Isla Brown 42: New and stylish in Eilat - review

My trip to Eilat this time was charged with a special sense of excitement. It had been a long time since the city last saw the opening of a brand-new five-star hotel – one built entirely from the ground up.

All around, soaring glass walls, adorned with white curtains, flooded the space with abundant natural light, making it the perfect spot for sipping coffee in one of the scattered seating areas or enjoying a drink at the lobby bar.

Feigin Architects meticulously designed the hotel. The chosen design ethos is wabi-sabi, which emphasizes the beauty found in natural imperfection. A combination of warm earth tones, rounded corners, and soft lines creates a sense of sophisticated calm and harmony. Original artwork, planters, and pots housed in artisan wooden vessels naturally complete the decor.

Isla Brown 42 in Eilat was established and is owned by the Carel Group and is managed by Israel Canada Hotels.

Shani Azoulay, CEO of the Israel Canada Hotels and Brown Collection in Israel, states: “We are delighted to launch the Isla Brown 42 hotel, which is opening in Eilat as one of our most luxurious hotels, offering a lavish hospitality experience that combines design, innovation in services, and a unique atmosphere. Isla Brown joins the chain’s 36 hotels in Israel and abroad.”

The Isla Brown 42 hotel is built around two wings flanking the large swimming pool, creating the feeling of an urban resort. After crossing the pool complex, we arrived at the North Wing, where our room was located. We found a spacious room with a seating area and an exceptionally wide balcony overlooking the pool and the bay. On the balcony, we were surprised to see a shower to refresh ourselves on hot days.

The room’s design also features a Tel Avivian urban twist. The bathroom featured black tiles with white stars, a chic wooden stool, and a rainfall shower that turned into a powerful, gushing waterfall. Everything was lavish – plush robes, thick towels, and high-quality toiletries.

As expected from a five-star hotel, the amenities included all the essentials: multi-channel television, fast Wi-Fi, a safe, a mini-bar, an espresso machine, and even a regular kettle. Instead of another bottle of wine, a delightful cocktail awaited us on the table, as is customary for the Brown chain. We changed into our swimwear, took a sip to get in a good mood, and headed to the pool.

The pool at Isla Brown 42 is the hotel’s centerpiece. It measures approximately 45 meters long and is surrounded by loungers, plush double-sized cabanas, and submerged integrated sunbeds. At its heart is the pool bar with a professional sound system, indicating that events – and in the Brown concept, a DJ and a party – are certainly not out of the question.

We took advantage of the quiet late afternoon for a long, refreshing swim. The pool was wonderfully tranquil, leading us to wonder whether that was due to the hotel’s soft opening, the cool transitional-season water, or simply the lure of VAT-free shopping. In any case, we were pleasantly surprised to discover the pool’s transparent edge, which offered a beautiful view of the street below.

As a bonus, there is also another pool at the hotel: the iconic rooftop level, Roof Top 42. On the terrace of the hotel restaurant, there is a separate rooftop pool with panoramic views of the Gulf of Eilat, perfect for cocktail parties on the deck.

After swimming, we split up. My partner went to the well-equipped gym, while I headed to the spa. The hotel also features a kids’ club, ensuring every family member has something to do. All three amenities are located on the hotel’s lower floor and are accessible via a wide, pleasant, and well-designed corridor.

The spa experience was a serene haven for me. Immediately upon entering, the sun-drenched seating area welcomed me with cold tea and Cava. The spa complex has an exit to a courtyard with outdoor showers and sunbeds, and it features two saunas. I enjoyed the refreshing transition between the soothing warmth of the dry sauna and the luxurious steam of the wet sauna.

In terms of treatments, the facility relies on first-rate professional therapists. The treatments have contemporary names like “Blend” or “Fusion.” I chose to try the Fusion massage – a combined treatment that includes intense, focused pressure to release tight muscles, followed by gentle, indulgent contact. The sensation was so pleasant that I felt waves of pure bliss running through my body! The superb treatment left me with a deep sense of renewal. Highly recommended!

At the hotel’s elegant rooftop restaurant overlooking the bay, we experienced exceptional cuisine. In the morning, we indulged in an amazing selection: a variety of savory pastries, individual portions like shakshuka, eggs Benedict, French toast, omelets, pancakes, cakes, and an abundance of top-quality cheeses. As a health enthusiast, I was delighted by the customized smoothies made to personal preference from a wide array of options.

The evening buffet was among the best we’ve encountered, rivaling a chef-run restaurant. Chef Ran Moalem’s marvelous work shone through every dish, from active stations to premium whole meats and surprising raw-fish options – all strictly kosher.

The lobby restaurant was also available, offering dairy meals with chef-inspired dishes such as sea fish, gnocchi, and burrata salad, as well as decent pizzas that we tried. The lobby bar features a pleasant terrace overlooking the pool. In the future, a meat-based food truck will open near the pool, offering main courses, hamburgers, salads, and artisan ice creams, in addition to the existing pool bar, which serves cocktails and beverages.

Isla Brown 42 Hotel is located near the revitalized old airport complex, which is not on the coast but close to Terminal Park and shopping centers. Honestly, the hotel was so pampering that we didn’t feel the need to go out! But since it was a five-star vacation, we chose an exclusive experience at Dolphin Reef – one of the most meticulously maintained and unique places in Eilat.

At Dolphin Reef, we indulged ourselves at the “Stalbet Al Hamayim” (“Chill on the Water”) relaxation pools complex, offering floating and relaxation treatments in heated pools. After getting ready and changing into robes, we entered the three pools with varying salinity levels. I chose fresh water (seawater is also an option) for the treatment.

This is absolute tranquility: floating in warm water as the therapist gently moves us to the sounds of underwater music. The body is completely relaxed, a feeling of absolute lightness and deep peace. Afterward, we completed the pampering in the salt-rich pool.

The hallmark of Dolphin Reef is swimming with dolphins. After receiving equipment and instructions, we went out for a snorkel session in groups of three, accompanied by the guide, wearing wetsuits, masks, snorkels, and fins. The complex has three dolphins that surface for a quick swim, and they approached me twice! This is an unforgettable experience, watching these large and cute marine animals so close up.

The hotel is part of a complex that includes a separate section of vacation apartments, with its own facilities and pool. A perfect solution for families or those who prefer an apartment. The hotel itself offers 158 designer rooms meticulously planned in various types: 29-sq.m. Deluxe and Superior rooms, some with a private balcony, direct pool access, or a garden, are ideal for couples and families. In addition, there are spacious 57-sq.m. family suites, suitable for up to four adults or a couple with two children. The hotel also has accessible rooms of different types.

The hotel’s reception services operate 24/7 and include a concierge and luggage storage. Guests have access to free parking, which offers about 65 covered spaces and additional parking in a lot for over 100 vehicles. The hotel also has the Studio 42 event and conference hall, spanning 400 sq.m., suitable for 200 to 300 guests. Additionally, a synagogue is available in a dedicated events room.

Example Prices (Based on Bed and Breakfast): Midweek starts at NIS 1,140 per couple per night, and the weekend rate starts at NIS 3,150 per couple for two nights.