In the heart of Jal El Dib, Metn, a forgotten family home has been transformed into Azai, a sanctuary dedicated to holistic wellbeing, connection and belonging. We hear from Lina Sarkissian and Taline Khatchadourian, the passionate women behind the project, who have tastefully and thoughtfully bridged heritage and modernity to offer guests exceptional wellness experiences and a deep sense of belonging.

Arriving at Azai feels like stepping into a chic Mediterranean retreat. Warm colors, lush greenery and open spaces transport visitors far from the commercial bustle, just 11 kilometers north of Beirut. Once overgrown and neglected, the gardens and house have been transformed into a serene haven where guests can pause and recharge. But it wasn’t always like this. When longtime friends and founders Lina Sarkissian, an event planner, and Taline Khatchadourian, a construction professional, took on the project, the property was in rough shape. “You couldn’t even see the garden; the vegetation had completely taken over, and the house was in really bad condition,” Sarkissian recalls. “However, we knew from the start that we wanted an old house in the area, something with historic charm that we could save.” And that is precisely what the duo has done. Azai, meaning strength in Japanese, reflects both their journey and their philosophy.

“We wanted to create a place where people could disconnect from their busy lives,” says Khatchadourian, “somewhere to work out, recover and simply feel at peace.” That sense of intentionality is felt in every corner, from the restored interiors to the tranquil outdoor areas.

Bringing Wellness Together Under One Roof

The concept behind Azai was simple: gather everything in one place. “We kept going from place to place for Pilates, Lagree, dance… it was exhausting. We said, why not bring it all together?” Khatchadourian explains.

Today, Azai offers Pilates reformers, Lagree classes, mat sculpting, dance, including Zumba and Oriental dance, plus a Sky Studio for outdoor classes like sunset Pilates. State-of-the-art fitness equipment and a team of experienced trainers ensure each session is safe, effective and engaging.

“It’s not just about working out,” Sarkissian says. “It’s a social wellness club. People come for classes, have coffee and end up meeting new friends. The next day, they’re having lunch together. That’s the community we wanted.”

Recovery, Rest and Luxury Details

Azai places equal emphasis on rest and recovery, with a room dedicated to massages, Madero therapy, head and shoulder treatments and a sauna. Every detail, from high-quality scrubs and shampoos to meticulous spaces, reflects the founders’ commitment to a five-star experience. “You don’t need to bring anything,” Sarkissian adds. “We want it to feel luxurious without being pretentious or intimidating.”

A Space That Feels Like a Getaway

Azai draws inspiration from Spanish Marbella-style architecture, combining warm, terracotta tones, lush greenery and clean, minimalist design. Sunlight spills into open rooms, highlighting soft textures, curated décor and serene corners that invite relaxation. Outdoors, the Sky Studio offers a flexible setting for classes at sunrise or sunset, while the gardens provide a pet-friendly environment. “We wanted people to escape reality for an hour or two,” Sarkissian says. “Disconnected from work, stress, kids… just letting go.”

A Women-Led, Community-Focused Hub

Connection is at the heart of Azai. The café, Brûme Coffee Bar, run by entrepreneur Maggie Wehbeh, serves light, nourishing meals, artisanal coffee and refreshing drinks until 11 pm. It doubles as a gathering point where visitors can linger after workouts, especially on the terrace. “There’s a great deal of positive energy here,” Khatchadourian says. “It’s a real sisterhood; we are a big family supporting and encouraging one another.”

More to Come

Open six days a week, Azai is gradually expanding its offerings while maintaining an intimate, welcoming atmosphere. With barre classes, sound healing sessions, outdoor wellness activities and curated gatherings on the horizon, the space is evolving into an accessible, community-centric oasis, just as its founders intended.

Contact Azai on +961 71 607 705 for further details.