Where?

Haifa, Israel.

Why now?

Despite being home to a busy commercial port and Israel’s third-largest city, Haifa has the kind
of joie de vivre more often associated with a compact holiday
resort. Its landscape is made up of a beautiful blend of craggy cliffs, palm-fringed streets and tropical
gardens, whose towering blooms look too flawless to be real against
the cloudless sky.

To get your bearings in this bustling metropolis, we’d suggest
starting by rounding up your gang for a cable-car ride, hopping on
and off to take in some spectacular panoramic views of the city.
Begin your tour at the Bat Galim Promenade, indulging in some
people-watching through the floor-to-ceiling windows en route to
the Stella Maris viewpoint, perched high atop Mount Carmel. Fancy a
ramble? Buy a one-way ticket and make the return descent on foot –
a pleasant 20-minute stroll.

After exploring Haifa’s buzzy, colourful streets, head to Unesco
World Heritage site Bahá’í Gardens, where 19 perfectly symmetrical
(and gloriously green) terraces flank the Shrine of the Báb –
burial place of the founders of the Bahá’í religion.

Don’t miss

The Dead Sea is just a two-hour train journey away.
Here, at the lowest point on Earth, the water’s salt concentration
is so dense – 35 per cent, to be precise – that life simply cannot
survive, hence the name. However, the water’s unusual conditions
provide some perks, one being that humans can effortlessly float in
it. Better yet, doing so brings with it bucketloads of health
benefits, from calming skin complaints to helping to cure
respiratory conditions.

Where to stay?

Stay at The Schumacher. Nicknamed “the Urban Oasis”, this
boutique hotel flaunts a classic yet contemporary style. We’re
checking into the room that comes with its own private patio. If
you’d prefer views across the expansive hotel gardens, you’ll want
one of the suites. Whichever you opt for, be sure to explore the
surrounding German Colony neighbourhood, which is packed with
restaurants and independent shops.

Where to go for dinner?

Book a table at Shrtoudl – the sort of place where one dish just won’t
cut it. Order a handful of sharing plates, in order to get through
as many of the expertly prepared seasonal Mediterranean
specialities as is humanly possible.

And for a drink…

Accessed through a cave-like archway, Archie’s Pub is the
hottest joint in town. Come between 6.30-9.30pm to savour the
fresh, fruity cocktails at happy-hour prices.

Who to take with you

Planning your first getaway with your other half? Romantic Haifa
is for you.

When to go

Visit from April to July or September through November for
plenty of blissful sunshine – minus the high-summer humidity.

Essentials to pack

This Hunza G seersucker swimsuit will keep you both
looking and feeling cool when lounging poolside.

How to get there

Fly to Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion International Airport, from where
it’s a 90-minute direct train journey to Haifa.