The Ayala Hotel, opened in March, brings together relaxation, comfort, and greenery in the heart of the Upper Galilee. Located on Kibbutz Ayelet HaShahar, the hotel is part of Isrotel’s broader initiative to expand its presence in the North and support the recovery and development of tourism in the region.
Catering to all visitors, the 147-room hotel offers a distinctly Galilean experience that balances comfort with indulgence and a clear emphasis on nature, wellness, and locally sourced food, while serving as a peaceful retreat for couples, families, and solo travelers.
The name Ayala draws on both the hotel’s location and the biblical phrase ayelet hashachar, which appears in Psalms 22:1: “To the conductor, upon ayelet hashahar [‘the first light of dawn’], a psalm of David.” The phrase is reflected in the hotel’s design through its use of natural light, open spaces, and a close connection to the surrounding landscape.
Its pastoral character encourages guests to slow down and find their own quiet corner, whether along the hotel’s paths or overlooking the hills of Upper Galilee.
One of Israel’s leading hotel chains, Isrotel is known for combining high service standards with distinctive settings. The group operates a range of properties, including luxury spa resorts, family-friendly hotels, and boutique urban properties, all with a strong emphasis on local culture and regional cuisine.
Isrotel has been particularly active in northern Israel, positioning Ayala as part of a wider effort to strengthen tourism while showcasing the unique character of Galilee.
The hotel’s general manager, Asher Pinto, takes a hands-on approach to daily operations and the guest experience. He met with us upon arrival and checked in regularly throughout our stay. His approachable style and attention to detail reflect the high standards that Isrotel is known for.
Built across low, two-story stone structures, Ayala is embedded within its environment as the architecture blends seamlessly into the kibbutz and surrounding landscape, creating a sense of understated luxury. Rooms feature natural materials such as wood and stone, neutral tones, and open layouts that allow for the flow of natural light. Most rooms have balconies overlooking fields, the kibbutz grounds, or the Galilean hills.
My room was spacious, clean, and comfortable. A bottle of wine, light snacks, and tea and coffee were waiting for me upon arrival.
The surrounding region further enriches the Ayala experience. Wide fields, vineyards, nature reserves, and walking trails invite guests to combine leisure with outdoor exploration. Short drives lead to the Hula Valley Nature Reserve, Iyon Stream, Rosh Pina, nearby kibbutzim, and local wineries.
The hotel’s public areas strike a careful balance between communal spaces and quieter corners. Lounges, seating areas, and open lawns are arranged to allow guests to read, work, or relax.
The outdoor infinity pool is one of Ayala’s most striking features, offering uninterrupted views of the surrounding landscape. An indoor pool allows for year-round swimming, and both pools are heated in winter.
Ayala’s spacious conference center is suitable for a wide range of events, of various sizes: professional seminars, executive retreat meetings, product launches, and family celebrations. Customized catering and full technical support - including projectors, sound systems, podiums, and whiteboards - are available.
Pools, spa, wellness, and family facilities
The spa complex includes a Turkish hammam, dry sauna, jacuzzi, and eight treatment rooms. At its center is the heated indoor pool, surrounded by large windows that visually connect indoor and outdoor spaces. Guests also have access to a fully equipped fitness center.
I enjoyed both pools and the spa, and also received a wonderfully relaxing massage treatment during my stay.
Since Ayala is designed to accommodate families as well as couples and individual travelers, it offers open green spaces, designated activity areas, and a kids’ club, allowing parents to enjoy the spa and wellness facilities while their children are engaged in supervised activities.
Dining at Ayala emphasizes local produce and Galilean flavors. Breakfast and dinner menus incorporate ingredients from nearby farms, including cheeses from regional producers, such as Mitzpe Hayamim, alongside a wide range of vegetarian and vegan options. The hotel’s culinary team is led by Chef Moni Shemesh, formerly sous-chef at Isrotel’s Carmel Forest Hotel. Guests can watch dishes such as stir-fried noodles with beef or chicken being prepared fresh at the buffet.
On both days of our stay, we were served a dairy lunch with a variety of starters and main dishes, including arancini, gnocchi, pizza, salads, and desserts. Dinner featured regional meat-based dishes, including maqluba. Breakfast was a generous buffet, with everything from salads and pastries to pancakes, yogurts, and sweet treats. The food was presented beautifully, and the staff were consistently friendly and attentive.
In the evening, we gathered around a bonfire, enjoying delicious sangria and roasted chestnuts. The atmosphere was warm and lively as guests chatted and connected, while Asher told us more about the hotel, its facilities, and future plans. This experience highlighted the hotel’s inviting social spaces and the personal touch that makes a stay at Ayala memorable.
Ayala is currently offering “A Day Off,” a one-day package designed for guests seeking a short wellness escape. Visitors can choose between morning, afternoon, evening, or full-day options, each of which includes access to the spa, pools, sauna, jacuzzi, and fitness facilities, as well as optional activities such as yoga, Pilates, or guided tours in the surrounding area, subject to availability.
It also hosts special events and themed experiences. This winter, the festival “A Thousand Sounds for the North” will take place from February 3-5. Held in collaboration with the Ra’anana Symphonette, the festival brings together live music, workshops, and shared meals against the backdrop of Upper Galilee. Set across open landscapes and carefully curated spaces, the event offers an intimate cultural escape and a different way to experience northern Israel in the winter months.