Zichron Yaakov, Israel
Renovated
2020
Price
$$$
Rated for
Design Heritage SocialOutside the door
The house
Gordonia HotelsBrutalist arts complex
Exposed concrete curves meet gallery halls, where live classical concerts, jazz sets, and monumental sculptures shape daily life on Mount Carmel.
What it’s good at
Remarkable
Restored Brutalist concrete curves, terrazzo tiles, and monumental contemporary sculptures in the gallery.
Remarkable
A restored 1968 Brutalist sanitarium overlooking Mount Carmel, originally designed by Ya'akov Rechter.
Notable
Public acoustic concerts and jazz sets staged inside two dedicated performance halls.
What they say
Also in Wallpaper*.
Elma (an acronym for Elstein Music & Art) embodies the vision of Lily Elstein, an art collector and patron of young artists.
Somewhere quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Set high on the Mount Carmel ridge, the grounds overlook coastal pine forests, with Zikhron Yaakov's historic center a gentle stroll away.
The rooms
Rooms feature natural oak furniture and woven Kilim rugs, while deep private balconies frame views of Mediterranean hillsides and coastal waters.
The pools
Bring a swimsuit.
A heated indoor pool rests beneath sculpted concrete, and an outdoor pool looks out toward the Mediterranean coast.
The spa
Stone-walled treatment rooms offer massage therapies alongside a traditional Turkish hammam, steam room, and sauna.
Restaurant
Oratorio
Long communal tables and glass wine cellars set the scene for locally sourced Mediterranean dishes.
At the table
The terrace lounge serves coffee and evening drinks over the coast, and The Cube hosts intimate jazz sets.
How it began
Art collector Lily Elstein acquired the abandoned 1968 Brutalist sanitarium, leading an eight-year restoration to preserve its wave-like concrete structure.
Good to know
Stay here
Elma Hotel
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.