Well, I have to challenge myself here. When I arrived at this place I thought to myself: "How come I haven't yet taken a wine bath in front of the most beautiful sunsets in Israel? Because actually, this is exactly the concept of "Yama", a boutique complex that combines wine tastings, spa treatments and a mix of wine and oils in the couple's jacuzzi, straight In front of the Mediterranean Sea - one of the best locations we got to see in Zichron Ya'akov.
Location and ambience
Full disclosure: I met my wife when she lived in Zichron. To be precise, we met a long time ago - already in middle school, but nothing happened then. So apparently something in the intoxicating air of Zichron - maybe it's the special atmosphere and the amazing sunsets - put some sense into her and made her say "yes" to the bargain like me.
My visit to "Yama" started with a glass of good wine. I really didn't need to because I was pretty impressed by the road itself: it goes through a neighborhood of people who just got lucky. No, this is not a memory of the bustling pedestrian street, but a neighborhood that sits right on the side of the mountain, towards the sea. When I approached the complex, I really hoped that it was on the "correct" side of the road, that is, in the first line to the view. Indeed, I was not deceived.
The complex is located in a residential neighborhood (not crowded) under the holiday home of the hosts' parents (who come from time to time). Intelligent planning offers good privacy, also in terms of the neighbors' houses.
About 40 steps go down to the complex, which will make it difficult for the walking challenged. Adjacent to the main building, the path splits into two: there are 2 accommodation units here that share a common wall (with a connecting door, for the benefit of those who want to take both units with a couple of friends). Those who continue down, will reach the more prestigious suite - "Vine", which is located below its sisters and right in front of the view.
What does the place include
"Kerem" and "Eshkol" overlook a panoramic view of the sea and the Carmel beach. Both have a balcony at the entrance to the unit, overlooking a panoramic view, as well as access to a common balcony separated by a slight partition. The accommodation here is meticulous and high-quality, with a lot of attention to the small details (for example - high-quality massages from LOCCITANE)
"Kerem" is the larger unit of the two. Its balcony contains a sitting area, a hammock and a wall waterfall. The privacy on the balcony is partial. The central space contains a living room with a sofa, a television ("Apple" and Cellcom TV) and a computer, a dining table and a cabinet full of wines (with an additional charge). Paintings of the hosts decorate the space.
From the living room there is an exit to the common balcony overlooking a fine view. The bedroom offers a double bed and a small corner jacuzzi facing the view, a small kitchenette and a wardrobe. In addition, there is a treatment room inside the unit where you can receive treatments and a bathroom with a shower.
"Eshkol" is a relatively small unit, but it is surrounded by windows for the panoramic view, which creates a sense of space. It has an amazing private balcony overlooking the sea with a hammock and a seating area. The balcony is surrounded by vegetation and allows excellent privacy.
The "shus" here is a separate space with a huge round jacuzzi. The second space contains a double bed located next to the window (the partner has to jump over his neighbor to get to his place), and there is a curtain and electric blinds for full shading. The television is placed next to the bed so that it can only be watched in bed and lying across it. Next is a small kitchenette, a dining table and a "cheap" corner with a rug and pillows next to a designed electric fireplace. There is also a wardrobe, a bathroom with a shower and access to the common balcony. As mentioned, there is also a second, completely private balcony.
"Vine" is the most luxurious suite here, which offers, in addition to the panoramic view, a softtub (outdoor jacuzzi) on the outdoor "deck" (which, as the name of the suite implies, is a beautiful vine), underfloor heating and an electric fireplace, luxurious Indonesian furniture, a kitchenette With a wine fridge and microwave, a king size bed with a "Hollandia" mattress, TVs in the living room and bedroom (40/55 inches) with Cellcom TV, Apple TV and more.
You should know
The complex is located close to the entertainment centers (minutes' drive), the beach and many attractions in the nearby Carmel settlements. It is impossible not to mention the experience of bathing in warm water with a unique mixture of oils, to which wine is added, which, in addition to its health properties, also provides a small and lovable "Stella".
We left with a feeling of
A fascinating combination of an excellent location, an extraordinary view of the sea, a variety of attractions in the area - the sea, a pedestrian mall, restaurants, galleries, etc. - and all within walking distance or a short drive. The different hospitality concept - spa and wine - only adds to the quality of the package.