Jerusalem has been a magnetic force for thousands of years, drawing in and enchanting visitors and residents from near and far. In a charming new video series, former top model Michaela Bercu uncovers hidden gems in the glorious golden city. The series follows her as she elegantly explores the upper echelon of the city’s real estate landscape – from residential luxury penthouses to impeccably restored boutique hotels with fascinating histories. Through her eyes, we gain exclusive access to penthouse views overlooking the old city, the inside scoop on owning an early 20th century villa in downtown Jerusalem, and the best place to hold your next special event - with expansive views of the old city.
After years as the face of fashion magazines like Vogue, Glamour and Elle, it is clear the cover girl was particularly smitten on a visit to the historic Mount Zion Boutique Hotel, located just across the wadi from the old city. This luxury property embraces and honors its rich history, and its tasteful design embodies the same.
Originally built in 1882 by a British charity as a hospital, it was established to serve Jews, Christians and Muslims. The building was taken over by the Turks during WWI and turned it into an arms warehouse. During The War of Independence in 1948, Jews in the old city were under siege, with no means of contact to help outside the walls. The small community was in dire need of food, arms and medical supplies. The Etzioni brigade secretly built a small cable car running from a point in the old city to a room in the old hospital building. They only used it at night - out of sight from the Jordanian Legion soldiers - and lowered the wire during the day. It was used to transfer medicine and arms. It was kept secret from the public until 1972. Today, a small museum, maintained by the Jerusalem Municipality, can be found on the premises where visitors can see the cable car and its mechanism, together with photographs and souvenirs from the period.
It is only with this understanding of the history coursing through the very stones of the hotel walls that one can appreciate the true luxury of the property - and the time in which we live. Arriving at the hotel you are greeted by a line of Israeli flags flapping in the wind, whipping off the Temple Mount and across the valley. Centrally located close to Sultan’s Pool, Mishkenot Ananim, the German Colony and the old city, the hotel has 137 rooms, an in-house hammam steam room, an expansive outdoor pool, lavish gardens, and an outdoor patio perfect for special events or meetings. The room interiors boast exposed jerusalem stone, arched windows, colorful tiles and sumptuous local textiles.
Michaela goes on to dazzle with other jewels in the city’s gleaming luxury real estate tiara with a curated selection of truly special properties. She ducked into the Jerusalem of Gold luxury residential properties. Upon entering the soaring lobby, she immediately noticed the bubbling fountain inlaid with golden tiles. The Jerusalem of Gold boasts both new construction high-rise apartments and penthouses as well as impeccably restored private villas dating back to the early 20th century. Residents have access to a gorgeous mosaic-tiled indoor pool, separate mikvahs for men and women, a state-of-the-art gym, movie room, and kids’ gymboree.
There’s a reason Jerusalem is so important to so many people; its magnetism, its majesty, its mystery, its culture, and its beauty. Fall in love with the golden city - and Michaela - for the first time - all over again.
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