EL AL | Atmosphere

Charming spots that are well worth a visit

The Bahá’í Gardens: much like the ones in Haifa, these Bahá’í Gardens are an oasis of peace and tranquility. Stone pathways meander through the foliage and sculptures, until they reach the impressive holy temple, burial site of the prophet Bahá ʼ u’lláh, founder of the Bahá’í faith. Entrance is free. The Botanical Gardens: a joy to explore, especially with kids, this park includes an area dedicated to music where children can discover musical instruments, enjoy the labyrinth, playground equipment and climbing rope, and splash about in the fountains in the summer. The Jam: a cultural center that gives center stage to local artists who come for the evening jam sessions, live concerts, plays, spoken-work nights and movie screenings. Holy Gems visitors center: The luxury jewelry brand Holy Gems recently launched an experiential visitors center that tells the miraculous discovery of the first deposit of precious gems in the Holy Land of Israel, which includes Sapphire, Garnet, and Spinal gems and the extremely rare gem ‘Carmel Sapphire’, and the 20 years of research and development that led to their exposure.The visit includes a guided tour of all the stages of exposing the gems - from washing the piles of sand from the mine, sorting with dedicated machines, to finding the raw gems, polishing and setting them in the luxury jewel. The tour is by appointment only, Sundays to Thursdays (holy-gems.com).

Photos: PR, Nurit Poran, Amos Dadon, Gil Yarom, Lior Gonderman, The Akko Economic Company

in Greece - but who needs Greece when you’ve got Akko?! akotika.co.il

is served on the hotel rooftop that overlooks the city walls and Haifa Bay, before turning into a romantic lounge bar in the evening. akotika.co.il The Knights’ Hostel This is one of Israel’s most beautiful hostels. Due to its strategic location - at the entrance to the Old City and right beside the main sites - it’s usually in high demand. The service and prices are affordable. The hostel provides single, double, family and group rooms, some with balconies overlooking the market. The rooms are basic but comfortable and include a bathroom, television, and minibar. An ancient aqueduct cuts across the hostel’s lobby and dining area, and communal areas include an amphitheater, an auditorium and a synagogue. ■ iyha.org.il/akko-hostel

Where to stay Akotika

After the serious damage incurred during the riots of recent years, owners Tamar and Meir Davidson began work restoring their boutique hotel to its former glory, even adding a beautiful new space that includes a meeting room, a wellness area, a bar, and the list of delights goes on. Akotika’s 18 suites are spread across various ancient Old City stone houses. Each one is totally unique, designed in exquisite taste, providing guests with a supremely pampering experience that is as authentic as it is luxurious. The first-rate Akko-style breakfast

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ATMOSPHERE AUGUST 2022