At the heart of this delicate balance between legacy and modernity is Nazira El Atrache, whose role as General Manager goes far beyond operational stewardship. For her, Mir Amin Palace is a living soul, one that carries memory in its stones, emotion in its terraces, and meaning in every ritual of hospitality. Under her guidance, the palace does not seek to compete with contemporary luxury, but to redefine it through authenticity, cultural depth, and emotional resonance.
Here, luxury is expressed through restraint, through respect for place, and through an unwavering commitment to Lebanese identity. From cuisine rooted in local terroir to collaborations with artisans, farmers, and cultural initiatives, Mir Amin Palace functions as a cultural anchor, one that honors the past while gently inviting new stories to unfold. In a country shaped by resilience, the palace remains luminous: a sanctuary of beauty, continuity, and hope, where history is not merely remembered, but lovingly carried forward.
AM: Mir Amin Palace is not just a hotel, but a piece of living history. What does it mean to you personally to be the guardian of such a landmark?
Nazira El Atrache: To me, Mir Amin Palace is not merely a structure; it is a living soul woven into the memory of Lebanon. Being entrusted with its stewardship is both an honor and a responsibility. I see myself as a bridge between generations, safeguarding the stories, the architecture, and the values that shaped this palace, while ensuring it remains vibrant and relevant for today’s guests. Every stone carries an echo of the past, and I view it as my duty to preserve that echo while welcoming new voices into its narrative.
AM: The palace dates back to the 19th century and was once the residence of Emir Amin. How do you preserve the spirit of its past while adapting it to the expectations of the modern luxury traveler?
Nazira El Atrache: Our philosophy is to let history lead, not compete. We conserve the palace’s original character, its arches, its terraces, its carved details, while subtly integrating modern comforts that enhance the guest experience rather than overshadow its authenticity. Luxury today is less about extravagance and more about meaning: guests want to feel rooted in the place they are visiting. At Mir Amin Palace, every modern amenity is introduced with restraint and respect, so that the heritage remains the protagonist.
AM: The palace is known for its culinary offering rooted in Lebanese terroir. How do you approach food as a vehicle for culture and place?
Nazira El Atrache: Food is one of Lebanon’s deepest languages. Through it, we tell stories of our land, our seasons, our traditions. At the palace, we work closely with local producers to highlight flavors that belong unmistakably to the Chouf region. Our dishes are created not just to satisfy appetite but to evoke memory, whether it’s the fragrance of mountain thyme, the richness of village dairy, or the freshness of garden produce. Cuisine becomes a form of cultural preservation, expressed with refinement and respect.
AM: You collaborate with local artisans, farmers, and initiatives like Le Passeport Culinaire. How important are these partnerships in reinforcing the Palace’s cultural mission?
Nazira El Atrache: They are essential. Mir Amin Palace does not exist in isolation; it is part of a broader cultural and social fabric. Collaborating with artisans and farmers allows us to sustain local craftsmanship and agricultural practices, many of which are at risk of disappearing. Initiatives like Le Passeport Culinaire help us document, celebrate, and innovate around these traditions. These partnerships enrich our guests’ experience while reinforcing the palace’s role as a cultural anchor for the region.
AM: Mir Amin Palace has become a beloved venue for weddings and private events. What do you think draws couples and families to celebrate their most intimate milestones here?
Nazira El Atrache: People choose Mir Amin Palace because it carries an emotional resonance that cannot be manufactured. The setting is majestic yet warm, historical yet intimate. This creates an atmosphere where celebrations feel timeless. Couples often tell me they feel a sense of belonging the moment they walk through the gates. Families appreciate that the palace offers beauty without artifice; it feels authentic, protective, and filled with quiet blessings. These emotions cannot be scripted; they arise naturally from the identity of the place.
AM: Lebanon has faced many challenges in recent years. What gives Mir
Amin Palace the resilience to continue as a symbol of beauty, continuity
and optimism?
Nazira El Atrache: Resilience is embedded in Lebanon’s
cultural DNA, and Mir Amin Palace reflects that spirit proudly.
Throughout its history, the palace has witnessed transitions, hardships,
and rebirths, and each time, it has emerged with greater purpose. What
sustains us today is a profound belief in the value of beauty, heritage,
and hospitality as forces of hope. Our guests, local and international,
remind us daily that Lebanon remains a place of inspiration. Their
presence reinforces our commitment to stay open, stay steady, and stay
luminous.
AM: In your view, what differentiates Lebanese hospitality from international notions of luxury hospitality?
Nazira
El Atrache: Lebanese hospitality is deeply personal, generous, and
intuitive. It is less transactional and more heartfelt. In Lebanon,
welcoming someone is an act of affection. We want our guests to feel
embraced, nourished, and seen. International luxury often emphasizes
precision and polish; in Lebanon, we add soul. That combination of
warmth, spontaneity, and genuine care is our signature, and it is what
gives our hospitality its unmistakable character.
AM: As General
Manager, you balance legacy with innovation. What future experiences or
initiatives are you hoping to develop to expand the Palace’s cultural
narrative?
Nazira El Atrache: Looking ahead, I aim to strengthen Mir
Amin Palace’s role as a cultural destination, not just a place to stay.
This includes curated culinary residencies, immersive heritage
experiences, and collaborations with Lebanese artists, musicians, and
historians. I envision seasonal programs that invite guests to explore
the traditions of the Chouf, from architecture to craftsmanship to
nature. Each initiative is designed to deepen the palace’s narrative and
create meaningful encounters with Lebanese culture.
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| Photo Credit: Parazar Productions |
Nazira El Atrache: It would be the moment just before sunset on the terrace: the call of birds returning to their nests, the delicate scent of jasmine rising with the evening breeze, and the golden light brushing the palace walls. In that brief pause between day and night, the palace reveals its true character, serene, dignified, and profoundly connected to its landscape. It is a moment that feels eternal, and it captures the soul of Mir Amin Palace perfectly.