How to Spend a Dreamy Winter Vacation at the Ritz Carlton Herzliya

We have a family tradition of spending Chanukah with a staycation at the marina-side, beach-adjacent Ritz Carlton Herzliya. You’ve seen and can easily surmise how we spend our sunny summers there but if you’re wondering what we do at the beach in the winter, here’s a primer on how we spend our days.

The Ritz

So first of all, the hotel property is just Gorgeous, and I mean Gorgeous with a purposefully capital G. If you indulge in one of the upgradeable packages to a suite (some of which are two bedrooms or even two floors!) you’ll enjoy a kitchen, living room and the feel of a beach house-style apartment much more so than a hotel room — which just perfectly lends itself to hanging out in for a luxuriously lazy vacation day.

At the Ritz, we sleep later than usual, go to breakfast at the last possible moment and thoroughly enjoy the local delicacies and delights like shakshuka (poached eggs in tomato sauce), Bedouin coffee (sweet, black and infused with cardamom), basbousa (a syrup soaked semolina cake) and luzina (an almond and quince paste candy).

The main activity of the day happens at the spa on premises. I like to book a winter warming spa service like the signature Journey of Blends to rejuvenate dry brittle winter skin. You can spend the day before or after your treatment in the sauna, Turkish hamam or relaxation room overlooking the Mediterranean.

If it’s overcast or rainy or just plain uninvitingly cold outside you don’t have to worry because you honestly never have to leave the property. Since we had a late breakfast, “lunch” can look more like an exotic fruit platter at the spa, or a warm drink and fresh baked pastry in the lobby or you can always order a proper afternoon meal off the lobby’s dairy menu, if you so desire.

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Chanukah candle lighting takes place at sunset in the lobby overlooking the marina. The collection of menorahs always creates the most magical ambiance with dozens of dancing flames illuminating and reflecting off the glass lobby wall. Every night of Chanukah, candle lighting is accompanied by fresh baked donuts (the hand shaped Moroccan Sfinge are my favorite).

After candles you can just make a right turn for dinner at the Herbert Samuel Restaurant just off the main lobby. I’m warning you now that the menu, featuring seasonal local delicacies, will have you ordering almost one of everything due to indecision.

When it’s time to (sadly) check out, ask for another complementary glass of Konditon, the Ritz’s signature warm winter welcome drink, which is a biblically inspired seasoned wine, which the Chef told me can be drunk to your heart’s content since all the alcohol is cooked off. (Seriously, he promised! Do you think he was referring to the calories too?)

Want a closer look at the magic of a winter vacay at the Ritz Carlton Herzliya? ✨ Check out my Instagram highlights for behind-the-scenes moments, stunning views, and all the delicious details! Don’t miss it—head over now!

Bowling & Shopping

A favorite pastime of ours and beloved by all ages, we often bowl with 3 generations (as Grandma loves to visit on Chanukah!). The closest bowling alley to the Ritz Carlton Herzliya is located about a 7 minute drive in the 7 Stars Mall. There is also an arcade there and lots and lots of good shopping. If you’re with teenagers, be prepared to bring your wallet and spend (your savings! and) the day.

Ice Skating

We used to go to Holon to skate but this year we tried One Ice Arena, a set of state of the art ice rinks in Netanya. It’s new, it’s nice and it’s cold! Bring your coat, your gloves and your thermos filled with piping hot tea if you plan on sitting in the stadium style seating and watching your kids skate in circles.

Escape Room

Israel’s national chain of escape rooms has a branch in Herzliya with kid and family appropriate rooms (in addition to scary ones if that’s your jam). Word to the wise, do not wait to book for the last minute, if you blink the bookings page fills up before you can purchase your tickets. If your group is larger than 6-8 make sure to call in advance for special accommodations.

Planeterium

Planetanya, the Netanya Planetarium is an enchanting center for learning about science and space and an excellent way to fill the short winter days between a late hotel breakfast and early Chanukah candle lighting.

Safari

We go almost every year to the Ramat Gan Safari which is about 27 minutes from the hotel. Winters are honestly mild in Herzliya so we just have to schedule this lovely day activity for when the forecast doesn’t call for rain. We’ve rented 8-seater golf carts to jet around the zoo for feeding times and have also walked the paths by foot, in no rush and in no particular order. It’s always a fascinating, relaxing day marveling at the animal kingdom.

Blind Museum

A remarkable, “eye opening” and sensitive way to experience life The Blind Museum in Holon, enables you to walk in the shoes of someone that can’t see. Tickets must be booked well in advance and the museum is only appropriate for kids 9 and above.

Karting

Karting in Rishon LeTsiyon is one of my boys’ (Hubby included) favorite activities. You can see a video of the track and karts at this website.

The Marina & The Beach

While there are no lifeguards at the beach the surfers and beach bums are still out in full swing. I honestly love the idea of reading a book, wearing a light sweater, in a beach chair, to the sounds of the waves breaking on the shore

As a family we always like to walk the length of the marina and pier (and almost everyone on the brisk walk is comfy in a long sleeve T-shirt). There are so many rental options from sailboats to speedboats and from the seashore you can see the boats dotting the skyline just like on a sunny summer’s day.

Whether for Chanukah or a winter season vacation or staycation, a cozy beachside resort — like the Ritz Carlton Herzliya, with a mild climate, stunning marina views, plenty to do on premises and close by activities — is a surprisingly special and relaxing destination.