What it is

A 120-room hideaway within a 19th-century French hospital, with an L. Raphael Spa and Instagrammy outdoor pool.

What it isn't

Dated. Interiors by British starchitect John Pawson are sleek enough for an Elle Decor magazine spread, with sculptural furniture and modern art at every turn.

What we think

You expect hotels near the Mediterranean Sea to be dreamy, but this is another level of gorgeous. Each room here is fitted with ultra-lavish touches, including private balconies, marble-lined bathrooms with rainfall showers and 300-thread-count sheets you’ll never want to leave. Book a top floor Royal 1 Bedroom Suite (up to 1,023-square-feet) for sea views from your roomy balcony, floor-to-ceiling windows that peep out on Tel Aviv, and curated modern art pieces by Israel photographer Tal Shochat. The Jaffa’s many repeat guests rave over the L. Raphael Beauty Spa, which has the serene look of a Japanese onsen and four separate saunas for indulgent privacy.

You're here because

If you don’t have pool access, it’s not a vacation; this one is particularly lovely, and flanked by sunlit sandy-hued daybeds.

The Moment

There’s nothing like a New York deli, but Golda’s has perfected it from afar in Tel Aviv. Under the restaurant’s barrel vaulted ceilings, you indulge in a Katz’-worthy spread of lox-topped bagels and triple decker pastrami sandwiches, all the while thinking as much as you love New York, you love Tel Aviv, too.

Restaurants & Bars

Don Camillo - a classic Italian restaurant, born from the collaboration of renowned Israeli Chef Roi Antebi

Golda's Delicatessen - an inventive take on traditional New York deli delights, Golda’s Delicatessen serves a menu of open face salmon bagels, Reuben hot dogs, double cheese burgers and grilled cheese.

Sheshbesh Bar - Serving gourmet coffees, freshly baked pastries and savory snacks. Enjoy lounge style seating and a game of backgammon

Location

Within Tel Aviv’s “Little Paris” neighborhood, just a few blocks from its 7,000-year-old port. Half a mile away: the Museum of Antiquities, housed in an Ottoman Empire-era building that’s worth the walk alone.