bmi British Midland International set Chérie City a special assignment – fly to Beirut, take in the sights and culture and report back. A most exciting task, I think you’ll agree…
Our bmi flight to Beirut was at the sensible time of 10.45am, so we still managed to get a good sleep and spend an hour or so relaxing in The Great British Lounge – bmi’s flagship business lounge for international flights.
My first experience of an airport lounge was the bmi London Room (for domestic flights) en route to Edinburgh earlier this year. The Great British Lounge has additional amenities such as showers, slumber rooms, a cosy fireplace, a local British pub, a dedicated study and work space and best of all, a cafe offering cooked breakfasts.
We sat at the breakfast bar and started the day with bacon and egg sandwiches, a selection of mini pastries and waffles with maple syrup and a cappuccino. For business travellers watching their cholesterol, there are more healthy options such as fruit, yoghurt, cereal and porridge.
We used the wifi in The Study to check last-minute destination details and relaxed reading magazines in the Front Room.
The flight was around 4 hrs 30 mins and the time passed quickly as bmi kept us entertained and comfortable. I cocooned myself in the blanket and pillows provided and watched movies, emerging only for pineapple juice served with Penn State pretzels and a delicious lunch of Thai Red Chicken Curry.
When we arrived at Beirut airport, we were welcomed at the Four Seasons Beirut desk and promptly ordered a taxi to the hotel. The taxi ride took less than 15 minutes and our friendly taxi driver Elie told us the city’s best sights.
We checked in at Four Seasons Beirut (read more…) and freshened up before heading down to dinner at the hotel restaurant – The Grill Room.
Then it was on to the newly-opened Whisky Mist at Le Paon Rouge at The Phoenicia. Whisky Mist is just a five minute walk from Four Seasons Beirut, although we had to scramble over four lanes of busy traffic to get there, so take advantage of the hotel’s complimentary limo service and arrive in style.
We were kindly given the VIP treatment and had a reserved table and bottle of Laurent Perrier Cuvée Rosé champagne waiting for us.
After a long day in transit, it was time to get back to our cloud-like bed to dream about exploring the city the next day, and of course, that rooftop pool!
Chérie City was a guest of bmi British Midland International, Four Seasons Beirut and Whisky Mist Beirut
bmi British Midland International has launched their lowest possible one way fares for travel this autumn and winter. Book early and take advantage of great fares – including Beirut from £169 one way from London Heathrow – when booking now for travel between 1 September 2011 and 31 March 2012. The offer closes on Wednesday 22 June, so book today at www.flybmi.com
Facebook fans can win a pair of tickets to any bmi sale destination at facebook.com/flybmi