Pereh Hotel review: a dreamlike oasis nestled in the Golan Heights guarantees Israel’s most luxurious stay

• Rating: 10/10
• Rooms at Pereh Hotel start from $550 (£456) a night
• Check current rates and availability

As part of a month-long solo trip getting to know Israel and Palestine, I’d been lucky enough to stay in a handful of the most incredible boutique buildings, from Elkonin Tel Aviv hotel, The Drisco, Hotel Montefiore and The David Kempinski in Tel Aviv, to Mamilla hotel in Jerusalem, and finally, the thought-provoking and one-of-a-kind Banksy hotel in Bethlehem, Palestine.

Curious to see the volcanic mountains of the Golan Heights, when I returned to Israel I began making my way north, stopping at Haifa for a few days to see street art from one of my favorite collectives—Broken Fingaz—and then up past the Sea of Galilee by public bus until I reached Gadot, and the spellbindingly beautiful Pereh Hotel where I stayed for two nights, all the time wishing it was two weeks.

The stunning countryside surrounding Pereh Hotel

Not far from the border with Syria, Pereh was born out of the complete architectural transformation of French customs houses dating back to 1919. Every little detail has been considered and a rustic museum becomes aglow with twinkling lights each night detailing the impressive project with before and after photographs of each building.

Photographs in the rustic museum show the hotel as it was, before and after renovation

The surrounding area is magically abundant with orange, olive, mango and lemon trees, it’s really not hard to succumb to the beauty of the place.

What’s the vibe at Pereh Hotel?

In terms of aesthetics, Pereh reminded me of one of my favorite European boltholes, Menorca Experimental where artistic prowess is also paramount and every creative detail considered—nature also features heavily throughout both hotels with fragrant fruit trees and energetic swallows darting in and out of the translucent pools.

Beauty is paramount with stunning areas to take breakfast each morning

The vibe at Pereh is overtly serene, once I arrived I didn’t leave the grounds because the surroundings and bedrooms are so truly delightful. Upon entering the main building I was met with an open-plan reception featuring huge glass windows that look out over the verdant countryside, the restaurant sits in another building to the right and a few (and I’d say the best) bedrooms are housed in the Bauhaus building to the left. The hotel has been designed to absolute perfection—there are unique and beautiful works of art on the walls inside and a loose theme of macramé throughout, from sun parasols to intriguing creations in the stunning bedrooms. There’s definitely a mythical and magical feel to Pereh and the smell of burning wood as fire pits were set alight each night provides an atmosphere that taps into an ancient feeling of primal security. 

Jacuzzi overlooking the countryside at Pereh 

The lulling pool, surrounded by magnificent ancient olive trees is the main draw during the heat of the day but there’s also a dreamy spa, and a jacuzzi that looks out across the otherworldly countryside—the perfect place to enjoy an afternoon glass of wine.

How are the rooms at Pereh Hotel?

With just 27 rooms in total, I stayed in room number 11, one of the Bauhaus studio suites housed on the ground floor of the bright white building to the left of the main house. My room was beautifully large, and came with its very own private patio seating area and small garden with a hammock to laze on. I was greeted with a tropical fruit plate, chocolates and a complimentary bottle of ice cold rosé waiting in my room when I arrived, but I’m not sure if this is standard at Pereh or because I happened to be staying at the hotel on Tu B’Av—a minor Jewish holiday that celebrates love.

My bedroom, room 11

Neutral and muted tones were the interior theme of my room with more macramé detailing, an impressive rust-coloured work of art hanging above the bed, rattan rug and taupe drapes that let through dappled sunlight each afternoon. Metal shelves stacked with creative coffee table books, modern sculptures, snacks and spirits added interest, while the mini bar contained more wine, juices and mixers. The bathroom was almost as big as the bedroom itself, and to my delight had a big stand-alone bathtub and huge rainfall shower. White tiling and gray slate are complemented by mother-of-pearl detailing. Bath products—including the dreamiest smelling verbena soap—are by L’Occitane, and taupe-colored linen robes hang on the wall.

What is there to eat and drink?

The food and drinks at Pereh are just as good as the rest of the hotel with an interesting and well-executed evening menu by Roee Dori that features plates such as local trout fillet with a corn foam that is honestly too good to be true. Cocktails are delightfully blended using local fruits and herbs, my favorite being Green Fog, a smokey, spicy blend of thyme-infused tequila, chili and mezcal. Breakfast is offered from a buffet-style selection and includes much of the usual cheeses, bread and fruits, as well as beautiful yogurts, tahini and local honey and an aromatic blend of fresh beans ensures a caffeine high that rivals the best coffee in Tel Aviv. I ate lunch by the pool on both days and was very impressed by the flavorsome plates on offer, the homemade potato wedges were insanely morish, as were the open sandwiches.

Poolside lunch at Pereh Hotel

Any highlights?

I honestly cannot pick one fault with Pereh, it is without a doubt my favorite hotel opening for 2022. I loved the beauty of the setting and the way it’s been thoughtfully designed and I especially loved the hotel’s manager, Oren, whom I’ve heard is sadly leaving soon, no doubt the hotel will replace him with someone equally enigmatic.

Poolside at Pereh

Every part of the hotel, from the swimming pool to the spa, the secret wine cellar, and the rustic museum impressed me immeasurably.

Anything they could improve on?

No. This place is one of my favorite hotels of all time.

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