Amidst the vineyards

The Cramim spa hotel offers an idyllic vacation in the Judean Hills.

By NERIA BARR
Updated: AUGUST 31, 2017 15:05
Cramim Resort & Spa (photo credit: Itay Sikolski and Assaf Pinchuk)
Cramim Resort & Spa
(photo credit: Itay Sikolski and Assaf Pinchuk)
Set amidst vineyards in a peaceful rural location, the recently opened Cramim Resort & Spa is the newest addition to the Isrotel chain’s Exclusive Collection.
The hotel, located on the grounds of Kibbutz Kiryat Anavim in the heart of the wine region of Judea, appropriately has wine as its theme. The Judean region has vineyards with unique strains of grapes and boutique wineries which, over the last few years, have transformed the area into the “wine country” of the Jerusalem Hills.
Accordingly, the hotel offers wine tastings at the stylish wine bar/shop, where locally produced wines, several of which are quite rare, can be purchased and enjoyed during one’s stay and/or taken home. The house sommelier offers wine tastings and explanations.
Wine is also present in the spa in the form of special vino-therapy treatments based on the hotel’s own products made with grape-seed. Other wine-related features are reflected in such details as decorative quotes from the Song of Songs adorning the hallways and burgundy toiletries in the bathrooms.
Built on a wooden ridge overlooking the small mountain settlements of the area, the hotel offers magnificent views from the rooms and public areas, including the dining room and the lobby terraces.
The hotel’s design follows the boutique hotel trend. It is contemporary and young, yet luxurious and pampering, with impressive attention to detail. Guests never tire of finding new surprises throughout the hotel. The colors are mostly natural – wood, stone and glass – allowing the outside in and making the most of the location. A special feature of the hotel is the creative lighting and light fixtures in the guest rooms and public areas.
There is an enchanting courtyard garden that is surrounded by a vertically planted wall and dotted with fishponds and white wooden armchairs – large enough to give privacy. Guests have free access to the two-story spa, which spans 3,000 square meters. The spa has a beautiful indoor swimming pool, an outdoor pool, a hot tub, Turkish bath, juice bar, and fitness center with state-of-the-art equipment, as well as exercise rooms where free classes are held. An entire floor houses the spa’s 23 treatment rooms, a sauna and a solarium that you may never want to leave.
The Shiraz Restaurant serves local and international specialties for dinner, prepared by the hotel’s executive chef and his staff. The seasonal menu is inspired by local produce and flavors. The breakfast buffet is rich and flavorful, offering a sumptuous array of savory dishes and freshly baked goods.
For after-hours entertainment, the hotel bar has a scintillating youthful atmosphere and great music.
Another popular spot is the elegant gift shop, where guests can purchase the hotel’s signature amenities and vacation wear, as well as jewelry and ceramics crafted by local artists.
The hotel’s 155 guest rooms and suites are located within two connecting buildings.
Every room and suite faces the direction of the Jerusalem Hills. The rooms are unusually large, and each has a balcony, allowing guests to enjoy the scenic view.
The design is contemporary, combined with an air of comfort and indulgence. An interesting feature is the lighting, with an interplay of light and shadow that imbues the rooms with a serene aura. And, of course, a large flat-screen TV is always at the guests’ beck and call.
The hotel’s location, so close to both Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, the luxurious accommodations, the gourmet food and the top-of-the-line spa make the Cramim the perfect getaway for Israelis and tourists alike. I loved it.
The writer was a guest of the hotel.
Hotel Cramim Kiryat Anavim For reservations, 1-800-800-808 www.isrotelexclusivecollection.com/kiryat_ anavim