With Over 580 Hotels and Unique Restaurants All Over the Globe, and after a Lengthy Approval Process:

21st March 2024 Tel-Aviv's Drisco Hotel and George & John Restaurant Join the exclusive Organization of Relais & Châteaux

At the end of an inimitable approval process, the prestigious Tel Aviv hotel, and its restaurant, are the first in Tel Aviv to join the exclusive organization. Relais & Châteaux gathers over 580 properties, 80 hotels, and 340 Michelin stars in 65 countries worldwide. Avi Zak, owner of The Drisco: “We are thrilled and honoured to join the list of the most respectful names in the world of prestige and boutique”. The Drisco, the prestigious hotel located in the heart of the American Colony in Tel-Aviv, and the George & John restaurant, are the first in Tel-Aviv to join the global organisation Relais & Châteaux, in which hotels, unique hospitality properties, luxury restaurants and 340 Michelin stars around the world, are members Relais & Châteaux was founded in 1954, and since its foundation the organization promotes many luxury hospitality properties and culinary traditions, enhancing their prosperity, and acting for the preservation of the local heritage and surroundings of each property. Each year, more than 500 requests to join Relais & Châteaux are submitted, and less than 2% of them get to join the prestigious organization The Drisco is situated at the heart of the American Colony in Tel-Aviv and includes 42 rooms and suites decorated to reflect the magnificent history of the hotel, first opened in 1866. In the hotel, there are original murals from the year 1925, a bar, a rooftop facing the beaches of Tel-Aviv, a gym, rooms for indulging spa treatments, a nurtured garden, etc. The accommodation in the hotel includes an elite culinary experience at the George & John restaurant, led by Chef Tomer Tal, which was graded among the 50 best restaurants in the Middle East, according to “50 BEST” (2022-2024). Chef Tal and the restaurant are also in charge of the breakfast served to hotel guests, including a varied and rich buffet with homemade delicacies and main courses reflecting the area’s production. Laurent Gardinier, president of Relais & Châteaux: "Finally, there is a place in Israel that adheres to our hospitality culture and a chef who serves gourmet food, while promoting seasonality, localism, and creativity. It is about time that our organization will include representation from this area, and this makes us feel proud”. Avi Zak, owner of The Drisco and George & John: “No words can describe my feelings towards our joining to the organization of Relais & Châteaux. This is the most prestigious organization in the world of hospitality and culinary. Our joining this important organization, especially in such challenging times, is a great honour to the entire team of George & John and The Drisco Hotel. We are proud to be the only hotel and restaurant in Israel and Tel-Aviv to receive such great honour and are more committed than ever to continuing serving our clients with the highest standards." Chef Tomer Tal, George & John restaurant: “My team and I are proud to be the first restaurant in Israel to join the organization of Relais & Châteaux. This could not have been achieved without our hard work, insistence, and our aspiration to provide our guests with a top-standard culinary experience, one that puts our heart on the plates every single time”.  David Kishka, Culinary Advisor: “It is a great honour for me to be in charge of the international culinary cooperations of George & John and The Drisco. After meeting the team of Relais & Châteaux in Paris, together with the senior management teams of the restaurant and the hotel, I am excitedly anticipating the cross-border cooperations planned for the next couple of months”. About Israel: Whether road trips, city trips, swimming, wellness, active and cultural trips, rental car tours or family vacations, the Israeli State Tourist Office provides information about the various regions, cities, and sights in the Holy Land. Located in the eastern Mediterranean, Israel is no more than a seven-hour flight from India. The country offers a sunny climate, a wide variety of historical, archaeological, and religious sites, including houses several UNESCO World Heritage sites across the country, displaying an intriguing contrast between the ancient and modern periods. Experience the dynamic vibe of Israel. For information about the different tourism offerings, visit www.goisrael.in For the most up-to-date information on the guidelines and requirements for entering Israel, visit https://israelsafe.com For more information reach out to us at info-israel@goisrael.gov.il or 022 61370700.  The Israel Ministry of Tourism is not responsible for information or pictures, provided by third parties, that appear in this document. The use of this document and responsibility therefore falls solely upon the information providers.