For the perfect weekend away in the jet-setting 60’s nothing could have been more perfect than spending the weekend by the pool at the Phoenicia Hotel in Beirut. The pool was said to have the best displays of bikinis in the Mediterranean in the 1960’s.
Although not the same style of today’s modern hotels and resorts, the Phoenicia was the place to be and to be seen. Designed by American architect Edward Durell Stone with Middle Eastern Influences especially on the façade of the hotel, this was a 600 room oasis for the rich and famous.
I love the pure architectural symmetry of the modernist architecture which is reflected in the colonnade which ran along the pool deck. The marble used is pure white and immediately looks cool and inviting. This was a modernist masterpiece! Unfortunately due to the civil war and the subsequent refurbishment of the hotel this area is virtually unrecognisable.
I am going to sit back, and remember the jet-set with a gin this weekend, and hopefully run into an Onassis or two.
David just let me know and I will meet you (send the jet) there!!
ReplyDeleteKarena
Art by Karena
Karena, jet is on it's way!!
ReplyDeleteNice photo from the pre-war years. Can we go to the Greek Islands too?
ReplyDeleteMy ex-husband wasn't known for his brains...there used to be a middle eastern grocery store in Houston called the Phoenicia. He pronounced it po knee kia
ReplyDeleteJill, love it! Now we know why he is an ex.
ReplyDeleteHi David, I am Lebanese and I am doing research, I would really love to have the pictures of the Hotel Phoenicia if you can send them to me or if you can send me the link so I can buy them
ReplyDeletecelinekhoury@tamyras.com
Thanks a lot