Urban vacation in Tel Aviv: 48 hours of sea, food, and lively nightlife

We have a tradition that we try to adhere to before our regular Rosh Hashanah flight abroad: A short mini-vacation in Israel, preferably by the sea, with good food and a relaxed chill-out atmosphere that will make us forget, especially this year, all the troubles of the past year. This time was short, we decided to stay in Tel Aviv. With all due respect to Jerusalem and Haifa, what other city in Israel provides the ultimate urban vacation just like Amsterdam and Berlin without signing a passport.

Carlton on the sea: Spectacular view and pampering luxury   

We arrived at the Carlton Hotel, located in the mythical Atari Square on the beach, on a hot afternoon, and as we entered the cool lobby of the hotel, we felt that kilograms of stress and anxiety were falling from us and the life we know was left behind. The lobby is cozy and inviting, decorated in elegant chic with comfortable sofas, a rich bar and soft lighting, which give a homely feeling. Even before we checked in, which was quick and courteous, we were served an alcoholic Wal-Cam cocktail and sampled handmade chocolates, so that by the time we got to our room on the 13th floor we were already slightly drugged. as we like. 

The room we got was large and spacious. The design combines European classics (like in our favorite hotel in Vienna) with a modern touch and advanced technologies, the bed is huge and insanely comfortable and this whole sweet ensemble radiates quiet and intimate luxury. Another surprise awaited us when we went out to the adjoining balcony, and a breathtaking view of the beaches of Tel Aviv, the Gordon Marina and the sea in a play of shades of blue, dotted with surfers and small sailboats, was revealed to us. So we opened a bottle of wine, cheered up and went to find our new home for the next two days.

As if the stunning view from the room wasn't enough for us, the view that greeted us on the roof floor where the pool and jacuzzi are located, which we will return to at sunset, was simply mesmerizing. 360 degrees of Tel Aviv in all its glory. There is no such sight in the whole world. From there we continued to the lounge, the executive business lounge located on the 14th floor that offers a perfect envelope for business people, and the luxurious spa area where we indulged in a pampering and sensual massage. We concluded the tour with a drink and a delicious snack in the lounge, jumped into the pool to watch the spectacular sunset from the water and returned to the room to prepare for dinner.    

Flame: A delicious culinary experience    

If we knew what was waiting for us at the FLAME restaurant, located on the first floor of the hotel and overlooking the promenade and the beach, we would have fasted for a week. Flame, directed by Chef Oren Assido, is a kosher "open fire" restaurant, which presents the hottest trend in world-renowned restaurants - cooking with live fire, coal and coals on an open grill, jasper and smoke. The kitchen is open to the restaurant space, which is designed in a meticulously elegant line with wooden furniture in reddish-brown tones, which create a luxurious but also warm and family atmosphere. 

It's unpleasant to admit, but the menu looked so tempting that we decided not to hesitate too much and order the whole thing. Well, almost all of it. While we sipped colorful and generous cocktails with alcohol, appetizers poured onto the table. We devoured a leek grilled over coals, olive oil and celery salt, which surprised with its deep taste; Finely pickled shallot with shallot and hot pepper; Leaf salad with a piece of butchers that the chef has pampered; And other wonderful dishes that were declared winners in the category such as corn ribs in chipotle and lime vinaigrette, beef tartare on a crispy za'atar cracker with bone marrow aioli, and delicious tuna sashimi in olive oil, tomato seeds and finger lime.  

Needless to say, we got to the point with our tongues out, but a short rest and a fortified cocktail recharged us. We attacked a quarter of smoked cabbage on eggplant cream, frikeys, greens and an eggplant gastrique, a smart and incredibly delicious vegetarian dish. In the meat category, the restaurant's specialty, we ate a soft and tender chicken skewer with leek and purple onion, placed on a tomato salsa and hot tahini, a simple but precise dish of the kind we particularly like. For the next dish, lamb spareribs bokchoy and greens, we swore we would come back here again just for that. For the finale, we devoured a beef filet with Jerusalem artichoke grilled over coals, black garlic cream, king of the forest mushrooms and brown chicken stock. Everything is so delicious and served in a beautiful and creative way. All this goodness was won by the lovely staff of the restaurant, who made sure to give us a good time at the highest professional level. Since we are not lovers of sweets, we gave up dessert, and went up to the lounge for a last drink before bed. 

Carlton on the sea: An elegant breakfast in front of the sea and the marina

A gloomy early October morning greeted us as we walked to the breakfast served in the restaurant located outside the hotel, in front of the picturesque view of the stormy sea and the yachts anchored in the marina and swaying in the autumn wind. The restaurant is large and bright, kosher of course, the food is served buffet style and the atmosphere as in the whole hotel is relaxed, boutique and chic. The buffet is divided into long and polished counters, which offer a rich and varied selection of foods presented in an aesthetically pleasing way.  

There is pickled fish, a nice selection of salads and fresh vegetables, quiches and boutique cheeses from leading dairies. As health seekers, we were happy to discover crunchy natural granolas and breakfast cereals, alongside trays with fresh fruit cut and tastefully arranged, dried fruit, mini nuts and a stand of fresh juices. Even at the carbohydrate counters, the celebration is big with plenty of breads, sweet and savory pastries, morning cakes and desserts. A special refrigerator is dedicated to elaborate vegan dishes, well done for considering vegans, and from the chef's station come steaming plates loaded with eggs in a variety of ways of preparation with or without toppings.  

Because it was a bit chilly, we sat inside by the huge glass windows overlooking the marina and the sea, but there is also an adjoining balcony full of greenery for warmer days. The restaurant manager told us that breakfast is also open to the general public, not just hotel guests, at a price of NIS 160 per person; And you won't believe it, but before we said goodbye and left to plow the city, we booked a place in a restaurant for a birthday celebration after the holidays. 

Treat yourselves: A perfect getaway in the center of things  

A calm 48-hour break in the middle of the week is all we needed to disconnect from the routine and change the atmosphere, pamper ourselves in a lovely hotel close to the sea and all the entertainment places in Tel Aviv, and recharge with new energies that allowed us to return with fresh strength to our complex reality. Whether you are culinary lovers, night birds or simply looking for a moment of peace, we have indulged you. In the meantime, here are recommendations for some of the most worthwhile places to travel and spend time in the city non-stop.    

From the port to Old Jaffa: Attractions and entertainment in Tel Aviv  

Tel Aviv, the city that never ceases to surprise, invites you to celebrate life with endless possibilities of attractions and entertainment. You can stroll the beautiful boulevards and the colorful markets, indulge in a local chef's restaurant, spend the evening in a chic cocktail bar, and indulge in the free and lively atmosphere of the city. 

Tel Aviv port

The Port of Tel Aviv is a wonderful place for daily entertainment that can easily flow into the night. Besides bustling restaurants and cafes on the first line to the water, it has a charming farmers market with fresh agricultural produce and delicious food stalls that are worth a stop. In the port area you will find playgrounds and a huge colorful carousel, a unique art space, shops of leading brands, as well as Segway tours, sunset yoga and a spa complex and alternative treatments. 

Hayarkon Park

A green natural gem in the heart of Tel Aviv and the perfect place to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city. The park is full of walking and cycling paths, wide lawns and groves of trees, which create a peaceful and calm atmosphere. You can sail in pedal boats on the lake, visit the unique gardens such as the cactus garden with its prehistoric charm, exercise in the open air, or pack a pampering picnic basket and spend the day lounging on the grass. 

The City of Tel Aviv 

Tel Aviv offers countless sites of culture, history and excellent cuisine. Among the leading sites are the Sharona complex, with the restored Templar houses and the stylish Sharona Market. On Rothschild Avenue, the most chic avenue in the city, you will find restaurants, trendy bars like Belle Boy (where we ended our vacation), and a cool street scene; And in the Carmel Market you can wander among the stalls and enjoy good food and the happy atmosphere. 

Old Jaffa

Do you want to feel a real foreign atmosphere? Travel to Jaffa, the old city where past and present merge into one sensual experience. It has plenty of entertainment and interest centers such as the flea market and the surrounding vintage shops, stone alleys studded with galleries and magical cafes, such as Basma Cafe with the most knapa Delicious in the world, and a nightlife scene that will close your day with good food, uplifting music and an electrifying atmosphere.      

Lihi Ron is a journalist and editor, author of destination guides and leader of women and food tours in Israel and around the world.