What is the indication that accompanies a successful vacation? Not the amount of equipment, not the beauty of the place, or even the food you ate, but whether you left with a smile. Or to be precise: the mood that accompanied you there. And what is the secret to that small, satisfied smile? It is a very simple secret, logical and related to the fact that you chose to stay in a small, quiet place, and not in some hotel. And Gil and Tal "came up" on this secret.
After two very in-depth visits to the place, I realized that the secret lies in the happiness of the hosts. Happy hosts = a place whose planning, design, and service are done with heart. Not with attention, but with heart.
Their broad hearts stem from the fact that they have fulfilled a good and pleasant dream. Because who among us doesn't sometimes dream of purchasing a piece of land and planting a large grove on it? Yes, further south, on the edge of the desert, and if that's the case, with the bonus of ten years of quality time related to the ecological construction of a beautiful hospitality complex. Well, so it happened to them, and the result is not something that can be quantified or described in words. It is about creating an environment bursting with good energy that supports us, the guests, in exactly the place where our soul is not at peace, the one who is always looking for the "perfect B&B" - but is actually trying to find a place that will radiate peace.
Location and ambience
The natural action here has led to a very successful combination of rusticity, desertness, and quality. I intentionally didn't say "luxury" because I'm sure that's not what they would want the place to convey. For example: the buildings are designed as desert cabins, but in reality they are as large and spacious as suites. The private pool is heated and beautiful, but built from Intex, not from some luxurious mosaic at a thousand NIS per square meter. The guests benefit from this, who receive very high-quality, but very comfortable, and eye-level accommodation.
Gil and Tal Lepez's estate is located in Sde Zvi in the south (near the Kama junction) and has four accommodation units intended for couples only. The three units, "La Casita", "La Fantasia" and "La Lou", are located on no less than ten dunams. Each of the cabins was built by the hosts in ecological construction that combines mud and hay and is designed with a lot of thought about the privacy and comfort of the guests, with a lot of attention to detail. All of this takes place in a compound that is characterized by space and quiet. The outdoor area of each unit is very spacious (!) and each unit has a private, enclosed area that allows complete privacy for guests. The hosts live at the edge of the estate and their home is not present at all in the hospitality experience.
What does the place include
The suites were built by the hosts themselves from ecological materials and all have a peaceful and enveloping atmosphere. The feeling is of good and special energy that is certainly influenced by the use of natural materials.
Fantasy Suite - Located in a beautiful and spacious arched building, decorated in a rustic-desert atmosphere and in warm colors (earthy brown and blue) and divided into two levels. The central level has a double bed, TV, audio system, fully equipped kitchen that allows for full cooking, coffee machine, large dining table, wardrobe and access to a large and private outdoor area. The upper level is accessed via wide stairs and has an additional double bed, a round jacuzzi, a storage cupboard and access to a balcony overlooking the forest.
The outdoor area is surrounded by a wooden fence that allows for complete privacy and features comfortable seating areas, hammocks, and a private heated swimming pool (Intex).
The Casita Suite - With an even more rustic atmosphere, with warm and relaxing colors and with a lot of care, this suite offers a spacious and cozy outdoor area surrounded by a wooden fence that allows for complete privacy. The area has comfortable seating areas (one facing the woods), a private heated pool (Intex) and a hammock. The suite is built as a long and cozy space. At one end of the suite is a sleeping area with a double bed, drawers for storage, a TV, and the option of closing with a curtain. In the center of the space is a kitchenette that allows for easy cooking with a coffee machine, and opposite is a living room and a small dining table. At the other end of the suite are a bathroom separated by a wooden wall with a closed, opaque curtain, the toilet room and another bedroom with a double bed.
La Lou Suite - The suite has a private fenced yard, with a barbecue, hammock, seating area, and a heated pool area located on a beautiful thin covering, while next to the pool there are cozy seating and lounging areas. The balcony and garden are shaded and allow for enjoyment even in summer. A wooden and glass door leads to the interior of the unit, which is uniquely designed, from the beautiful floor to the furniture and spaces.
The cute kitchen contains a refrigerator, coffee maker, microwave, and cutlery. Next to the kitchen, in a special niche reminiscent of hobbit houses, there is a seating area where you can eat. Next to it is the bed decorated with a quilt, next to it a cozy bench, and a nice bathroom with a wooden door.
The highlight here is undoubtedly the charming niche that houses a jacuzzi tub that is also an open shower, with jets and pleasant lighting.
You should know
Every year, usually in February, the Darom Adom Festival is held in the area, which combines attractions, performances, and a spectacular flowering of anemones.
Breakfast consists of local produce.
The complex is used as a visiting site for ecological associations and schools who come for a tour to see the buildings. Don't worry, this only happens when the guests vacate the cabins.
Hosts are not available to take phone calls on Saturday.
We left with a feeling of
This place is very different from the rural hospitality landscape in Israel. It is a place where every little detail transmits positivity and a good vibe. It caresses and touches and ultimately penetrates. The service itself is filled with the open and inviting presence of the hosts. The spacious, quiet area, the excellent privacy and the relaxing atmosphere between the ecological cabins create quality, pleasant and special hospitality here.