WE LOVE
DR SHAKSHUKA
Delicious shakshuka has
become a permanent
fixture on any respectable
brunch menu, but if
you want to try a truly
authentic version head
down to this low-key
eatery near Jaffa’s
famous flea market.BENYAMINI
CERAMICSCENTRE
A paradise for fans of
all things clay, this
multidisciplinary space
consists of an exhibition
gallery, library and multiple
making studios. Plus,
there’s a small gift shop
for that special souvenir.LOCAL KNOWLEDGE & NEIGHBOURHOOD HAUNTS
JAFFA,an ancient port and Tel
Aviv’s oldest district, has history
dating back to biblical times; it was
from this harbour that Jonah took
his fateful trip out to sea. Today,
the area is flourishing as one of the
city’s most talked about cultural
hotspots, noted for its pale stone
architecture and buzzy food scene.
Eponymously-named new hotel in
town, The Jaffa, seamlessly blends
the area’s past and present, offering
striking modern design against the
aged backdrop of a former convent
hospital. The renovation was
overseen by British architect John
Pawson and local conservation
specialist Ramy Gill, who together
brought the 19th-century buildings
back to life, simultaneously
excavating 13th-century ruins and
adding a chic contemporary wing.
An elegant outdoor pool is the
current place to be seen in Tel Aviv
and the hotel’s Italian restaurant Don
Camillo is proving a hit with locals.
But most impressive of all is The
Chapel bar, a meticulously restored
oratory with sweeping cathedral
ceilings, stained-glass windows
and candy-coloured seating.FAST FACTS
QPrices start from £470 a night.
QAll-day dining is available at
Golda’s Deli, which serves New
York bistro classics such as
grilled cheese and tuna melts.
QBook a room in the historic
wing for something truly special.
Q2 Louis Pasteur Street, Tel Aviv
6803602, Israel, thejaffahotel.com.NEVE TZEDEK
This artsy neighbouring
district is known for its
avant-garde design stores
and boutiques. Look out
for the handcrafted gold
and diamond designs of
jeweller Orit Ivshin and
the curated fashion
FEATURE accessories at Numéro 13.
PATRICK HAMILTON COURTNEY
PHOTOGRAPHS
AMIT GERON
TheJaffa:aformer19th-centuryinfirmary,nowgiven
a new lease of life as Tel Aviv’s coolest hotel
LIFESTYLE