Looking for a something different for the next executive retreat? Try re-setting your corporate strategy in a location that blends old and new perfectly. One that captures the vibrancy of life, the fast emerging embrace of technology, with ancient history as a fascinating inspiration for planning your business growth. Look no further than Tel Aviv.
Israel’s capital city is undoubtedly a tech hub, buzzing with unicorns and tech giants as it carefully emerges from its dated architectural heritage to embrace a glitzier cosmopolitan look. This new metropolis gives you a fascinating glimpse into the past while getting a chance to mingle with the future. It’s also a gateway to many other locations that could extend your retreat into an inspirational holiday. Think of the Red Sea, The Dead Sea and Jerusalem as a start.
Thursday
But first, make Tel Aviv your anchor. We recommend a host of hotels but our top two is definitely the Hilton and The Jaffa. With the former, luxury isn’t spared and you’re in the heart of the city, conveniently located from Tel Aviv-Yafo’s bustling beaches and the ancient port town of Jaffa itself.
Unwind at the Sheva Spa, a Thai-themed sanctuary with authentic decor and Thai masseurs trained in Royal Thai Massage. Thai Massage is focused on the energy lines in your body where a masseur will use rhythmic pressure, strokes and stretching to really help your muscles relax deeply. The royal version of this is elevated with even more care and respect for the body, just as the masseur would do centuries ago when treating a member of the royal family. Bear in mind that Thai Massage does not involve oil and you’ll need to communicate with your masseuse on the desired pressure. But once you release your body to their expert hands, you’ll emerge feeling lighter and limber, in effect totally-de-stressed and ready to tackle the work ahead.
Having achieved your number one goal, plus literally getting a royal treatment, we recommend keeping up that level with a fine-dining appointment at the hotel’s flagship restaurant, the highly-rated Darya. It’s the manifestation of Chef Hilel Tavakuli’s vision of ‘Silk Road Cuisine’, where evocative food is served to commemorate their equally evocative origins on this famed dessert route from the Europ to the Orient. The breads are as delicious as they are instagrammable. The Beef Fillet Skewer is tasty and intensely aromatic, thanks to a medley of marinade and garnishes involving salsa verda, Lima Beans, kale, Jerusalem Artichoke and Demi Glass Pomegranate Uzbek, among others.
Darya is a great location to discuss and fine-tune any business arrangements you’re making. Make sure you book their private dining room if you have a large group.
Friday
Breakfast should start at the hotel itself, at Cafe Med. As the name implies, you’ll be greeted with a stunning view of the Mediterranean itself, as you indulge in an array of regional and Israeli dishes. No breakfast is complete without fresh bread and hummus dip, but there’s more than just that to choose from.
We recommend spending the day at old Jaffa port itself. Start as far south as you wish to go but make sure you take the walk by the beach and make your way up to the old town. It’s a great way to get some sun ahead of your next business session. In Jaffa town itself, it feels like you’ve stepped back in time a few centuries but when you walk the narrow alleys, you’ll chance upon art galleries and boutiques that are both charming and delightful to the eye. During the day, Jaffa Flea Market is a must visit, as the little stalls buzz with people sampling all kinds of crafts on display.
Lunch should be a spent at another celebrity chef experience, but this time from the venerable Chef Eyal Shani himself. Miznon is famous for, well, being famous. It is truly an Israeli experience to dine here, feeling the vibes of a crowd while enjoying their amazingly delicious pita breads. The roasted cauliflower pita is sumptuous, practically oozing with the blended sauce and tasted of olive oil. The runover potatoes are also superb. You cannot come to Israel and NOT try Miznon. Period.
The Jewish rest day of Shabbat (or Sabbath) starts just before sunset on Friday evening till the following Saturday evening, so things start to get subdued. Dinner is again at Chef Eyal Shani’s other new restaurant. This time it’s the highly sought-after HaSalon. Its entrance is rather non-descript but once you’re inside, a buzz of people the sounds of chefs at work greet you. A large island counter is the restaurant’s centre-piece, where the fresh produce of the day is literally laid on top, ready to be used.
Saturday
Life in Tel Aviv is relatively subdued for the most part of the Saturday. Even the local McDonalds closes out of respect for the Shabbat. As working executives, we recommend this to be the best time to get some quality time and focus on your executive retreat. Think of it as the oasis of calm in what would’ve been a long week and a whirlwind two days in Tel Aviv. Now’s the time to enjoy breakfast at the hotel again before retreating into your workshops. Hotels generally continue to provide some level of catered service, including in-room dining if needed. Make sure to order ahead. Before you know it, you’re done with the day and ready to start celebrating the weekend by heading out for another great experience.
It’s time for another fine-dining appointment at Messa, the brainchild of another celebrity chef: Aviv Moshe. We love the fact that the dishes are a mix of Israeli and European but in a luxurious setting. The service is impeccable and you must try the Druze Pita, a dish that pays homage to a specific type of pita bread (a staple in the Middle East) found only in parts of Israel. Their pickled mackerel and burnt avocado is a must try, as is the foie gras. If you opt specifically for the Saturday Business Menu, make sure you try their Shakshuka. Again, this dish is a common across the Middle East but Israelis love it too. And you’ll enjoy Chef Moshe’s tuna-seared version of it which is absolutely mouth-watering.
By the time you’re on your return flight back home, you’ll definitely be missing Tel Aviv again. That applies to us at TBR. Great food and amazing hospitality is what keeps us going back there.