These days, hotels are increasingly trying to give us a unique experience, rather than just "ordinary" luxury and comfort...
They do this by channeling the communities that are in their environment, emphasizing the best things their destination has to offer, or simply through the power of design. Hotels and hoteliers want to give their guests the opportunity to create memories that are perfectly unique. Well, we can safely say that no one staying at the new Jaffa Hotel in Tel Aviv will forget where it was, thanks to its unique historical context, beautiful natural surroundings and the incredible new design given to it by famed architect John Pawson.
Pawson, best known for its minimalist approach to architectural design, has taken on the challenge of creating a hotel from a former hospital and monastery on the prestigious Tel Aviv coast. Working alongside conservation architect Rummy Gill, Pawson transformed the nineteenth-century historic complex into a high-end hotel with taste and style while retaining all period elements. The mix of old and new is superbly crafted in every hotel space - from the U-shaped central courtyard filled with trees to the chapel, which has been transformed into a bar and lobby. The hotel offers 120 guest rooms and 32 exclusive residences, which are annexed.
The meeting between the historic and the modern can also be seen in the materials and final details of the hotel, which have been delicately treated to reveal the true character of the building. The owners of the hotel explain: "Plaster walls are stripped to reveal patina generations and paint-decorated walls as an homage to the historic beauty of this building." The result is a soothing environment, with brushed plaster arches that complement exposed bricks in a very uniform manner. Some guest rooms have vaulted ceilings that rise above the bed and accentuate their painted details.
The furniture and artwork that fill this hotel were also used as decorative elements. In the lobby and bar, accent colors like blue and orange create a contrast to the neutral palette of stone that adorns the walls and floors. The bedrooms use an off-white cream and gray tones, with occasional bright accents, creating a truly serene setting complete with ethereal curtains and white linens. The works of celebrities such as Damien Hirst establish the luxurious status of the hotel, which can already be felt in its restaurant, dining and spa area.
