Idealism in the Middle of Chaos

It’s 3am and I’m in a taxi driving back to my hotel, the cafes and restaurants are so packed it feels like mid day. The air is warm and the energy is humming, I am amazed at how much has changed since I was here last, 8 years ago. Tel Aviv, where you fall in love with yourself, the city and the idealism that a peaceful, artistic, adventurous life is possible even in the middle of the most tumultuous part of the world.

When walking the streets of Tel Aviv, it is easy to forget you are in the Middle East, let alone surrounded by battlegrounds that are merely a few hours away. The vibe is so intoxicating, immersed in it one can get completely lost and forget that time exists. I was bemused at how modern everything looked and felt, the boardwalk buzzing and the beaches filled with people playing volleyball, training at the outdoor gyms, lounging, and schmoozing at the many local restaurants and bars.

This is a lifestyle of art, passion, health and beauty, people are full of fervor and excitement for life, and you get the sense that there is always something to do and experience no matter what your flavor. There are pockets of Tel Aviv that embody unique micro-cultures and a variety of people and styles of living. For this reason I wanted to revolve my stay around a series of boutique hotels owned by Atlas Hotel Group, based on my research the theme of every hotel really emulates each unique area.

My first stop was Hotel 65 a new hotel in the heart of Rothchild street one of the trendiest and lively areas of Tel Aviv. As soon as you enter the lobby you get a whiff of a sweet floral scent that is infused throughout the entryway, the modern design exudes luxury and the breakfast is literally to die for. Hotel 65 embodies the area as its chic, luxurious essence captures the energetic theme of the surrounding restaurants, bars and stylish young urbanites.

One of my favorite things to do when visiting cultural cities is to discover new styles and fashion statements. Tel Aviv has no shortage of amazing boutiques and it doesn’t hurt that the shekel to dollar is almost 4:1, yes I came home with an extra suitcase. Although considered a beach town, Tel Aviv’s fashion is more urban city dweller similar to New York, rather than the boho-chic style of Southern California.

I absolutely loved The Market Hotel in Jaffa, what remains the oldest and most historic part of Tel Aviv, yet you can feel the transition of modernism even here. Across from the Shuk (flea market) you have this gorgeous hotel containing archeological remains of a Byzantine Chapel. I had an impressive view of these ruins through the glass floor of the main area. It was one of those places where you could spend hours in the lobby which felt like an old book store, equipped with oversized sofas and massive windows to relax and people watch. Jaffa is an area where you really feel the kaleidoscope of culture which is the true heart of Tel Aviv. Jews, Arabs, Ehiopians, Russians, Europeans and Americans all hustling about the eclectic kiosks bargaining and shopping, talking and laughing, I even caught a mini spat between two elderly kiosk owners, there is no shortage of excitement!

Of course Tel Aviv is nothing if not known for her amazingly gorgeous beaches, where I spent majority of my time. The Shalom Hotel and Relax where I stayed for the duration of my trip, was the perfect little beach house hotel. The sunset on the rooftop lounge deck is a perfect way to end each day overlooking the ocean with places to sprawl out and bathe in the golden light. When I travel it is important for me to feel comfortable yet still experience life as a local. I prefer to immerse myself in the experience, rather than stand outside of it as a tourist; being able to stay at these hotels allowed me to live and breathe the city in the way I love to do.

Walking along the beach where everything is now so new my brother pointed to an old building past the boardwalk, past the Sheraton Hotel, across the main street and told me “That’s where our grandfather first lived when he came here from Egypt, and between the ocean and his apartment was only sand… imagine what it took for so much change to happen in such a short period of time, surrounded by conflict, so that we can experience all this today.” It almost felt magical to have imagined the evolution of life and culture over the decades, and the stories of all the lives this city has touched so deeply.

It moves me tremendously when I witness how passionate and driven Israelis are and always have been, a people who were left abandoned by the world, forced to rebuild and triumph, constantly under threat for their lives, and yet able to live life to the fullest every single day, joyfully and full of fire.

“In Israel, in order to be a realist you must believe in miracles.” – David Ben-Gurion, first Prime Minister of Israel

Sari Gabbay is the CEO and Creative Director of U2R1 Media a creative agency with a focus on lifestyle and travel brands.