Room service (listing)

Jerusalem Post, Weekend Magazine; February 7, 2008

The best of new and newly renovated accommodations in the Galilee

With its rolling hills, forests, and proximity to coastal beaches, Western Galilee is one of the most beautiful vacation spots in Israel. Blame it on patriotism, but right after the Second Lebanon War, the region experienced a growth spurt of hotels and tzimmers (guest houses). Here are a few options for places to stay in Western Galilee, some old, some new, each with its own concept and price. (Prices listed according to weekday/weekend, per couple, including breakfast.)

About a year ago a couple named Tal Yeshua and Bat- Chen Aviram realized their vision for a hotel chain geared to families and couples with an adventurous spirit. Travel Hotels offers simple, comfortable, kibbutz-style rooms, but its special attraction is a staff that guides guests in mapping out regional hikes and tours, thereby transforming the great Galilean outdoors into the hotel lobby. They have forged partnerships with attractions and eateries in the region to let guests tailor their own vacation experience. While not as luxurious as tzimmers in the region, this is a more affordable option for those who find satisfaction with the beauty and simplicity of nature. NIS 380/400 (extra charge for breakfast upgrade); Travel Hotels, Kibbutz Eilon and Gesher Haziv, www. travelhotels. co.il (04) 995-8568

Families who want the kids to have fun too can opt for Brenda's B&B Ranch, a friendly guest house equipped with a horse ranch offering pony rides and a playroom with a ping pong and pool table. The guest house was founded 12 years ago by Brenda and Bobby Shapiro, a South African couple who moved to Moshav Ben-Ami three decades ago. They're among the country hospitality pioneers, having founded the B&B long before the tzimmer industry took off. The rooms are reminiscent of kibbutz guest houses, clean and simple, without the design hoop-la of the luxury tzimmers. The rooms have a living room area, a kitchenette, and a hot tub in the bedroom too to give the adults some down time. The Shapiros, who live next door, open their lychee orchards for family picking. NIS 550; Brenda's B&B Ranch, (04) 982- 2320; 052-279-4436; NIS 600-800

Amos and Adi Cohen have been running a country lodge with eight wooden cabins for the past seven years at Moshav Goren. Right after the Lebanon War they launched an upgraded line of eight highly stylized tzimmers made of Arab stone and Finnish wood, true marvels of design and luxury. The couple thought of every colorful and plush trimming: a fireplace, a fish aquarium, surround sound, an elaborate colored lighting system, a mini wine cellar, a fancy massage chair, and a therapeutic outdoor Jacuzzi. A common dining and recreation center is under construction, and the lodge is now recognized by the Ministry of Tourism as a "melonit" (small hotel). Wood cabins: NIS 500/750; Upgraded stone/wood cabins: NIS 750/1000; The Galilean Spirit (Haruah Haglili), www.adis.co.il; (04) 980-6951/9

The name may be deceiving. There is no full-fledged spa at "Spa on the Edge" located in the border moshav of Shtula (although treatments can be ordered in), but it is definitely located "on the edge." The tzimmers have been built at a mountaintop about two kilometers away from the border where Ehud Goldwasser and Eldad Regev were kidnapped by Hizbullah. Shtula resident Meir Ben-David announced his plans for the tzimmers when reporters came to check out the damage of a Katyusha rocket that hit his backyard. He fulfilled his promise. Right near his home, a vegetable, herb and flower garden adorns the two handsome wooden units equipped with an indoor/outdoor Jacuzzi, an indoor sauna, and a rooftop lounge area where couples can snuggle with the view of the Lebanese hills (when it's not raining water or rockets). NIS 650/850; Spa on the Edge (Spa al Hakatzeh), www.zimmerland. co.il, 050-216-1732;
NIS 800-1,000

When Catherine and Daniel Groner made aliya from Paris in 2006 (right before the Second Lebanon War), they brought a little of France with them, converting a home at Moshav Manot into Villa Provence. No detail has been spared to give guests the feeling that they are in a villa in the middle of the French country. The six suites at the "villa" are designed exquisitely, each with a different theme and color scheme. The wood and upholstery hail from France, while the metalwork comes from Marrakesh, Morocco. The spa is small yet beautifully trimmed with tiles and French soaps. The Groners live on the premises, making visitors feel like their personal house guests. NIS 900/1,000 (1,800 two nights); "Spa day" including breakfast and treatment: NIS 650. Villa Provence; www.villaprovence.co.il, 04- 980-6246

For those seeking some Sephardic warmth, there's Ahuzat Hoshen in Moshav Ein Ya'acov (a largely Kurdish community) which opened its doors in July 2007. Francine and Eyal Pinhas (she's Moroccan and he's Iraqi) have built three beautiful stone tzimmer units equipped with a Jacuzzi, a fireplace, a kitchenette with an espresso machine, and small seating corner. At first glance the five-star accommodations do not exhibit any distinct design theme or attraction, but as an added value they offer a small heated whirlpool (tented in the winter) where couples (either alone or with their friends) can get cozy and hot in the winter. NIS 800/ 1,000; Ahuzat Hoshen, www.hoshen. org.il; 052-623-2888.