NAVIGATOR

Voyage Tel Aviv

Tel Aviv (meaning hill of spring in Hebrew) has an air of perpetual renewal, new restaurants open and there’s always a party somewhere

STAY

CARLTON TEL AVIV Yes, it is your usual Carlton hotel, with some different touches in artwork and decor. The one big plus is the spectacular pool on the 15th floor overlooking the sea. If you’re looking to work off some of the lovely food on offer, the spa and gyms are re-furbished and not too busy. With kosher cooking at its best there are two main restaurants to choose from and you’ll not be disappointed. Located right on the beach front near the marina, you can also relax in the Esperanto Bar after a hard day soaking up some culture. €€€€ | www.carlton.co.il

THE YAM Noted as the perfect surfer-style boutique hotel, it’s basic but nicely finished. There’s a great buzz from like-minded guests, the buffet breakfast is certainly not to be missed. The rooms are comfortable with balconies but the rooms quoted as sea view…. Well, bend your head around the corner and you might catch a glimpse. Good value, and to be honest you’re not going to be hanging around the hotel too much. €€€ | www.atlas.co.il/yam-hotel-tel-aviv

THE NORMAN HOTEL Dig deep, this is not cheap, but certainly one of the very best little gems in the city. Set in a converted 1920s mansion with 50 bedrooms spec’d to the very highest level, including an amazing penthouse with some of the best views in the city. There are two glorious restaurants serving exquisite local and Mediterranean dishes, plus the Library Bar to help you wind down after a busy day pounding the streets. And then you can relax by the stunning infinity pool on the roof with an apero. €€€€€ | www.thenorman.com THE JAFFA Wow, that is exactly what you’ll say when you enter one of these suites in the Jaffa Residences. There are various options in terms of size and number of bedrooms and of course the depth of your pockets. The architects preserved historic structures of the former hospital and monastery with meticulous care. These apartments really are an oasis within the city and are truly spectacular. The whole project covered luxury apartments and over 80 hotel rooms with unsurpassable facilities. The company behind this project are world renowned architects and specialise in returning buildings to their former glory with a modernist touch. €€€€€€ | www.thejaffatelaviv.com

CUCU HOTEL Cool, colourful and contemporary, Cucu Hotel is the place to stay and mix with the city’s energetic, international youthful side. With a café sprawling out onto the sidewalk, an eye-catching, playful design, and a location a stone’s throw from the best nightlife in town, it’s a perfect retreat for resting in between partying. Many of the rooms have balconies with views of the leafy street, and all its revellers. The stunning Mediterranean restaurant balances traditional dishes with more northern Med recipes using seasonal produce and a modern touch. The bar areas are stunning and of course serve cool beers, €€€ | www.cucuhotel.com

MEZCAL BAR Probably the most authentic Mexican food you will find in Tel Aviv. Now that’s a strange comment. But, if you just have to get that kick of salsa or nachos, then this is your best option. Get there early before the happy hour at the bar starts at 8pm, or just join in the fun!

NIGHT KITCHEN Certainly one of the best eateries in town. Great atmosphere and incredible food. Fresh, great variety and the staff are just brilliant. The prefect spot if you’re heading out in a gang. Superb variety, wonderfully presented, this eatery should definitely be on your list, book early.

CLARO Located in the Sarona Compound, Claro is a farm-to-table restaurant with a cozy and welcoming vibe. The chefs celebrate fresh local produce with creative ingredients, a big open-kitchen, a tabun (brick oven) and fresh fish, meat, chicken and hand-made pasta and breads. The bar seating around the open kitchen is the perfect spot to soak up the atmosphere, and get a good view of this beautiful restaurant.

SHILA Shila is definitely one of the more amusing people watching spots in the city, so it can be fun even if you’re just there for a drink – and yes, the food is worth it too. It is said this is the bar with the best food and the restaurant with the best bar. SO whatever your motive, you’re covered. ARMADILLO This is one of the most loved drinking establishments in the city and gathers the bohemian crowd into a small friendly and vibrant pub. It lies in the centre around the Rothschild area, between the beautiful Bauhaus architecture-filled Mazeh and Balfour streets. Grab a seat at the bar and enjoy.

IMPERIAL COCKTAIL BAR Hidden within the Imperial Hotel, this bar offers the very best cocktails you will find in this city. Crafted by veteran bartenders with a passion for the lost art of making original cocktails, accompanied by swing jazz in the early evening before drifting towards surf and rock n’ roll. Pace yourself and enjoy the evening.

KULI ALMA Open from 10pm - 1am, this cool underground bar has a large outdoor area, but also a closed room to dance plus a third room with live music. So after that romantic meal, wind down or get revved up and dance your socks off. Certainly something here for everyone to enjoy.

GANNA 71 Super casual bar and a great start to any evening. Split into two areas; one with large seating areas and the other with a nightly DJ set and the occasional live band. A decent array of cocktails are on offer with a reasonable bar menu to soak things up if you get peckish and have had too much to eat earlier in the day. ESSENTIAL TEL AVIV

HERZLIYA MARINA 32°09456”N 34°47’34”E VHF 16, 11 Tel +972 99 5655 91 Website www.herzliya-marina.co.il No. of berths 680 Max length 60m Depth 6m

BUCKET LIST

ERETZ ISRAEL MUSEUM Great location for getting your dose of culture in one fell swoop. Established in 1953, it houses a large display of archaeological, anthropological and historical artefacts organised in a series of exhibition pavilions on its grounds. Plus, there’s a planetarium.

HARRY OPPENHEIMER DIAMOND MUSEUM Located in the Diamond Exchange District, the permanent collection consists of rough and finished diamonds and gemstones and provides information on the history and industry of diamonds

TEL AVIV MUSEUM OF ART This museum houses a comprehensive collection of wonderful classical and contemporary art, especially Israeli art, a sculpture garden and a youth wing. In 2019 the museum saw 1.3 million visitors pass through its gates, so it can’t be all bad.

OLD JAFFA This is the original port area of Tel Aviv, where you’ll find beautiful old streets full of character. You’ll also find the Jaffa flea market, which is a bit hyped, but you’ll find amazing cafes and shops nearby, not to mention some great Banksy street art.

NEVE TZEDEK Shabazi street is culture creature heaven with fantastic cafes, boutiques you won’t find in other cities and lots of art. It’s one of the older neighbourhoods. Start at the old train station, and explore to your heart’s content.