Mashrou Leila's Carl Gerges Launches New Beach Hotel in Lebanon

Thousands of years ago, the Phoenicians founded the city of Batroun on the barren northern coasts of Lebanon, where the strong winds and roiling waters collided to form incredible tidal waves. The port city’s buildings and souk are saturated with the stories of those who lived within them, its golden sands imprinted with the footprints of those who walked them, and its deep waters carrying the memory of the myriad of vessels and people who’ve traversed them.  Paying homage to the city’s glorious history while embracing modernity, Beirut-born architect (and co-founder of renowned indie rock band Mashrou’ Leila) Carl Gerges launched a new hotel and resort on the ancient shores of Batroun called Capo.

In 2020, the musical prodigy founded his own architectural studio, Carl Gerges Studios, and has taken to designing idyllic hotels, resorts, and retreats in remote Lebanese areas.

Nestled between the northern Mountains and the Mediterranean sea, Gerges found himself inspired by the collision of both forces of nature, and - ambitiously - decided to build a modern minimalist getaway with earthy tones in only six months. Capo pays tribute to Batroun’s maritime past. Its name is a slang term for ‘captain’, while the hotel itself - built with a mix of beach sand and cement - is structured to resemble a sailing boat from afar.

Capo is a monochromatic haven, blending seamlessly with the stunning nature of Batroun, while offering tantalising landscape views from all five balconies spiralling the structure. The golden-hued hotel was also built in such a way, that each suite - a stay in which ranges from $300 to $600 per night - has its own pool, terrace, and botanical open-air bathroom (yes, you read that right).

In celebration of Lebanese craftsmanship and artisanry, Gerges also designed the interior to be almost entirely furnished with Lebanese products.