Columbarium Zimmer, in Moshav Shekef

A cave carved into the rock, a hot water cistern with a jacuzzi and aromatic oils, organic linens and robes, a view of the Lachish region reminiscent of the magical sights of Tuscany... The Columbarium B&B in Moshav Shekef is perhaps the most special and different among the luxurious accommodations in the country.
About an hour from Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, Columbarium guests are treated to a rare, one-of-a-kind experience – a journey into the distant, ancient past, surrounded by fascinating stories, in a mystical atmosphere – without giving up all the benefits and pampering of a modern, high-quality B&B. “When we designed the B&B,” Dalia, the host of “Columbarium,” tells me, “we wanted to provide our guests with something different, new, unfamiliar. We wanted to create a real adventure for them.”

Lachish region – a picturesque area with mesmerizing landscapes, also known as the “Land of a Thousand Caves.” Countless ancient caves, where our ancestors lived, are scattered and waiting along the many hiking trails. The pigeons – “Columba” in Latin, reside in many of them to this day.
When Dalia, a woman with a flair and an abundance of creativity, decided to carve a rock to build a luxurious B&B, the name "Columbarium" was her natural choice. These are two particularly large caves, located on different levels, quite far from each other, and each of them has a beautiful, well-kept yard with complete privacy.

A massive wooden door opens and ushers us into a spacious, well-designed and wonderfully lit space – inside a solid rock. Well, although it is not known exactly how our ancestors furnished and designed their homes, the "Columbarium" caves are decorated in an elegant and meticulous style – on the one hand, restrained simplicity is maintained here, on the other hand, the space is filled with a variety of unique furniture, combining antique, retro styles and original details in rustic carpentry.

The result – a masterful balance between a multitude of fascinating styles, leading to a sense of design harmony, like a multi-piece puzzle, creating a surprising and interesting picture. A floor made of local stone, doors made of railway sleepers, a rich aroma of rosemary oils in the first cave or lavender – in the second (hence the oils: “rosemary” and “lavender”), mysterious lighting, illuminating niches carved into the rock – a multitude of unique elements create a dreamlike atmosphere here, disconnecting visitors from everyday reality and introducing them to a fictional and magical world, like a good old movie.

In the "Lavender" cave, guests will find a living room with classic fabric sofas and an English table next to an antique cabinet containing original decorative details. In the "Rosemary" cave (which is preferred by younger guests, according to Dalia), the living room is a seating area built in one piece with the rock walls, wrapped in comfortable mattresses and pillows.

A fully equipped kitchenette, featuring an espresso machine, boasts a unique design. Among the many beautiful details, I noticed a sophisticated metal embroidery adorning the kitchen cabinet (the same decorative element can also be found in the bathroom). Next to the kitchen is a large dining table, inviting the couple to a romantic candlelit meal.

A designer fireplace is located in the center of the space next to a large LCD screen, equipped with a sophisticated surround system. At the Columbarium, small details are considered big, as evidenced by a large safe, suitable for storing personal belongings, including a laptop.

A huge round bed (280 meters in diameter, one of the largest I've seen) is placed on a beautiful wooden platform, boasting a custom-made orthopedic mattress (Hollandia) and wrapped in organic cotton sheets, the most expensive and luxurious available on the market. The wardrobe is located in a large niche, and is actually a walk-in closet, large enough to house the most luxurious wardrobe.

And now for the real "cream of the crop" of the B&B - inside a separate room you will find a unique one-meter-high water cistern, built according to ancient Yamin tradition, and containing hot water, jacuzzi streams, a waterfall, sensual purple lighting, and a music system that is "responsible" for the romantic soundtrack during the couple's bath.

The bathroom offers a pebble floor and spectacular design in both caves: "Lavender" boasts a magnificent wooden bathtub and overhead shower. In "Rosemary" guests will enjoy a shower with two giant rain heads, massage jets, a seating area and two designer sinks with retro-style faucets.

A winding staircase leads guests to a beautiful courtyard, full of charming corners, rich vegetation, and spectacular views. At Lavender, the couple will experience another delightful adventure – a fish massage pool, which will pamper their feet.

At the Columbarium, guests will enjoy exclusive pampering products, such as natural cosmetics, organic textiles, high-quality robes and even luxurious spa slippers (which guests take home as a gift). Dalia provides a variety of dining options for evening meals – from the impressive list of neighboring restaurants, from a private kitchen to a luxurious chef’s dinner – with the house chef, including 9 courses.

In summary: a combination of atmosphere, a rare experience, unique treats – for people looking for much more than a B&B...