have been incorporated into the Dr. Burgener Spa products, now offered at the Royal spa within the five-star Le Royal resort and hotel.

But what’s really different about Dr. Burgener? To begin with, the holistic approach in¬tegrates in a synergic way the three pillars of spa health: body/facial care, nutrition, and physical activity. The new line of products is also prepared in small batches in Switzerland so that the products remain fresh and active when they are used for any treatment. More importantly, the concept is based on a tailor made approach to suit each particular case and need. The therapist takes into consideration the state of health, lifestyle, skin type and other motivational factors to provide a highly customized treatment. Even the products can be tailor made. There are very specific treatments for beauty and wellness, anti ageing, purifying and regenerating skin treatments, cellulite, weight loss, body sculpting, revitalization and health, among others. “Spa products are not a one-size-fits-all solution for every skin type says Deiri. “We felt that the products and treatments of Dr Burgener Switzerland are closer to the personalized service that we want to achieve at Le Royal.” For its demanding clients with particular needs and skin types in the Middle East, the Royal Spa can now order a specific tailor made mix or batch of spa products directly from Switzerland, offering the highest level of benefits and spa care.

Lastly, it is worth mentioning that the Dr Burgener products and services originated in 1955, when Dr Marc Burgener created his clinic of aesthetic surgery and cosmetology in Lausanne, Switzerland. In 1993, Dr Pauline Burgener, PhD in biology, refined the concept of Swiss natural products and spa care. Today these products represent the ultimate advances in naturally active ingredients, personalized treatments and a long Swiss tradition of excellence.

These very latest advances can now be obtained at the Royal Spa, overlooking the Mediterranean in one of the most serene, luxury environments in the region. This is indeed a true love story between the “two Switzerlands”!

To consult with the specialists at the Royal Spa, call +961 4 555 444

Le Royal Spa receives Swiss training for new spa products from Lausanne.

One of the most important secrets of spa success is quality of products and treatments, coupled with professional training for the staff. Le Royal has recently imported a whole new range of spa products under the brand of Dr Burgener. These products are prepared in small batches so that the products remain fresh and active when they are used for any treatment.

To make sure that they are selected, stored and applied correctly to the strictest Swiss standards, Dr. Pauline Burgener herself came to Le Royal and conducted intensive training courses about the products and applicable treatments. “It is important for the staff to understand how the products are prepared, what they contain, and what is the effect they have on spa guests” said Dr. Burgener, who conducted live trials, product tests and interactive sessions to demonstrate the full benefits of the spa care products. “Knowhow and knowledge are key elements in spa health and healing” she added. Awareness training was also conducted for key staff members from different departments so that all the management would be aware of the new products and systems. “We are keen to train our staff in order to maintain the level of professionalism in the hotel” said Mr. Nather Auchi, General Manager of Le Royal. “This is what we always do with new products and services, as the importance of proper training cannot be understated.”

But what truly differentiates Dr Burgener from other luxury spa products? To begin with, the holistic approach in¬tegrates in a synergic way the three pillars of spa health: body/facial care, nutrition, and physical activity. The new line of products is also prepared in small batches in Switzerland so that the products remain fresh and active when they are used for any treatment. More importantly, the concept is based on a tailor made approach to suit each particular case and need. The therapist considers health, lifestyle, skin type and other factors to provide a highly customized treatment. Even the products can be 100 % tailor made in the laboratory in Switzerland, with specific treatments for beauty and wellness, anti ageing, purifying, regenerating, cellulite, weight loss, body sculpting and overall health among others.

For Le Royal, Dr Burgener represents a very exciting range of products that comes from a country known for its quality and excellence, in addition to its therapeutic herbal mixtures. These active complexes and true concentrates of nature are now within reach of every guest at the Royal spa within the five-star Le Royal resort and hotel.

Dr Burgener products and services originated in 1995, when Dr. Marc Burgener created his clinic of aesthetic surgery and cosmetology in Lausanne, Switzerland. In 1993,His Daughter In Law Dr. Pauline Burgener, PhD in biology, refined the concept of Swiss natural products and spa care. Today these products represent the ultimate advances in naturally active ingredients, personalized treatments and a long Swiss tradition of excellence.

For more information about Dr. Burgener treatments at the Royal Spa, call +961 4 555 666

The Royal Spa

When unique treatments from different cultures are combined with top-of-the-line products in an amazingly designed space, the result is the Royal Spa. Divided into 8 sections for each category of treatments (e.g. Facial, Prestige, Body, Masculine, Holistic, Mud, etc.), the Royal Spa boasts unique experiences with different products such as Lebanese wine, local Mediterranean sea salt, seaweed, and mountain olive oil. From Turkish baths to Asian treatments such as Ayurveda and Reiki, the Royal Spa offers strong cultural diversity as well. Both local and international treatments, along with the prestigious Phytomer products, are popular with world celebrities such as Angelina Jolie, Elie Saab and Nancy Ajram who visit the spa regularly. Yet beyond exceptional treatments and products, the Royal Spa encourages and inspires guests to embrace a healing lifestyle for mental, spiritual and emotional wellbeing. Highly specialized staff, rigorous training, and a variety of additional services from nutrition and skiing to tennis ensure that the Royal Spa is unmatched in the region.

Standard guest rooms

When guests enter the rooms at Le Royal, they are taken by the spacious 45m2 quarters, with stunning views of the Mediterranean and the Beirut skyline across the bay. One of the most prominent aspects of a Le Royal room is how well a guest sleeps. After all, a 2x2-meter king size mattress and Italian linen by Frette, complete with fine chocolate at turn-down service, will put anyone to sleep. The room is magnificently designed by Pierre Yves Rochon and furnished by Green Line of Italy to create a modern yet comfortable ambiance. High-tech features include interactive TV, a wireless keyboard, independent AC, wifi internet, and hotline services to name a few. The bathroom, more like a personal sanctuary, is embellished with fruity soaps and upscale toiletries. Finally, the room experience is also enhanced by additional services, such as first-rate housekeeping, babysitting, room service and bellboy service among others. With such luxury for very reasonable prices, any room at Le Royal will remain fondly in each guest’s memory long after leaving the hotel.