Tel Aviv-Herzliya: high-tech, big ambitions

Tel Aviv has made innovation its priority. Business districts like Herzliya flourish all around Israel's economic capital, providing high-tech testing grounds for a host of ingenious start-ups.

Where are we? Just ten kilometres north of Tel Aviv, between the waters of the Mediterranean and the tarmac of Route 2, which leads from Israel's economic capital to Haifa. This is a place of contrasts, where total relaxation rubs shoulders with hard work, between the grand hotels and opulent residences that line the spit of sand and the high-tech offices of the Industrial Zone. We're in a city of almost 85,000 inhabitants, whose twinned status with Hollywood conveniently underlines its somewhat unusual status. In short, we're in Herzliya, in the heart of the 'Silicon Wadi' that gave the world instant messaging and the USB stick, and which boasts the highest concentration of start-ups east of Palo Alto, young companies such as the community GPS Waze that have often been bought up at a premium by the Californian giants Google & Co.

These innovative companies can be found all along the 60-kilometre stretch from Rehovot to Netanya, via Tel Aviv, Petah Tikva and Ra'anana. Herzliya is at the centre of this path of abundance; the only stopover, perhaps, where effervescent business does not extinguish a certain gentle way of life.

If you want to know what happens every day in Herzliya, just look at the signs that crown the tinted windows of the buildings in the Industrial Zone. Microsoft, Adobe, Dell, Oracle, Gemalto, Matrix, Supercom: you don't have to be a geek to work out that the lion's share of business is in IT, with a particular penchant for companies working in digital security. But the IT sector is not the only one on show, with implants from Veolia Environnement, Merck and 3M. Highlights.

How to get there

EL AL offers four to five daily flights on weekdays - only two on Fridays and one on Saturdays - between Paris and Ben Gurion international airport, 15km from Tel Aviv. The airline also operates four weekly flights to/from Marseille. El Al offers a number of options for passengers wishing to enhance their journey without incurring the cost of a business class seat, starting with Economy Plus. In addition, the Preferred Seat option allows passengers to book the most comfortable seats in economy class. Finally, El Al Upgrade offers the chance to bid for an upgrade. Place your bets! Tel.: 01 40 20 90 90 Website: elal.co.il

AIR FRANCE offers three to five daily flights between Paris and Tel Aviv, four a week from Nice and three from Marseille. These routes are operated by three-class Airbus A320s, including one Premium Economy. Tel: 0820 320 820 Internet: airfrance.fr

Other carriers on the line : Transavia (transavia. com) and XL Airways (xl.com).

Going to Herzliya

A taxi from Ben Gurion airport to Herzliya costs around 140-160 shekels (29-34 euros). To go from the centre of Tel Aviv to Herzliya, allow around 80-100 shekels (17-21 euros). Public transport between the two cities, whether by train or bus, is neither practical nor plentiful. The taxi option is therefore almost compulsory for travellers, if they are unable to hire a car locally.

Hotels

The Ritz-Carlton Herzliya

Herzliya took its place on the luxury hotel map with the opening of this 115-room Ritz-Carlton, including 82 suites, at the end of 2013. The hotel's plus points: views over the marina and the sea, the spa, the reception rooms bathed in light, the Herbert Samuel restaurant, the stunning video installations by Eyal Landseman and, on the roof, the swimming pool and its pleasant pool bar. 4 Hashunit St. - Tel: +972 9 373 5555 Email: wecare@ritzcarlton.com Internet: ritzcarlton.com

Dan Accadia

A true urban resort with two swimming pools, a spa, tennis courts, a garden and a large beach at the foot of the hotel. The 209 rooms have recently been refurbished, from standard rooms to presidential suites with private saunas and panoramic sea views. There is also a new kosher cuisine restaurant: Accad. Herzliya Beach - Tel: +972 3 740 8966 Email: accadia@danhotels.com Internet: danhotels.com

Daniel Hotel

Another top-of-the-range hotel with a large swimming pool and sea views, renowned for the quality of its Hemingway restaurant. Three floors are reserved for Club rooms, where guests enjoy free access to the lounge and the Shizen spa. 60 Ramat Yam St. - Phone: +972 9 952 8282 - Email: res@tamareshotels.co.il Internet: english.tamareshotels.co.il

Ordchid Okeanos

A 41-suite hotel facing the beach, in a building where glass lets in plenty of light. 50 Rama Yam St. Tel: +972 9 961 6222 Website: orchidokeanos.co.il

Sharon Hotel Herliya

Just north of Herzliya Pituach, overlooking the Mediterranean, the Sharon offers three room categories (Superior, Deluxe Sea View and Deluxe Garden) with views of the sea or the hotel gardens. 4 Ramat Yam St. - Tel: +972 9 952 5777 - Internet: sharon.co.il

Hotel Benjamin

You're no longer in the water, but a stone's throw from the office blocks in this contemporary establishment, which is obviously more reasonably priced than its (distant) beach neighbours. 4 Hamada St. - Tel: +972 9 973 6666 Internet: benjamin-hotel.co.il

In Tel Aviv

For those who prefer to stay in Tel Aviv rather than Herzliya itself, the seafront, overlooking the Lahat Promenade, is the most popular stopping-off point. Here you will find block after block of top-of-the-range hotels: Hilton, Herods, Crowne Plaza, Renaissance, Sheraton, Intercontinental...

Carlton on the beach

Of all the hotels lining up along the seafront, the Carlton on the beach stands out. Because it overlooks the beach directly, at the foot of the marina. Because it was completely refurbished last year and now boasts a number of new features, including the Blue Sky restaurant, run by the famous chef Meir Adoni. And finally, the views are exceptional. Special mention should be made of the rooms on the top three floors dedicated to Executive guests. The Carlton also offers services to make life easier for business travellers: personalised check-in - which can be done in the car picking you up at the airport - car or bike hire and free WiFi. A rarity on the seafront.10 Eliezer Peri St. - Phone: +972 3 520 1818 - Email: request@carlton.co.il Internet: carlton.co.il

Restaurants

There are two options for lunch or dinner in Herzliya: either at the foot of the offices, or by the sea. For the latter, head for the big hotels (Herbert Samuel at the Ritz-Carlton, Accad at the Dan Accadia, Hemingway at the Daniel Hotel...) or the countless options at the marina (Nammos, Bistro 56, Lucca, Port...). For the 'at the foot of the offices' option, the scene is concentrated in two blocks bounded by Arie Shenkar and Hamenofm streets.

Segev

Run by the media-savvy chef Moshe Segev, this is the most elegant address in Herzliya's Industrial Zone. On the menu: creative cuisine and a décor inspired by the backstreets of Neve Tsedek, Tel Aviv's 'cool' neighbourhood. 16 Hahoshlim St. Shenkar Corner. Tel: +972 57 944 3318 Internet: www.segevchef.com

Sebastian

Herzliya's chic brasserie, very popular for business lunches. The large bar can be used for the rest of the day. 33 Maskit St. - Tel: +972 9 951 3939 Email: sebastian@sebastian.co.il Internet: noirgroup.co.il

Meat Bar

This spacious restaurant offers the double promise of any self-respecting steakhouse: meticulously prepared meats and an excellent wine list. 4 Ha'Sadnaot St. - Tel: +972 9 954 6000

Mancini

A casual Italian restaurant, with a terrace for when the weather's nice. Hamanofm 8 - Tel: +972 9 950 5020 Internet: mancini.co.il

Etnika

An intimate restaurant serving oriental cuisine, with a strong Moroccan flavour. 7 Shenkar St. - Tel: +972 9 951 1177

Kyoto

There are a plethora of Japanese restaurants in Herzliya. This one has the best décor and the most varied menu. 7 Shenkar St. - Tel: +972 9 958 7770

Giraffe

The Herzliya branch of a Tel Aviv-based chain. The concept: pan-Asian cuisine in an urban setting. 9 Hasadnaot St. - Tel: +972 9 954 8355

Express breakfast

Both in the Industrial Zone and on the marina side, there are plenty of options for a quick lunch, with Asian restaurants such as Japanika (10 HaSadna'ot St.) and Running Sushi (30 Maskit St.). Also popular in Herzliya is the burger, at Burgus (11 Shenkar St.) or Agadir Burger (9 Ha-Menofm St.). For a sweet break, go to the Max Brenner Chocolate Bar (Hamenofm 8).

In Tel Aviv

Cordelia restaurant

Nir Zook is one of the rising stars of Israeli gastronomy. Located in an alleyway in old Jaffa, his restaurant captivates with its decor and Franco-Mediterranean menu. Yefet 30, Jaffa - Tel: +972 3 518 4668 Internet: www.cordelia.co.il

Messa

When Japan meets the Mediterranean in the heart of Tel Aviv's major business district. Intimate and enchanting. 19 Ha'arba'a St. - Tel: +972 3 685 6859 Internet: www.messa.co.il

Mul-Yam

The port of Tel Aviv has been completely redeveloped and in just a few years has been filled with a host of trendy restaurants and bars. Mul Yam stands out for the sophistication of its decor and the quality of its marine cuisine. Port of Tel-Aviv, Hangar No. 24 Tel: +972 3 546 9920

Manta Ray

The seafront promenade is the city's most spectacular peoplewatching spot, and Manta Ray is the perfect place to enjoy it. Alma Beach - Tel: +972 3 517 4773 Internet: www.mantaray.co.il

Shopping

Arena Mall in front of the marina, Seven Stars close to Route 2: so much for Herzliya's two shopping centres, which don't really stand out from the ordinary suburban mall. The rest of the district's commercial park doesn't invite you to take a shopping break either, as it's mainly home appliances shops and dealerships lined up in a queue: Seat, Chrysler, Dodge, Suzuki, Peugeot, Citroën, Hyundai, Audi and even Cadillac for those who've really done their homework. For the rest, you'll have to head south to Tel Aviv, between the chic boutiques of Dizengoff street, the trendy stalls of Neve Tsedek and the flea market in old Jaffa.

Bars / Entertainment

To say that Herzliya is the exact reflection of Tel Aviv's frenetic nightlife would be a lie. However, there are still a few choice spots for after-hours fun, whether on the beach (Mona on the beach, in front of the Dan Accadia) or in the Industrial Zone: Mike's Place (10 Sderot Aba Even St.), Inga (Galgaley Haplada 16), Bourbon Street (HaManofm 8)...

Services

Car hire with driver : IsraLimo - Tel.: +972 3 647 8265

Scooter hire Motogo, 19-21 Tushiya st. - Tel: +972 3 6811717 - Tel.
Internet: www.motogo.co.il

Taxi company : Israeli taxi - Tel.: +972 54 232 3778

Business centre Herzliya Ackerstein Towers A 9 Hamenofm St. - Tel: +972 9 971 5600 - Internet: regus.com

Short-term flat rental Herzliya Marina - Tel: +972 544 421444 - Internet: herzliya-marina.com

Information Israel National Tourist Office - Tel: 01 42 61 01 97 - Internet: otisrael.com

A lounge at ... King David Lounge

Volume, light, soft colours and elegant materials: from the moment passengers enter El Al's King David Lounge, they know they're in for a treat. All the more so as the lounge, spread over two floors with a wide view of the runways, offers a wide range of services: computers, printers, faxes and scans, as well as massage seats, a Havana Club for cigar smokers and even a Shinzen Tamares spa where passengers can enjoy a free 20-minute treatment. Other attractions in the King David Lounge include a permanent photo exhibition on the history of El Al and a particularly well-appointed buffet featuring Mediterranean flavours. The First section of the lounge offers the same services to First Class passengers, with the added bonus of extremely comfortable seats and an Olympian calm. There is no press available in the King David Lounge, but the lounge hostess can provide you with a voucher to pick up your newspaper at the Steimatzky Bookstore next door.

If you have...

One or two hours

Head for the marina and the beach, with its round-the-clock spectacle of boats, birds, joggers and matkot (Israeli beach ball) players. To take the marine experience a step further, several clubs offer diving trips in the area, such as the Reef Diving Club, located on the Dan Accadia beach.

One afternoon

That's enough time to reach Tel Aviv and take a quick tour of its main attractions: the Bauhaus buildings of Dizengoff street, the terraces of Rotschild boulevard, the narrow streets of Neve Tsedek, the ancient alleys of Jaffa and, of course, the promenade along the beach. A good way to discover all this is by bike. There are plenty of hire companies, and in 2011 the city launched Tel-o-fun, modelled on the Parisian Vélib'. Cycling around the city means you can extend your visit southwards to the radiant quays of Jaffa, or northwards to the banks of the Yarkon Canal and the port of Tel Aviv. You can even continue further north to... Herzliya along a dirt track built along the coast. However, you should avoid doing this in a suit...