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Elma is a hotel and arts complex that uniquely combines luxurious hotel accommodation with the best in international music, plastic and performing arts. Spanning more than 100 acres, Elma stands on the edge of the Carmel ridge, overlooking a spectacular view of the Mediterranean coastline and a green patchwork of fields and wooded slopes. The historic building is considered one of Israel’s architectural highlights, and won its designer, Yaacov Rechter, the Israel Prize in Architecture.

After years of use following its inauguration in 1968, the magnificent building was gradually abandoned, to a point where it was scheduled for demolishing. It was at that point that Lily Elstein, a scion of the founders of Zichron Ya’acov, came to its rescue. Like her pioneer ancestors, who founded the village a hundred and forty years ago, Ms Elstein decided to undertake a pioneering mission of her own: to breathe life in the abandoned building and transform it into a hotel and arts complex. Ms. Elstein acquired the place in 2005, and founded Elma. After more than ten years of strenuous preservation and restoration work, the Elma Arts Complex and Luxury Hotel opened its gates to reveal its old-new beauty to the world. This magnificent complex boasts 95 well appointed hotel rooms, a fine restaurant, a spa and an enchanting pool overlooking the Carmel mountain and the coastline; but it is also home to a comprehensive world of art, populated by creations from some of the most prominent Israeli artists.

There is much to discover at Elma: the expansive galleries, where pictures are illuminated by natural but never direct sunlight; the fascinating sculptures standing in open-air patios or in the beautiful and spacious gardens; the amphitheater (one of four) with a view to the sea and setting sun; and the highlight, two concert halls equipped with the latest in design, acoustics and technology that host local and international top performers and composers. All these make Elma a rare gem of hospitality and art.

The charm of Zichron Yaacov comes to life in the “Zamarin Hotel”, a unique guest hotel located at the entrance of the picturesque pedestrian zone of the colony. The hotel is located in a classic Templar building and its excellent location, at the beginning of the famous pedestrian street of the settlement, will detach you from ‘the routine’ and immediately put you in a magical and peaceful atmosphere.

Hotel Zamarin is a boutique, intimate hotel that provides a perfect experience spiced with the magic of Zichron Yaacov. The colorful pedestrian zone with cafes, restaurants, art shops and of course the fascinating history of the beginning of the settlement in The land of Israel and Zichron (or its ancient name “Zamarin” in particular.
The hotel has 11 guest rooms and suites decorated in a romantic and unique way, king-size beds, quality bedding and attention to the smallest details, in order to give its occupants, the peace and quiet at the highest level.
While staying at the hotel you can enjoy the pampering spa, the picturesque promenade within walking distance, the nature that surrounds it, and an experience of enjoyment and being looked after.

Our breakfasts are served from Sundays to Fridays at Tishbi Restaurant, which is located about 200 meters from the hotel. On Fridays we arrange hotel guests’ arrival time to avoid waiting.

These days you can also eat at The Tishbi Winery in Binyamina, which is a short drive from the hotel
In the evening the experience continues and the feeling of being abroad comes to life when sitting under the inviting vine shelter
Sitting in the evening continues the experience of the quarter and the feeling of being abroad when you sit under the inviting vine arbor. In the winery complex you can also indulge in a wine tasting and tour. As well as enjoying the best pastries, bread and jams baked on site
On Saturday’s breakfast is served at the hotel individually to each customer and tailored to your requests. You can get a gluten-free meal, but it is advisable to indicate any special request, starting with different types of milk and more.

In the lobby you can find a wine bar offering a collection of wines from local boutique wineries, you can sit and enjoy tastings or have a glass of wine and sit outside on the magical patio located in the heart of the hotel with intimate seating areas and rare strawberry tree planted by Baron Rothschild.

Pleased to meet you. We are Amit and Ariella Ronat, your hosts at Yama – Suites and Wine Spa, and though we have not yet met, there are some things we wish to tell you. 😊

We launched our project in 2009, initially as the first wine spa in Israel (read the full story here…) and from the start it was the ultimate family business. The complex was designed by Ariella’s parents, Eunice and Peter, renowned Jerusalem architects; the full range of treatment options was chosen and implemented by Amit, a qualified physiotherapist; while the management details, large and small, and the ceramic vessels are Ariella’s responsibility.

What we wished to create for our guests is the experience that we personally seek out when on vacation… relaxation, indulgence, to cast off the tedium of day to day routine, and on the other hand, to immerse yourselves in the pure ambience of the place. That is the reason why we, as owners, have paid attention to the smallest details. We have personally checked how pleasant it is to pad barefoot on the deck, which herbs to pick from the garden to infuse our tea, the exact angle at which to hang the hammock to catch the cooling breeze and the panoramic heart-expanding view. Each detail, from the bedlinen to the strength of the Jacuzzi current, from the softness of the sofa to the cup of coffee, is an expression of our pleasure that you are our guests.

When you stay with us you are part of our extended family, and it is important that you enjoy your break. Attentive to your every request and query, we are happy to advise and direct you to restaurants, attractions, beaches, vineyards and all the other surprises our region offers.