Bouyouti is open for business

Eco-tourism project expands

Bouyouti, an eco-tourism hosting houses project, is now open for business. It is located between Deir El Qamar and Beiteddine in the Shouf Caza.

Owned by Rafic Bazerji, Bouyouti stretches over a 32,000 square meters. It encompasses nine independent houses, ranging from 35 to 85 m2, able to host up to four people.

Bazerji said the aim is to increase the units to 12. “Our project brings the French concept of ‘Chambre d’Hôtes’,” Bazerji said. Prices range from $200 to $350 per night, breakfast included.

Bouyouti’s amenities include a pool, several gardens and a small chapel. “The concept preserves the authentic Lebanese house design.”

Bazerji is working with the Ministry of Tourism to promote eco-tourism in the country. For instance, Bouyouti has no restaurant, in order to promote eateries in the region. He said that development of the project is ongoing: A new pool, pergolas, and an open bar will be added.

At a later stage, Bazerji might consider subsidized loans or incentive packages to develop a Bouyouti 2, but the project is not definitive yet.

Bouyouti was founded in 2008, as a personal project but was later transformed into a public venue. By then, it only hosted Europeans who booked through www.hotelibanais.com. The place eventuall gained local popularity and now bookings may only be made by phone.

“It is a private relaxation gateway, and we want it to preserve this concept,” Bazerji said.