In a reality where trips abroad have become more complicated—and at times, less desirable—a new trend is emerging among financially well-off Israelis: Private vacation apartments that remain empty most of the week and are used solely for weekends, holidays, and family vacations. Yes, they stay locked up most of the time—and that’s precisely the point.
“Clients asking for a vacation apartment don’t want it to feel like a home. They want a getaway,” explains interior designer Liad Yosef. “The goal is to create an experience that feels different—unconventional design, materials you might not use in a regular home, and everything in the right proportions to give it a boutique feel. You walk in—and you’re in a different place.”
A 60-Square-Meter Apartment That Feels Like a Yacht
Yosef gives a practical example from a project he carried out for a couple from northern Israel who purchased a 60-square-meter apartment at the Herzliya marina. “Every centimeter was meticulously planned: Two bathrooms—for the grandchildren and for the parents, smart storage solutions, and a bed that looks out to the sea through a tinted mirror.”
The entire design was yacht-inspired—wood, precise finishes, a luxurious and out-of-the-ordinary look. “Because this isn’t a residential apartment—it’s a vacation apartment, and that’s how it should be treated,” he emphasizes.
Shlomit Zeldman, owner of an architecture and interior design firm, has noticed the trend and is experiencing it firsthand. “In recent years, there’s been a clear movement among families realizing that it makes more sense to invest in a leisure property in Israel—one that suits them, is accessible, and available without advanced planning.”
The advantage, she says, is simple: “It allows them to go on vacation almost any time, without stamping a passport.”
An Apartment That Feels Like a Luxury Hotel
Zeldman shares an example from a project she designed on the shores of the Kinneret (Sea of Galilee) for a family. “The apartment feels like a luxury hotel, but very personal. Each bedroom is a suite with an en-suite bathroom. We used a calm palette of sand, wood, cream, and touches of black. Everything is quiet and doesn’t compete with the view—it enhances it.”
Even the kitchen receives special attention, despite being in a vacation apartment. “It was designed to the highest standard—with a wine fridge and an elegant bar. Because when you’re standing with a glass of wine facing the Kinneret, you’re already on vacation—and you’re at home.”
According to Zeldman, vacation apartments are designed from the outset as part of the family’s DNA: “They’re tailored to the lifestyle, to hosting children and grandchildren, and to the atmosphere the family wants to experience.”
When Distance Isn’t Measured in Kilometers
“The vacation apartment has become the perfect choice for people who understand that the real distance from everyday life isn’t measured in kilometers—but in the feeling of disconnection,” Zeldman concludes. “In today’s reality, the vacation apartment is a spot-on solution for many Israelis. They want something waiting for them all year long—an accessible apartment that doesn’t depend on any airline, and allows them to change the atmosphere at a moment’s notice.”
This trend reflects a deep shift in the Israeli vacation mindset: Instead of dealing with the complexities of overseas travel, families are choosing to invest in creating a private, personalized vacation experience—always available when they need it.