The August heat and humidity make the routine of everyday city life mundane. However coordinating busy peoples schedules for a day trip can sometimes be complicated.

Instead, whether going as a family, groups of friends or a tête-à-tête getaway, there are many beach and water park choices within a 45minute drive from Beirut.

The Beach Club, in Khaldeh, is a prime location for a family beach day. Four pools and a stretch of beach are available. A favorite spot for the younger ones is the seafront playground. The Beach Club caters to daily and seasonal visitors. For those who have always wanted to wake up to the sounds of waves there are also chalets for rent.

Oceana, our next stop, is located in Damour amongst banana groves. It boasts a boardwalk scattered with a variety of pools, restaurants and cafes. If not pools, a sandy shoreline hugs the boardwalk. Other than fostering a picturesque landscape, this beach resort also taps into an environment-friendly aura via its organic market and water treatment implementation.

Fifteen minutes south of Oceana lays Ô Cap, an oasis jutting out of the sea in Rmeileh. Walking through the threshold reveals a tree laden path that opens onto a breathtaking clearing. You find yourself, awestruck, at the top of a staircase with an expanse of pools, islands and trees below you. The pool deck affords a captivating view of the Mediterranean.

Moving in a different direction now we head towards the mountains and water parks. Splash Mountain Water Theme Park, in Mansourieh. The proximity of the different pools and slides makes it a simple task to keep an eye on excited children. The kiddy pool with its interactive design, can keep young ones busy for days on end! Adults need not get bored: water slides for the daredevil in you and a shore-like pool for the relaxed sun worshiper in you.

Lastly we visit Waves Aqua Park in Mar Roukoz. With its large area and distributed activities Waves is the ultimate place for groups of friends to explore. From a relaxing river to an isolated island there is plenty to do to unwind. For the hyper ones amongst us there is a wave pool and an assortment of twisting slides.