Mariam Nihal
Saudi Gazette
JEDDAH — Phoenicia originates from Greek: Φοιν?κη, which was an ancient Semitic civilization.
Semitic refers to the languages related to cultures known to ancient Hebrews, mentioned in Eichhorn's “Repertorium.”
The word itself is an adjective derived from Shem, one of the three sons of Prophet Noah in the Bible.
Phoenician cities centered on the coastline of modern Lebanon and specialized in marine trading culture that spread across the Mediterranean with innovations such as bireme (an ancient oared warship).
Phoenicia hotel in Beirut transports you back in time to a place of mesmerizing beauty of the Greek and Roman period.
An Intercontinental hotel, Phoenicia stands tall and proud celebrating 51 years of its conception.
Facing a divine coastline, opposite Zaitunay Bay, along the waterfront of Beirut's high-end street, Phoenicia represents what many call the city of dreams. Najib Salha, a Lebanese businessman, envisioned the hotel in 1953 and raised his vision on the shores of Beirut in 1961.
With a group of investors, Salha founded “La Société des Grands Hotels du Liban” and along with American architect Edward Durell, he built the majestic dream hotel.
Every color and artifact represents a historical value retelling the Phoenician story. Even the color purple or Amethyste.
Walking into Amethyste (that reflects a shade of purple) and it’s majestic set up, you learn more about their history. Phoenicians were famous in Greece and Rome as “traders in purple,” referring to purple dye of the Murex used for royal clothing.
If there’s one place worth going for regardless of time, it’s the terrace of deep shaded violet and lavender prominence of Amethyste in Phoenicia hotel.
You will be moved by the grandness of the elegant layout, which makes up for lost time against the sunset and is comfortably the ideal escape.
It comprises two towers: the Phoenician and Roman and one residential building, a banquet area, luxurious shopping arcade, crème da la crème of restaurants, thirteen conference rooms equipped with the latest state-of-the-art technologies, two swimming pools, SPA and a dream-wedding venue over 80,000 square meters.
You can choose from the Deluxe Queen City Room, Phoenician Front View Room, Phoenician Suites, Diplomatic Suites, Ambassador Suites, or the Presidential where Cavalli stayed.
Phoenicia Club ensures top VIP treatment during their stay beginning with a complimentary 15-minute neck and shoulder massage when you check in if you are a Club guest.
Phoenicia makes sure you are dressed for the occasion. Even if the occasion is working at their business center. The royally decked up Business Center offers full professional secretarial and business services.
Their library offers a selection of books, DVDs, a television and access to any of the three Club meeting rooms.
The VIP’s enjoy a fully dedicated butler service to ensure that their needs are taken care of around the clock.
The hotel is also famous for its wide variety of fine dining restaurants and ultra chic chill out lounges.
Eau De Vie speaks rich couture with a plush, sleek interior with a maroon pool table and rich cigars facing beautiful panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea on the 11th floor of the Phoenician Tower.
Cascade, much like the aura it emanates, is a lounge that sits in the lap of luxury area that offers authentic afternoon high tea along with a selection of drinks and confectionery items.
WOK W.O.K serves delicious Chinese, Thai and Japanese dishes. Their Sushi bar offers the largest variety of Sushi and Sashimi found in Beirut along with the new fruit maki.
Lavishly refurbished, Mosaic is an all-day dining restaurant that offers a great variety of International and Oriental buffets.
Caffe Mondo is the most casual spot at Phoenicia. You can breathe easy, away from the scrutinizing eyes and lay back at the Italian restaurant located at the ground floor of the hotel.
Phoenicia Gourmet offers ideal gifts for all occasions with a selection of specially designed international sweets and traditional oriental pastries. Phoenicia tops the wish list for every bride in Lebanon. Dream weddings are celebrated at Phoenicia.
Numerous fashion shows, art exhibitions, trade exhibitions, sales conferences, concerts and social events are held at their Grand Ballroom which is fully equipped with the latest audio-visual facilities and can host up to 2000 guests.
The Grand Ballroom can be divided into four separate rooms to simultaneously celebrate different occasions. Spa Phoenicia is devoted to relaxation, tranquility and best set standard of conforming to beauty. It focuses on men and women, offering the highest form of luxury through specialized treatments.
The Spa specializes in Balneotherapy, Thalassotherapy, Thai Relaxing Therapy and Ayurvedic Medicine and “ila” products.
You can soak in the sun and relax at their sauna and indoor pool with body treatments that use the healing power of nature to stimulate the metabolism and circulation while cleansing, purifying and toning the body.
The spa offers 22 private treatment and therapy rooms, mineral whirlpools, saunas, steam rooms, aqua gym, Jacuzzis, indoors and outdoor swimming pools.
Phoenicia is known to attract the rich and famous. From kings and queens to world leaders and celebrities, Phoenicia places itself at the top as the Middle East's prime address.
It echoes luxurious living and continues to serve a benchmark for regal luxury.
Pheonicia won “The Business Traveler Middle East Award” for Best Business Hotel in Beirut for the year 2010 and 2011.
It won the “Five Stars CNBC Arabia Commercial Property Award in the category of Best Hotel in Lebanon” for the year 2009.
If there is anything such as traveling for hotels, Pheonicia, Beirut’s most prestigious address, tells you why.
Much like a classical antiquity with civilizations of ancient Greece and Rome serving a long period of cultural history, Phoenicia gives you a chance to relive the golden era.
