We arrive by taxi, a good half an hour prior to our booking for the Indulgent Afternoon Tea at Burj Al Arab’s Skybar lounge in Dubai. The small crowd gathered outside the security gate wears a look of disappointment. Unless one is a hotel guest or has a written confirmation for afternoon tea or a [...]

The mere mention of the name Hama, the Syrian town 140 km south of Aleppo, triggers images of giant waterwheels gently turning along the banks of a river. Most travellers drop in for a short visit on their way to the larger metropolises of Aleppo or Damascus.
The city of Hama, or Hamat (means citadel in [...]

Milestones are meant to be celebrated. Whether they come in the form of an Indulgent Afternoon Tea at Dubai’s Burj Al Arab hotel to celebrate a special anniversary, or this tribute post to commemorate the 100th article on Gourmantic, reaching a round number is cause to pop the Champagne and toast the occasion.
At Burj Al [...]

The outdoor swimming pool at the Mir Amin Palace hotel is famous for its unique mosaic carpet. Located just a few minutes drive from the historic Beiteddine Palace in Lebanon’s Chouf mountains, the hotel dates back to the 19th century when it was the residence of the Emirs.
Renovated into a five star hotel, it is [...]

Strolling past the Arabic Souk section in the Mall of the Emirates, the rich dark colours of a central stand caught my eye. Al Nassma, the world’s first quality camel milk chocolate was on display behind the sparkle of a long glass counter. I had heard of the world’s first camel milk chocolate before my [...]

The view from the hotel’s balcony was too much to bear. The beach called out loud and clear, its calm azure waters beckoning, the glow of its fine white sand inviting languid footsteps. Luxury boats dotted the water while others anchored in the glittering marina.
The resort could have easily been somewhere in the Pacific Islands [...]

If you speak to a resident of Aleppo or a national living abroad, you’ll soon discover that Aleppians share a common passion. They pride themselves in their cuisine and unequivocally declare theirs to be the best in the Middle East.
With a strong attachment to culinary traditions, their recipes are well-guarded. The home cook learns from [...]

Standing in front of this natural wonder rising from the sea, I could not understand why lost souls would come there to contemplate or commit suicide. Beirut’s natural wonder left me with nothing but boundless inspiration.

The Raouché is to Beirut what the Cedar is to Lebanon, a timeless symbol of the city and its most [...]

On the approach to the ancient city of Aleppo in Syria, if like you, your car overheats and stops on the road don’t fret. There is always a willing local or a fellow traveller who is keen to lend a hand.
Or his car.
With the nearest petrol station only a few of kilometres away, the solution [...]