Tel Aviv boasts delicious food – like falafel and hummus – rich historical culture, and a laid-back beach atmosphere making it an ideal city.
One of my top priorities while visiting during the winter was to be centrally located, while also enjoying a constant view of the Mediterranean, which reminds me of my home in Miami.
The Carlton Tel Aviv just does that. Situated on the beach it’s been awarded year after year as the top business luxury hotel in Tel Aviv. The five-star hotel is also a perfect example of where “the city meets the sea”, allowing guests to breakfast at Carlton on the Beach – the popular beachside, stand-alone breakfast restaurant provided endless views of the ocean that made me feel like I was on a dreamy boat suspended in the water. The gourmet breakfast selection includes an omelet station and an array of delectable baklava desserts. This prime location is steps from the busy hub of Tel Aviv’s most popular business, shopping, cultural, and entertainment districts.
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- Carlton Suite
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- Carlton on the Beach | photos by Harel Gilboa
The suites offer expansive, unobstructed views so that ‘beach’ feeling never disappears. Most include a balcony for guests to watch the boats cruise by or dock in the marina. The 15th floor rooftop pool is chic and the hotel’s best location to catch the sunset. The Carlton has a hip lobby bar to grab a drink, the Royal Executive Lounge for light bites and cocktails, with a private chill zone and business center. The Carlton is also the only member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts Worldwide in Israel, hosting many Prime Ministers and star studded celebs.
We stayed in the newly renovated, beautifully appointed one-bedroom suite, which had a breathtaking view of the Mediterranean Sea from its private balcony. 269-rooms (including 12 suites) feature private balconies that look over the Mediterranean Sea or the Tel Aviv cityscape. Rooms include a large flat screen smart-TV, high speed Wi-Fi, a cozy sitting area, mini bar, coffee & tea making facilities, and a large desk, with a luxurious bathroom appointed with Carlton Tel Aviv special scented toiletries.
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- Tel Aviv
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- Ruins of Masada
With so much to do in Israel it might be best for those with limited time to visit Tourist Journey, an organization dedicated to making the entire process a cinch! Their customizable booking experience via “Create My Journey” allows travelers to instantly organize a personalized itinerary across 20 countries, including tours and hotel accommodations, taking the guesswork out of the booking process.
I went with Tel Aviv tours HERE and visited Masada, The Dead Sea, and the Ein Gedi Nature Reserve. I even explored parts of Tel Aviv I had missed on my first two trips, like the Carmel Market, urban street art, and the historical and rich culture of Jaffa – thanks to a very knowledgeable tour guide.
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- Kat and a sea of olives
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- Carmel Market
For a fine dining experience make your way to Alena Restaurant at the Norman Hotel. The restaurant includes a fun library in the back, a stunning interior, and heating lamps outside on the beautiful courtyard. My favorite dining selection was the yellowtail crudo (with chocolate gelato for a sweet finish!). For the sunniest and most entertaining winter holiday season, Tel Aviv is the perfect spot to kick back and relax.
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Katherine Fleischman is a travel expert, publicist and journalist. Of Peruvian descent, Kat Lives between Miami and Italy aiming to empower people to travel, as she believes it is through exploring the world that we will bridge cultural gaps.
Photos | Kat Fleishman