The Jaffa - Fattal Limited Edition

We recommend The Jaffa to travellers seeking the balance between heritage and contemporary design, without folklore. It is an address for couples in their thirties and older, cultural weekends, discreet honeymoons, business travellers who avoid glass towers. Architecture enthusiasts will appreciate Pawson’s work, others will simply enjoy the pool and proximity to the beaches.

The main building dates from 1865, constructed by the Sisters of Saint-Joseph as a French hospital, later expanded into a convent then a school until 1967. John Pawson preserved the barrel vaults, Jerusalem stone arches, original terrazzo floors, adding a modern six-storey tower set back. Minimalist interiors: polished concrete, bleached oak, maximised natural light, bespoke furniture. The 120 rooms are divided between the historic wing (raw stone, variable ceiling heights) and the tower (clean lines, large glass windows). The church was emptied of its pews, transformed into a bar-lounge, stained glass and central rose window intact.

The restaurant Don Camillo offers a Mediterranean fusion menu, Italian cuisine revisited with Israeli produce, under stone vaults or on the inner terrace. The church bar serves cocktails and light bites from 18h to midnight, DJ sets at weekends, mixed local and international clientele. Breakfast buffet served in the former refectory, homemade pita bread, hummus, shakshuka, fresh juices, local cheeses. 24-hour room service, simplified menu after 23h.

The Jaffa stands on the edge of the old town of Jaffa, 400 m from the Ottoman port, 10 minutes’ walk from the beaches of Tel-Aviv via the promenade. The neighbourhood mixes art galleries, artists’ studios, flea markets, fish restaurants, synagogues and mosques. Taxi rank in front of the hotel, Ben Gurion airport 25 minutes by car outside rush hour. The area is lively without being noisy, touristy by day, residential in the evening, very safe.