Oh Jerusalem! Old Meets New At Mamilla Hotel

Rich in history, spirituality, architecture, philosophy, literature, music, cultural heritage and art, Jerusalem–the crucible of ancient civilization–exudes an exuberant energy that has gripped visitors for centuries. Situated in the middle of the city center, overlooking the walls of the Old City, the Tower of David and the Jaffa Gate is the recently opened Mamilla Hotel–a modern twist on an ancient edifice with stunning results courtesy of a unique collaboration between award-winning Israeli architect Moshe Safdie and contemporary Italian designer Piero Lissoni. The hotel has received many international kudos and is a favorite amongst the jet set crowd.

Among its merits, Lissoni’s design plays with light throughout the hotel. Inspired by the strong Jerusalem sun, and using Jerusalem Stone (a light limestone), the dark colors of the public areas are broken up by the outside light with glimpses of the ancient city. Intimacy and simple sophistication are key elements, with the manipulation of light designed to create unique and striking spaces. A pastiche of furnishings sets modern elements alongside antiques and Chinese pieces next to contemporary Italian designs, producing a rich and detailed aesthetic that is both elegant and subdued, as well as uplifting and inspired. The hotel features 194 guest rooms and suites, a terrazzo-style rooftop outdoor lounge and brasserie with 360 degree views of the Old City, a chic ʻMirror Barʼ, which has quickly become the hottest nightspot in Jerusalem, an Espresso bar, and the newly opened 1000-square meter Akasha Wellbeing Retreat and Spa.  The spa integrates state-of-the-art gym equipment, yoga, pilates and meditation rooms, an organic bar and lounge, an infinity pool that gently cascades over its edges to create a relaxed natural waterfall sound effect, and a Watsu pool for hydro-treatments as well as a private hammam treatment room.

Only an hour’s drive from buzzing, cosmopolitan Tel Aviv and several hours’ drive from major destinations such as Eilat, the Negev Dessert, the Dead Sea and the lush, green topography of the North, the Mamilla in Jerusalem is the best place to begin a journey through time in ancient Israel from past to present.