Located on the Mediterranean Sea front at the foot of Mount Carmel, 20km north of Caesarea, sits a vacation retreat void of rowdy crowds and disturbances. Nahsholim Holiday Village Kibbutz Hotel is an enchanting site catering to an assortment of guests, with over 150 accommodations, including family and couples units, country resort rooms, country lodging and a choice of luxury sea room and boutique rooms, dispersed among thriving green terrain and mere steps from the white sands of the stretching beach shore.

The peace and tranquility of the environment is evident upon arrival, with a soothing ambiance that sweeps the entirety of the space – a contrast from the city noise I am accustomed to. Initially a kibbutz in the 1970s, it has since transformed a section of the surroundings into a selection of lodging options; the kibbutz spirit still present with its communal dining, scattering of hammocks on grassy lawns and an abundance of activities, mainly aquatic in nature, including kayaking, surfboarding, windsurfing, pedal boating paddle boarding, diving and nearby horse riding.

Our sea-facing suite is located in the boutique wing, built over two years ago – separate two-story buildings of over 40 rooms, designed by Feigin Architects, who are also responsible for designing the Waldorf Astoria Jerusalem and the Beresheet Hotel in Mitzpe Ramon. The first floor of the two buildings provides well-proportioned family suites with a spacious balcony and seating area, and ground floors suites, suitable for couples, built with a wooden patio, (an idyllic spot for morning meditation), a private square-shaped infinity pool that illuminates at night, and interiors swathed in relaxing tones of blue that are reflective of the surrounding backdrop. The airy suite is serenely styled, with three-dimensional Murano glass flowers that adorn one of the walls and soft furnishings that harmonize with its nautical concept. The natural stone bathroom contains a separate shower unit, bathtub and chic glass paneling that offers views into the bedroom and beyond.

A kosher dinner is served within the Rosemarine restaurant, a banquet of options for every taste in its spread of colorful salads, succulent meat and fish dishes, crispy potatoes and a dessert table featuring an enticing display of chocolate cakes and sweet delights, which put the diet on hold.

Breakfast, another indulgence, was served in the new beachside restaurant, a divine display of creative dishes accompanied by expansive sea views, which offer glimpses onto distant islands, small fishing boats and the glimmering blue waters. An awakening sea breeze washes over the table that occupies our zesty morning salads, breads, spreads and refreshing juices, which rejuvenate us for the day ahead. The breakfast concept is inspired by Mediterranean cuisine and is based on fresh, local ingredients of the season that integrate an abundance of healthy options into the mix, including vegetables, legumes, herbs olive oil, cheeses and a choice of finely cut fish. The rich selection of dishes also feature some innovative options, including a mouthwatering cream filled brioche with poached eggs, a flavorful green Shakshouka and unique beetroot ravioli.

A glass factory museum is located on its grounds within a stone building constructed by Frenchman Edmond James de Rothschild, and which once functioned as a factory for glass bottles for the baron’s winery; with nearby activities accessible by car including hiking at a nature reserve, which houses archaeological site Tel Dor, and an ancient water tunnel at Alona Park in Mei Kedem that was built to supply water into Caesarea.

a gym.