Israel

Step into the new El Al Dreamliner 787 – 9 and enter a business class cabin that is seemingly not so different than you may have seen before: pod style, large windows and a 1x2x1 configuration. But, the details throughout the new space make all the difference. With more headroom, you can breathe easier. With a 16” interactive screen, you can stay entertained longer. With a storage cupboard equipped with a travel kit, water bottle, headphones, you can organize better. With a compartment for your shoes, you can keep everything tidy. Apparently, some Dreamliners have adjustable firmness. Nonetheless, all of them have seats that recline fully. The El Al Dreamliner is all about putting luxury in the air. Even the bathrooms are upgraded: all hands free - taps, flush with seat covers, tissues and hand towels. And, if flight food always left a bad taste in your mouth, prepare to indulge in tasty kosher cuisine: seared tuna, salad and choice of chicken, veal rib or salmon.

Hilton Hotel Tel Aviv

The Hilton Hotel Tel Aviv has vista floors (13-17) that offer clients services beyond those of the regular hotel rooms. The 167 Vista rooms were renovated a few years ago and separated as its own property just a year ago. This fresh space boasts a 17thfloor penthouse-like room called the Grand Vista – with spectacular views, a vista lounge designed as a space for all meals and cocktails, connecting rooms available on all Vista floors, free wifi for Vista guests, and a free Ahava gift. In addition, the hotel is equipped with a medical centre, spa, gym, a specialty chef restaurant on site plus an additional four more (one that is 24/7).

Nightclub Tour of Tel Aviv

A young energetic guide will take you to a number of clubs. You will stop at gems that you may have otherwise missed like the Clovis Upstairs from Tapachula is a great speak-easy bar that offers innovative cocktails and friendly bartenders. It’s a small space where they allow smoking indoors, which is rare in Israel where everyone smokes outside, but not inside. You will also pier into Cofix which has a young vibe and offers cheap drinks, Jimmy Who and Kulik Alma.

David Intercontinental Hotel Tel Aviv

This is one of the nicest hotels on the beach: rooms are spacious and beautifully appointed. There are various luxury levels available: classic, executive, club level (with lounge), Mediterranean suite for two people, king rooms with double panoramic windows, large renovated bathroom and living room. And, the specialty, President Clinton Suite - large bedroom with sofa and king. Lots of closet space. Sauna in en-suite, bidet, separate tub and shower.

Tour of Jaffa

Welcome Centre in Jaffa has self guided tours where clients can go on their own. It’s surrounded by small shops and a café all surrounding a beautiful courtyard with great views. Both historical and beautiful, Jaffa is the original port where Jews arrived in Israel. Here, lives the artist colony where creative were enticed to settle by the government offering tax incentives.

Fashion Tour in Jaffa

A local guide with a long history in the fashion industry shows clients what Tel Aviv/Israel has to offer the international fashion community. Itineraries are customized according to the demographic of the clients. We visited a designer named Adibenjo who now provides her collection to Manhattan stores, an ecological textile designers shop, and the designer who started producing textiles that are free of chemical dyes; she produces all kinds of knitwear that are luxuriously soft and feel great! The tour provides a history of fashion originating in Israel in textile production and design, opportunities to meet the people behind the “stories” of fashion that come out of Israel (fashion designer and textile designer).

The Norman Hotel (SLH) Tel Aviv

This beautiful property combines a historical building with a new building: showcasing unique room styles. It is a great option for those wanting to stay in the city, rather than by the beach. With 2 buildings: one with 30 rooms and the other with 20 suites, this boutique property is intimate and well-serviced. The hotel has a centre atrium which brings light to all floors and opens the concept. Notable, is the custom scent throughout the hotel, which the manager shared with agents in a small atomizer. It’s heavenly! That’s not the only heavenly element, though. The wellness centre with a gym, fitness classes, and juice bar is a great way to re-energize or fuel up for the day. And, the top floor Japanese and Mediterranean restaurants are fabulous. Whether you stay in the basic room or the Grand Deluxe room (with serene bathtub), the rooms come with everything you would need: iPads, coffee machines, mini bars, and connecting room options. Be sure to check out the rooftop lounge and pool with view of the beach for great views of the city! Look out for a new building opening in 2022.

Squadron Flight Simulator

Located in a VIP movie theatre, this experience is new and has become very popular, very quickly. The experience includes briefing in classroom setting with flight instructor, experience in the cockpit with a flight instructor guiding you both hands-on and in your headphones. You’ll be wearing flight overalls and experience a de-briefing after your flight, just like real pilots! Lots of swag to purchase for a take home memory.

Jaffa Hotel

This freshly new hotel is a fantastic property that just opened in 2019 by the owner of W Miami. It gives guests a “Soho” feel by staying in Jaffa rather than in Tel Aviv. It is a great place to host a party. There are 120 rooms: 80 in the new wing, and 40 in the historical wing. Connecting rooms are available. It is minimalistic in design, built on an archaeological site, and all rooms are smart operated. There is a deli on site, and an Italian/Mediterranean restaurant, but none are kosher. Don’t miss the amazing funky destination bar from 1879. Open Thurs-Saturday. The pictures are all Hollywood actors playing priests. Waitresses dress as nuns.

Bullet factory

This underground factory was hidden from the British under a kibbutz, which was a ‘cover’ for the Haganah (IDF). The guide takes you through the history of the kibbutz, how the bullet factory concept was born and guides you through the actual factory underground. The museum was built in 1987. There is a short video explaining the story, and then they take you to the laundry room: the cover for the factory and the bakery, which was part of the secret and helped conceal the factory.

Calibre 3

Caliber 3 is the leading Counter Terror and Security Training Academy in Israel. We met a local expert for Commando Training and military-style shooting session. While there, we watched a unit prepare for an upcoming mission; they were there for three days of intensive training and it was intense! This is a very cool stop for a peek into Israeli military intelligence.

David Citadel Jerusalem

One of, if not, the nicest hotel in Jerusalem: 390 rooms, kosher restaurants, accommodation close to the old city, completely renovated in the last four years, chef services and holistic spa this property is unbeaten. The hotel is shaped in a U and all rooms face the old cities with balconies Some rooms allow for private sukkahs to be built on the balcony, and you can even sleep on the terrace. Note: connecting rooms available and suites are great for families.

Mamilla Hotel Jerusalem

This modern, trendy lifestyle hotel connects with the outdoor Mamilla mall, providing a walking promenade that leads you to the Jaffa Gate of the old city. Known for its vibe and energy; this is a celebrity destination! There are 194 rooms and suites, kosher fare, a rooftop restaurant with great view has removable walls around it during the winter months, and the largest spa in Jerusalem. There are interconnecting rooms available for families, and plenty of room options for any kind of guest. The vibe of the hotel is created through wine tastings (complimentary on Fridays), cigar bar, tapas far, acapella music nights, and the peaceful spa and fitness centre.

Other Deluxe Hotels

The Waldorf Astoria Jerusalem was built five years ago and most of the guests here are ultra-orthodox.

King David Hotel Jerusalem

There are six floors: the top two are renovated and the rest are untouched as they are enriched with deep history. The lobby, itself, tells the story of the past where signatures of visiting dignitaries are embedded in the floor tiles. The scene continues as rooms on the main level boast history of treaty signings by world leaders.

Isrotel at the Dead Sea

Because of the Dead Sea erosion issue, the public space for experiencing the Dead Sea is far from the main building. In addition, this location is old, busy and not pleasantly clean. As an alternative enjoy a buffet lunch and Dead Sea Experience at Isrotel.

Genesis Island

This stop on the way to/from Masada and the Dead Sea gives clients an opportunity to ride a camel and have a historic dining experience with some history woven in. Abraham’s servants in authentic dress greet you and clients can put on cloaks as well, to get in the mood. Authentic dining experience in a tent served by authentically dressed Abraham and his disciples. Food is a variety of salads, hummus, pita, rice, potatoes, chicken legs and a beef dish. You sit on the floor or by table and the meal includes alcohol. Drum session afterward was fun and lively- demo, participation, bar mitzvah celebrations. This authentic experience is great for kids!

Western Wall Tunnel Tour

Excellent explanation of how the Western Wall was preserved, how the area was built, history of the Romans, the destruction of the temple and the rebuilding of the city around it. There is also a brand new synagogue which was built underground here.

Orient Hotel Jerusalem

Orient Hotel Jerusalem opened July 2017 and is a beautiful new option. It is a 15 minute walk to Jaffa gate. This property boasts unique touches, like olive wood door. It is an authentic Jerusalem experience with historical buildings, 11 deluxe rooms, 27 rooms in another building, 2 pools (1 rooftop), and spa/gym, sauna, and museum. The breakfast options represent all of the neighborhoods of Jerusalem.

Machane Yehuda Market Tour

No Friday is complete without a trip to the Western Wall to welcome Shabbat but before that, the Machane Yehuda market is bustling with shoppers preparing for Shabbat. Mabat has a culinary and wine expert on staff (Iris) who not only does market tours, wine tasting but also welcomes groups of clients to her home for a gourmet Shabbat dinner. She’ll prepare culinary baskets for clients as a welcome gift or boxed lunch for a long day of touring. A visit to the market with Iris introduces you to shopkeepers who sell unique things in the shuk (market). Stalls that appear to be smoothie stores are really pharmacies, providing clients with tinctures to heal whatever ails them; and all natural! One of the highlights of our stop was a Fromagerie where we sipped wine and tasted cheeses and truffle butter with unique flavors. It’s known as the top Fromagerie in Israel and one of the top five in the world!

Day trip to Caesarea/Haifa/Acco

This day appeals mainly to those that hold historical interests, visiting UNESCO sites. Ceasarea includes an ancient amphitheatre and hippodrome along with shops and restaurants for visiting tourists.The Bahai Gardens in Haifa are spectacular on a sunny day. The underground museum in Acco is very good, taking you through history and the evolution of the area over the past three thousand years. The museum is finished nicely, which somewhat takes away from the ancient structure you’re standing within.

To learn more about how we can create the perfect vacation offering VIP treatment at the worlds finest properties and provide you with preferred partner amenities, please contact a TWIL Travel Advisor for all the details.