HOTEL

Opening Shot: John Pawson Gives a 19th-century French Hospital a Stunning Makeover in Tel Aviv

The British designer teamed up with a local architect for The Jaffa hotel, bringing his minimalist style to a landmark structure in the ancient Israeli port city.

Opening Shot is a column that peeks inside new hotels, restaurants, bars, and shops with interiors to drool over.

The Jaffa, A Luxury Collection Hotel

Location: Tel Aviv

Designers: John Pawson and Ramy Gill Architects

On Offer: Real estate developer and art collector Aby Rosen‘s adaptive reuse project near Jaffa’s artists’ quarter has been underway for over a decade thanks to an excavation process that routinely uncovered artifacts and ruins. The painstakingly restored Roman architectural details of the 19th-century landmark harmoniously blend with Pawson’s minimalist design in the 120 guest rooms, 32 residences, and communal spaces.

Standout Features: The complex’s heritage elements make the property stand apart. A 13th Century Crusaders’ wall serves as the foundation of the new-build residential building. Highlights include a cocktail lounge inside the hospital’s former chapel with exposed Corinthian order columns and original stained-glass windows rehabbed during the renovation, and two restaurants by Major Food Group—a New York-style Italian concept and Jewish delicatessen.

(Photos: Amit Geron)

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