The Best Resorts to Book in Israel

At the edge of the Ramon Crater, in the sun-baked Negev Desert, the Beresheet offers proper remote luxury. Infinity pools – a full 39 of the ground-floor rooms have them – let you splash while soaking up the view of the inhospitable surrounding wilds. There’s a spa with a comprehensive list of pampering treatments to choose from. Grab a seat on the Rosemarine Restaurant terrace at breakfast, and you’ll enjoy sweeping golden-toned landscapes with your morning shakshuka.

The Dead Sea delivers for both wellness-seekers and families, and Herods is a stylish, relaxed place to take it all in. Think private beach space, aquamarine tones in rooms and multiple restaurants, bars and pools (including a sulphur one, especially beneficial for those with skin conditions). Grown-ups, do make time for the spa, which includes a striking cream-stone hammam and hydrotherapy treatments to really help those shoulders unclench.

From top restaurants to scene-y beaches, Tel Aviv is the place for urban thrills in Israel, and the Hilton is right in the thick of the action. Hilton Beach, right outside the hotel, has a thriving gay scene while surrounding Independence Park is a popular spot for watching the sunset. The best of the city, including restaurant-stuffed Carmel Market and the Bauhaus buildings near Rothschild Boulevard, is all within walking distance of this resort in Tel Aviv.

Jaffa is one of the oldest ports in the world, and a stay in this stylish 17th-century house immerses you deeply in its ancient atmosphere. Enter from one of the narrow, cobbled alleyways, and you’ll discover a gorgeously styled array of suites with period features. A two-bedroom apartment with a fully equipped kitchen has a spectacular roof terrace with sweeping views out over the Mediterranean and neighbouring Tel Aviv.

When celebrities or international leaders come to Jerusalem, they book into the King David – a luxurious stay in honey-coloured stone, complete with grand dining areas, a lounger-lined pool and rooms adorned with fresh flowers and books for thumbing. And, as you’re just a 15-minute walk from the old walled city core, there’s no limit to the time you can spend exploring world-famous sights such as the Western Wall and Church of the Holy Sepulchre from this resort in Jerusalem.

Why do we love this spot so? For the contemporary bedrooms splashed in sunshine yellow, prettied with potted orchids; the poolside grill with rambling lawns, on which to enjoy creamy hummus or sizzling burgers; and the powdery beachfront. This family-friendly Dead Sea resort has all you need for a dream holiday in the sun. Children will enjoy the kids club, decked out with a video arcade, offering plenty of activities; parents can relax at the tranquil al fresco solarium.

Who says a historic break in ancient Jerusalem can’t come with a little modern-day fun? Blessed with a sprawling rooftop pool, a decadent spa with more than 70 treatments and a cool, contemporary design, Orient Hotel brings a fresh vibe to balance out all that heavyweight sightseeing. Rooms come with brushed-copper-toned sinks and rainfall showers, not to mention, in some cases, balconies – all that and the fascinating old city core is 1km (0.6mi) away.

Famed for its brilliant beaches, Eilat is the finest Red Sea resort in Israel, home to Coral Beach, a diving hotspot. And the Orchid hotel, with its Thai inspiration, has all you need to make your stay memorable. Terraced rooms overlook the sparkling waters, while palm-lined villas have private plunge pools and enough space for the whole family to spread out in comfort. Top tip: be sure to rise early, and you’ll witness a spectacular sunrise over the surrounding mountains.