After two years during which it was nearly absent from international luxury rankings due to the security situation, Israel is back this year on Forbes Travel Guide’s recommended destinations list for 2026. Among the hotels receiving a recommended rating is the Ritz-Carlton Herzliya, the only representative from the coastline.
The American guide, considered one of the world’s most stringent authorities in luxury hospitality, rates hotels, restaurants, and spa destinations each year based on anonymous field inspections and the evaluation of hundreds of criteria - from service and cleanliness to the overall guest experience.
Israel’s return to the list, even in a relatively small selection, is seen in the tourism industry as a renewed vote of confidence in the local market. Alongside the Ritz-Carlton Herzliya, the ranking also includes The Norman in Tel Aviv and the David Citadel Hotel.
For the Ritz-Carlton Herzliya - the first luxury hotel of the international Marriott chain in Israel - this is a significant achievement, especially at a time when inbound tourism is still recovering.
A Combination of Business and Leisure
The hotel, designed by architect Ranni Ziss in collaboration with New York’s Gaia Studio, includes 115 rooms and 82 suites, most of them with balconies overlooking Herzliya Marina and the Mediterranean Sea. It is positioned as a lifestyle hotel combining business clientele with leisure travelers, partly thanks to its location near the Herzliya Pituach high-tech complex.
The complex features the chain’s branded spa, a rooftop pool on the 12th floor with views of the coastline, a fully equipped gym, and a rooftop cocktail bar. The culinary aspect is led by Herbert Samuel restaurant, offering modern, kosher local cuisine, with a focus on working with Israeli suppliers.
According to the guide, the rating is based on more than 900 objective criteria assessed by undercover inspectors staying at the hotel as regular guests. Unlike rankings based on votes or online reviews, Forbes Travel Guide emphasizes consistent service quality, customer experience, and attention to detail.