brutalist landmark in israel transformed into luxury elma hotel

after ten years of restoration work, yaakov rechter’s famed ‘mivtachim sanatorium’ has been transformed into a luxury hotel with a state-of-the-art auditorium and complete spa facilities. located in the coastal mount carmel region of israel, the brutalist structure was originally completed in 1968 as a place for short term retreat where guests would rest and regain their energy. in 2005, philanthropist lily elstein acquired the property with the intention of turning it into a world-class center for the arts and boutique hotel.

the structure boasts clean white lines of exposed concrete
image by ross belfer (main image by itay sikolski)

under the guidance of amnon rechter, yaakov rechter’s son, the building has now been restored according to its original plans, with the addition of two concert halls and art galleries. the structure boasts clean white lines of exposed concrete that, in their elevated wave-like form, appear to float above the ground. the elma arts complex luxury hotel — or simply the ‘elma hotel’ — now includes 95 rooms overlooking the neighboring town of zikhron ya’akov and the mediterranean sea.

the hotel is located in the coastal mount carmel region of israel
image by itay sikolski

as well as the hotel’s various suites, the building also includes: ‘elma hall’, a 450-seat concert hall engineered by arup; ‘the cube’, a re-configurable performance space that intimately seats 150 people; and ‘the elstein galleries’, three exhibition spaces that showcase artworks from the private collection of lily elstein. the venue also offers the opportunity for art residency programs.

the lobby and reception area
image by itay sikolski

the hotel’s spa facilities offer guests treatments ranging from traditional swedish to deep tissue massages. an indoor heated lap pool with floor-to-ceiling windows joins an olympic-sized outdoor pool that offers views out over the mediterranean. other on site amenities include a restaurant that serves mediterranean cuisine, a poolside restaurant and bar, and an italian-style espresso bar.

the building’s original board formed concrete surfaces are left exposed
image by itay sikolski