Housed in a renovated Crusader fortress, this hotel is dripping with ancient history. The subterranean spa and gym were carved around Crusader-era walls and the rooms stand where there was once an Ottoman prison. Exposed archways and preserved, stone and ceramic antiquities will encircle you as you wander through this sprawling, almost museum-like space. The rooms are a mix of Ottoman-style décor and modern amenities: delicately patterned light fixtures give a romantic hue and balance to the deep red Turkish rugs, complemented by minibars, flat-screen TVs and other modern amenities built into the stone walls. If your budget allows, opt for the Premium Plus room with a sea view and balcony looking out onto the 4,000-year-old Jaffa Port. And don’t miss out on morning laps at the rooftop infinity pool, overlooking the serene waters.

Though The Setai is a site in itself, its location, at the very entrance to Jaffa, is also a major draw. It is straight across from the iconic Clock Tower. It is also five minutes’ walk from the bustling Port, where you can feast on fresh fish against the backdrop of the lapping waves of the Mediterranean.