It’s a remarkable story of reinvention: a former prison transformed into a luxury hotel. This month welcomes the opening of The Setai Tel Aviv, the culmination of a 25-year preservation and restoration project that converted a historic complex known as the Kishle (meaning “jailhouse” in Turkish) into an elegant hospitality destination. Perched along the Mediterranean shoreline where Tel Aviv meets Jaffa, the property draws on a layered history that spans Crusader, Napoleonic, Byzantine and Ottoman eras stretching back to the 12th century.
Now reborn as a high-end retreat, the hotel greets visitors through a 12th-century stone archway that leads into refined, contemporary interiors. Polished wood floors, exposed beams and statement chandeliers create a warm, sophisticated atmosphere. The Setai Tel Aviv offers a rooftop infinity pool, 120 spacious guestrooms and suites, lush interior courtyards and sweeping views of the sea, as well as iconic Jaffa landmarks like the Clock Tower and Square.
Significantly, The Setai Tel Aviv is the first property in Israel to join the collection of Leading Hotels of the World, underscoring its commitment to preservation and premium service. The hotel’s wellness facilities include seven treatment rooms, a diverse menu of massages and therapies with Eastern influences, a traditional Turkish hammam, dedicated relaxation areas, private locker rooms and a well-equipped fitness center. Food and drink offerings range from hand-crafted cocktails and High Tea in the full-service lobby bar to authentic Israeli and Turkish cuisine at JAYA. Guests can also find curated keepsakes at the lobby’s jewelry boutique. For business and events, the venue provides modern meeting spaces across four rooms, accommodating up to 200 attendees.