זרקא | ZARQA

Location: on the sea, in front of the fortifications
A number of cultures found a home in Acre and left their mark: Jews, Christians, Muslims. Even Bahá'u'lláh, the founder of the Bahá'í Faith, lived, worked and was buried here. So in addition to a spectacular seashore, Acre has a rich history to offer in its graceful alleys, Ottoman walls, port and Crusader buildings.

The voices of the past, and also the song of the sirens rising from the sea, can be heard here in "Zarqa" which is located on the first line to the sea, in the heart of the old city, and close to all the tourist treasures.

The complex - authenticity at its best
It is a 3-story building with a large roof terrace. Wooden shutters of old, in turquoise color (of course) that open in front of the sea actually throw me into the atmosphere of a distant Greek island.

The entrance floor has a beautiful lobby designed with a combination of original stone arches and oak wood. It has seating areas, a "buffet" station with hot and cold drinks, carved niches for books and a very authentic and pleasant feeling. The owner has a slight eclectic tendency which is expressed in collecting ornamental details from all over the world and from every period and it is not impossible that they found a rare collectible next to an oriental carpet from the market or an item from Ikea.

From the lobby you go out to a shaded patio with a pleasant atmosphere, cute garden chairs and tables, plants and a water fountain. The patio overlooks old residential buildings, with laundry hanging from the balconies, cats basking in the sun on rooftops, and lots of magical oriental atmosphere.

From there, 18 external stairs go up to the first floor, which contains only 2 suites. 18 more stairs lead to 2 more suites, and above them - and undoubtedly the greatest charm of the place - is the roof terrace , which looks deep into the sea so close that it seems you can just dive into it from here. Lounge chairs, seating areas, and there is a perfect place for a romantic breakfast or a glass of champagne at sunset.

Keep in mind that there is no elevator, since the restoration took into account the original building.

The suites are a successful combination of modern and old
As mentioned, each floor contains 2 types of suites: one large and royal and one more intimate - all with a small balcony facing the view. The difference between them is that the large royal suite offers an additional space dedicated to the huge jacuzzi located in a separate room, between the bathroom and the bedroom - in the atmosphere of a modern hammam. (The smaller "double" suite offers a "retro" clawfoot tub in the room instead of a jacuzzi, and a smaller dining area)

The space is very pleasant and the half eastern half western design fits into the view of the old city. All the faucets are copper, the shower is wide, make sure to put a chair next to it if the couple wants to chat while one of them takes a shower - we liked it.

The reconstruction of the building wraps you in a stone arch as a headboard for a truly royal feeling, high ceilings, wooden beams, a natural stone floor, and kurkar stone walls. The suites have a sitting area, a desk, and a small balcony overlooking the sea.

The hosts - a great man of the world who manages a lovely team
Yoram, the owner of the place is a man who loves life, and that life loves him no less. He did not purchase, renovate and design this place to make a living but to satisfy his taste. And it has a taste. It is aimed at good company and receiving guests according to the Eastern tradition. This is a warm and pleasant person, with charisma and culture whose qualities make him an interesting conversationalist.

One of the advantages here is that Yoram has recruited a wonderful team: Bassam, the maintenance manager and a perfect host, is here to give a sense of security and meticulous service without flattering or begging. You feel that you can trust him and that he will make sure to fulfill every desire of the guests, even if the lady asks for caviar at three in the morning.

There is also Samra, who prepares the most delicious breakfast in the Middle East, and the homemade cake is perfect - according to Yoram, who invited me to come back again and check...

In conclusion: every detail here conveys great attention and respect for the materials, history and the environment. If this is the access to the details, this necessarily also points to the access to the hosting experience. There aren't many places like this in Israel, and it seems that "Zarqa" definitely helps to raise Acre up on the map of romantic tourism in Israel.