DEBED LIFE
Testimonials
Real stories from guests who made Debed Life their home base, sharing a chapter of life with us—shaped by slow living, meaningful moments, and lasting memories rooted in nature, food, and genuine connection.
...I went back to France with my batteries fully charged—and, above all, a peaceful mind.
Last summer, I had the pleasant opportunity to spend three weeks at Debed Life, alongside Tatev and her mother Gayane. After two tumultuous years, I was desperately seeking solitude to restore my mental health. Instagram proved very useful then, as I found Tatev’s page and immediately contacted her to spend a few weeks at Debed Life. In three messages and three clicks, there I had my stay booked and my tickets to Armenia in hand.
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Finally arriving in Debed one July day. I only had the chance to visit the place the next day, as I arrived very late in the evening.
A bit shy and impressed, I didn’t dare make myself too comfortable, even though I had the whole place to myself—a beautiful room, a beautiful house, and a garden tended as if it were the gardens of an English lord, of course maintained by Madame Gayane’s magical hands.
I began by wandering around the village. It was soothing to breathe the air so familiar to Armenian villages, and also to contemplate the houses and trees. Suddenly, I had jumped back in time to my grandmother’s place, when I used to go there for summer vacations.
Still shy, I spent a lot of time reading, either on my room’s balcony or in the garden, where I sat near Richi, Tatev’s husky, sleeping with paws tightly closed after chasing the two kittens that Madame Gayane was trying to feed. Oh, how amusing it was to watch those four tussle with each other.
After a few days, I finally managed to open up to Tatev and her mom, as well as to Nathalie and Eric, who worked at Perle, the restaurant attached to the house. I hadn’t mentioned it yet, but I ate at Perle. How delicious it was! I was salivating even before my dish arrived at the table.
The stay passed too quickly, of course! I met many people from Europe or the United States. I spent time chatting with them while savoring the restaurant’s dishes or enjoying the wines and brandy selected by Tatev.
Several times a week, I also took a quick trip to Vanadzor, the nearest big city to the village, either by taxi or bus.
Towards the end of my stay, the house had emptied before the arrival of a new wave of retreaters like me. But I was all the happier for it, as it was precisely at that moment that I grew closest to Tatev and Madame Gayane.
Several times, we went to the hills bordering the village to pick wildflowers to decorate the restaurant, as well as thyme and other herbs for infusions. Madame Gayane surprised me by drying them so I could take them home and savor them here in France.
I could write endlessly about the kindness of these two ladies and the shared laughter and stories, but my tale must come to an end.
There, back in France! The batteries are fully charged, but above all, the mind is at peace.
Thank you Tatev, thank you Madame Gayane, and thank you Debed.
Hasmik Poghosyan,
Paris, France
...We have formed some very special connections for a lifetime.
We stayed at Debet House for a few weeks in 2021 to relish the coliving experience. Since then, it has become our preferred sanctuary in Armenia, a place we frequently revisit. Alongside cozy accommodations, mouthwatering cuisine, and the camaraderie of exceptional people, we’ve encountered moments of serenity and forged bonds that will last a lifetime.
Arev & Vincent,
Traveler from London, UK
We spent our first night in Armenia at the “Debed,” and it couldn’t have been better!
We spent our first night in Armenia at the “Debed,” and it couldn’t have been better! First, we received a very warm welcome from Tatevik—and her sweet dog—as well as her mother and the other women who work there. Then we had a wonderful dinner, a great first taste of Armenian cuisine. In addition to the accommodation, the “Debed Life” has its own restaurant Perle, café, and even its own bakery. Combined with the fact that you’re located in the mountains of Northern Armenia enjoying the wonderful peace and quiet, it’s a wonderful place, created with love and passion, and one we definitely want to return to!
Jessica Jungbauer & Family,
Food & Travel Writer, Germany
It was the perfect atmosphere to focus and create, and I personally feel like I made a lot of progress.
I really don’t know how to thank you for the past three weeks. This was such a meaningful trip for me, and I am so grateful I had the opportunity to stay at Debed Life.
It was the perfect atmosphere to focus and create, and I personally feel like I made a lot of progress. Thank you for welcoming me into your home, for making me feel at home, and for your generous hospitality. I am already missing everyone and Richie 🐾 and very much plan to be back again soon (if you’ll have me!)
Alik Tamar Barsoumian,
Screenwriter, USA
The stay was perfect, just what I needed...
I’ve spent four amazing weeks in debed.life where I came to focus on my studies. The stay was perfect, just what I needed: amazing tasty food, calm location with beautiful scenery, fresh air and nice working area.
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That’s definitely a yes for either a weekend get away or a long stay for remote workers or those who need to finish their thesis, create a business plan or even learn new skills like myself.
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The house is stylish and clean, rooms are comfortable and cozy, and lori region, where debed.life is located, is such a nice place with various hiking routes and coaf centre nearby. I would definitely recommend coming here and seeing it all for yourself!
Alexander Radionov,
Software Developer, Russia
