It’s the age-old tale of transformation — this time, from prison to sumptuous hotel. This month marks the opening of The Setai Tel Aviv, part of a 25-year preservation project that’s seen the conversion of a complex of structures known as the Kishle (or jailhouse in Turkish) into sumptuous lodging. The collection of buildings, overlooking the Mediterranean coastline of Tel Aviv-Jaffa, are part of a colorful past traced to the 12^th century, encompassing the empires of Crusader, Napoleonic, Byzantine and Ottoman rulers.

Newly incarnated as a luxury destination, the arched, 12^th-century stone entranceway transports guests to an elegant and contemporary wood-floored space with beamed ceilings and chandeliers. The hotel features a rooftop infinity pool, 120 expansive guestrooms and suites, verdant interior courtyards and sparkling views of the sea, Jaffa Clock Tower and Square.

Also significant is its status as the first hotel in Israel part of the collection of outstanding properties belonging to the Leading Hotels of the World. The “new” old property includes spa and wellness facilities with seven treatment rooms, a full range of massages and treatments, Eastern-based therapies, a Turkish Hammam, relaxation space, private locker rooms and a gym and workout area. Elsewhere, guests can enjoy hand-crafted cocktails or High Tea in the full-service lobby bar, dining from the menu of authentic dishes from Israeli and Turkish traditions at JAYA, or shopping for keepsakes at the jewelry shop located in the lobby. There’s also technologically modern meeting space able to accommodate up to 200 attendees in four separate rooms.