I bet you've never thought of Israel as one luxury. Neither do I, to be honest. At least until recently. And instead during my last trip I discovered that in Israel is all a flower of deluxe hotels, gourmet restaurants, boutiques of great griffe and exclusive Spa. In short, within a few years, the map of Israel has enriched with chic très addresses all to try. Here are the best in Jerusalem.
Index of Article
Here you sleep as king
The top is always the legendary King David Hotel, located in the exclusive district of Yemin Moshe, a stone’s throw from the Old Town and the modern neighborhoods. It is famous for its mix of elegance and flawless style. Often the theatre of epochal events that marked the modern history of the Middle East, hosted heads of state, presidents, kings and queens and celebrities of all kinds. For a stay as a kingBook one of the suites, all with magnificent views of the old town. For an afternoon of relaxation, take advantage of the new swimming pool immersed in one of the most beautiful gardens of Jerusalem.
In an early 1900 Ottoman building near the Old Town is also set The luxurious Waldorf Astoria, opened just over a year. Here you are welcomed in a historically tasted environment, but with all the modern conveniences. Really. spectacular is the open-space atrium revived by plants and magnificent floral arrangements. The location could not be better. It is convenient for visiting the Old Town, shopping at the Alrov Mamilla mall or a walk in the green of Independence Park.
Another new entry in the hotel panorama of the capital is Mamilla, design hotel with an unmistakable Italian touch. In fact it is signed by the architect Piero Lissoni. More than just a hotel, the Mamilla is a place to live day&night. Between a lunch at the Rooftop Outdoor Lounge & Restaurant with breathtaking views of the old city, an afternoon of treatments in the Spa of the Akasha Wellbeing Center, a kosher dinner at the Mamilla Café and Brasserie, then continue the evening with a cocktail at the Mirror Bar.
Let yourself be pampered in the Deluxe Spa
Elected Best New Spa by Condé Nast Traveler, la Spa of the Akasha Wellbeing Center is exactly what you would expect to find in a luxury design hotel. A relaxed and contemporary environment, softened by soft background music and divided into areas dedicated to the four elements: earth, air, fire and water. Surrender them holistic treatments, mix of massages, reflexology and reiki techniques, and you will find the perfect balance between body, mind and spirit.
One spectacular Spa of 2000 meters square is the flagship of the new Cramim Resort and Spa located on the hills of Judea, about ten minutes from the centre of Jerusalem. You will be welcomed in environments of great atmosphere, with large panoramic windows overlooking the green and the hills surrounding Jerusalem. Very relaxing. The treatment menu is based on exclusive wine therapy and range from massages to fitness, relaxation techniques to cosmetics.
Enjoy the "biblical kitchen"
Young talented chefs have transformed the Israeli culinary scene into a gourmand destination, where to taste an innovative cuisine and, sometimes, even amazing. Take, L’Eucaliptus, for example, and prepare for a truly unique gastronomic experience.
Welcome to the magical setting of an ancient building in Hutzot Hayotzer, the artists' district, and be guided by the award-winning chef Moshe Basson to discover her "biblical kitchen". In menu dishes that enhance curiosity, as well as appetite. Like the stew of red lentils of Jacob and Esau, the Hubeza – warm salad prepared in the style of the siege of Jerusalem and the biblical Couscous of the times of King Solomon.
The Machneyuda is the most acclaimed restaurant of the moment. It takes its name, as well as the always fresh ingredients, from the nearby Mahaneh Yehuda market. If you can win a table despite the kilometre waiting list, you will have the privilege to taste the innovative Mediterranean dishes of the three chef stars Yossi Elad, Asaf Granit and Uri Navon.
Like the destructured Kebab with tehina yoghurt or seafood risotto with dried tomatoes, mussels and goat cheese, prepared in the open kitchen, where a show-cooking no-stop is staged.
