Mickey's - Gan Ha'eden Shel Gloria

walk in a dream...
This is what went through my mind when I walked on the road paved with ancient stones at the restoration site in Rosh Pina. When you walk between the ancient stone houses, take in the clear mountain air and can't get enough of all this green everywhere, you can't help but touch that dream, of the simple, romantic life of the past. Guy Uni - summer of '82. 1882, to be exact.
I believe that even then someone walked here, in the shade of the bushes, and pondered dreams and reality.

You don't need to say too much about Rosh Pina. The picturesque settlement, located at the foot of Mount Canaan in the valley of the Hula, with its magical and calm character, with its picturesque stone buildings, on top of the multitude of entertainment options, is one of the most charming places to relax. Something that Zichron Yaakov may have missed a bit, I would say. The question arises: where?

Gloria's romantic paradise contains an ancient and amazingly beautiful stone structure. Built inside it is a particularly beautiful and luxurious suite built on the ground level, enjoying privacy, and overlooking the lovely view of Mount Canaan, right across the street. The house, which was built in 1882, is one of the first houses in Rosh Pina, and is well located among the highest buildings on Upper Street.

In its current incarnation, the building was well restored to its original details, the private yard was maintained and a private swimming pool was added for the use of the suite guests. Starting from January 2011, the complex is operated by a new management, which improved, renovated and upgraded the place.

The way to the suite goes through a path paved with ancient stones. The path descends on the side of the mountain, next to the Rosh Pina stream that flows silently most of the year.
On the way, enjoy the sight of the blossoming orchard, and reach the pleasant balcony.

The suite is built in an amazing stone space, with a high and arched ceiling. The thickness of the stone walls is no less than a meter. Because the space is built under one of Rosh Pina's oldest houses, you can enjoy both worlds: the ancient and the modern. A host of "modern" treats await here. We might say that the magical jacuzzi in the corner glass room is a gem in itself.

The building, as mentioned, underwent a thorough renovation which included a serious facelift. The interior design is diverse: Israel of old with a nod to oriental style and artistic quotes. On the ceramic floor is a pampering Afghan carpet, on the large bed an oriental bedspread is gracefully spread. The feeling is that you are arriving at a place "of the past", with all the comforts of today: air conditioning, Lcd, DVD, espresso/cappuccino machine, and more.

Outside is an intimate balcony with a seating area, for an afternoon of contemplation. On the lower level of the yard there is another sitting area located under a thicket of vegetation and to the right the highlight of the place: a "thin" balcony that brings you to a private swimming pool looking towards Mount Canaan. It goes without saying that the pool is completely private and intended only for suite guests (the pool operates from May 1st to October 15th).

When you go out to dry off, you can take a walk in the garden and find yellow flowers, rosemary bushes, sage and mint, passion fruit, bougainvillea, rose bushes, avocado trees, tangerines, lemon trees and what not. Yes, you can enjoy tasting everything.

Part of the charm of the place is its proximity to the reconstruction site which attracts a lot of interest. Access to the site is directly from the guest house. Another favorite route: from the nearby ancient synagogue there is a set of stairs that descends and leads to an easy route in Wadi Rosh Pina next to Mount Canaan. While taking a leisurely walk you can discover three springs: Ein Gai On, Ein Kadan and Ein Pena. Raspberry bushes will await those arriving in season. Ancient Rosh Pina antiquities are also found in the area, which are not included in the reconstruction site. Of the ancient corner there are few remains left on the surface - but according to the decorations there was probably a synagogue there, which was part of a small Jewish town from the Roman period.

In conclusion-
A rare combination of old and new, a fine location in an interesting settlement, an amazing building, a private swimming pool, and quality and fascinating hospitality - this is something you don't find everywhere. The suite at Gloria's Romantic Paradise took me back a century, and now I need to wake up.