Lebtivity.com, Lebanon’s leading platform for events and activities initiated an idea to select some individuals during the war who did a remarkable individual effort out from their work scope or lived an extremely stressful situation (like reporters of the war) and collaborated with G SPA Beirut, the first spa in the Middle East to receive the prestigious French “Qualité Spa A” label, to honor exceptional individuals through the “Pampering Our Heroes” initiative.
The event, held on Saturday, January 4, 2025, at G SPA Beirut in Achrafieh, welcomed 15 extraordinary Lebanese heroes, including public figures and activists, as a gesture of appreciation for their dedication. to their communities during challenging times. Attendees included notable figures such as May El Khalil & Rada Sawaf who were helping personally the displaced families, Anne Marie Madi creator of the Kanze Project, Aline Kamakian and Ramy Nehme who cooked hundreds of meals for the displaced, as well as reporters who risked their lives for their mission: Nada Raphael correspondant at RDI and various other international media, Edmond Sassine from LBCI, Muhammad Farhat from Al Jadeed TV and Sobhi Kablawi from MTV.
Although Captain Rola Hoteit (women pilot who flew under danger), Ely Chemaly (who opened a business during challenging times – first shop in the new Beirut Souks), Ranine Idriss (MTV), Jacinthe Antar (Al Jadeed), Nabil Ismail (Al Nahar Photographer) and Tamara Abi Khalil (for saving the pets under the bombs) were unable to attend, their contributions were celebrated and deeply appreciated during the event as well as any person who contributed.
The gathering was a warm and intimate celebration where each attendee shared spontaneous and emotional words reflecting their journey and experiences as well as their challenging moments, then signed a special wall with a word of hope for Lebanon. The event also featured a heartfelt “thank you” tribute, dishes were served, accompanied by beverages offered by Vintage.
Relaxation gifts were generously offered by G SPA and Health Essentials, to honor the heroes and provide a well-deserved experience of relaxation and restorative self-care, as well as a Stress Management / Emotional First Aid Workshop voucher from “I Have Learned Academy”.
G SPA was selected as a partner for this event as a remarkable place for SPA and Relaxation, offering many sorts of relaxing service and pampering, as well as fitness services, and also as a symbol of resilience as G SPA was also highly affected in the Beirut blast and they continued the work to serve their mission as usual. G SPA Beirut, located in Achrafieh, is a unique destination for comprehensive well-being. It brings together a luxurious spa offering body and facial treatments, a state-of-the-art gym, a fitness department with innovative concepts, a professional hair salon, and the Skin Society Clinic, which houses five dermatologists and aesthetic doctors. G SPA was specifically chosen for this event because it is the ultimate haven for physical and mental rejuvenation.
Randa Farah, Lebtivity & I Have Learned Academy founder said: “Our work as Lebtivity was affected by the war, however we transformed our platform during that time to support & highlight the work of any NGO who approaches us, free of charge. We were also observing the effort of some of our friends, clients and community members and being also the founder of I Have Learned Academy and a psychologist / wellness / happiness at work expert, we wanted to contribute in showing gratitude and releasing the stress they lived through a set of gifts for stress relief.” She added: “the selection was based on personal observations and a representation of the population and people who made a difference, it is not about any specific organisation or media, and we didn’t choose any NGO who has a mission to help, or any political organisation as there are thousands of amazing people and we just wanted to select a symbolic group of individuals to represent Lebanese personal struggles and support”. Highlighting also that this tribute is for each and every Lebanese, every organisation, volunteer, reporter, journalist, civil defense, Lebanese army, activists, doctors, mental health professional, etc… and a reminder that taking care of ourselves is crucial after the immense traumatic stress we went through in Lebanon.
Lebtivity, always highlighting the beauty of Lebanon, emphasized on the importance of recognizing those who go above and beyond to serve their communities and country. The attendees’ inspiring stories highlighted the resilience, generosity, and unwavering commitment that define Lebanon’s spirit regardless of any religion or affiliation and is happy to collaborate with like-minded institutions like G SPA to provide experiences that nurture both the body and spirit.