The Good Life (03 202499) Beirut.
When people talk about the ‘new Beirut scene’, others around the world may scoff and chuckle but when you stumble upon The Good Life, you see the future. What a concept and what a store! As unnatural as it may feel to sit on toilets trying on limited-edition trainers, resisting the urge to pull your pants down in public, the space is as contemporary and unique as its merchandise. From one-of-a-kind art pieces and collectible toys for adults (all above board!) to locally-created comic books and clothes that represent the best kind of novel attention to detail, who couldn’t fall in love with The Good Life. I hear on the grapevine more artist collaborations are on the way, so keep your eyes peeled for this frontrunner of Beirut’s creative/retail revival.

Palm Island, Tripoli
Think sand as soft as marshmallow. Think clear, blue waters. Think Lost minus the plane and the weird plot line. Welcome to Palm Island. Located just a few kilometres off the coast of Tripoli and only accessible by boat, we stumbled upon this little hidden gem while discovering the North. Spending the day away from people, away from traffic, away from noise, away from reality, we relaxed on the sand and felt at one with the seagulls. Lunch was grilled fish, fresh from the sea on a makeshift BBQ. Chuck in a couple of rabbits and a palm tree and voila! Your perfect getaway for the day. Call Issam, the skipper of our boat to Palm Island (03 480186).

Les Colombes, camping in Amchit
Cross the hobbit homes from Lord of the Rings with something reminiscent of the Eagles’ famous ‘Hotel California’ and you’ll have something close to Les Colombes in Amchit – one of the most memorable, hilarious and uncomfortable sleepless nights we have ever had. The row of sheds they call ‘tengalows’ sleep two people with just enough room for the magic white box that houses the shower-cum-basin-cum-loo combo (you’ll see what I mean). If the army of mosquitos are too much for your faint heart, dear reader, it’ll soon become worth it when you see the sun set into the sea from atop the dramatic, unspoiled Amchit cliffs. Les Colombes (09 622 401) Amchit.