Our adventure began in August 2017, when we, a married couple in our 50s (Miki, a math teacher, and Lea, a law professor, and lawyer), traveled to Akko for the weekend to attend an opera performance. We stayed at a local B&B, fell in love with the Old City, and decided we wanted to become part of it.
It took us quite a while to find our “Jozefin” – a hospitality complex on the ground floor of an old home in Akko’s Old City. Jozefin is easily accessible – with no stairs – featuring a well-lit courtyard that radiates a homey, inviting energy.
When we entered what the Israeli Antiquities Authority calls “a patio property” (an internal patio, surrounded by suites), we immediately knew that we had arrived at the perfect spot.
The planning and execution of the renovation took quite a long time. Refurbishing a building for conservation is not easy and is fraught with countless challenging decisions, such as: which walls to preserve in their ancient stones, in an elaborate traditional process called “Kokhleh”, and which to plaster over; how to match curtains for a window installed in a wall that is more than a meter thick, and many more.
In July 2022, we finally completed the project and Jozefin opened its doors to host our guests.
The name Jozefin is a play on words combining the name of Josephine (wife of the French Emperor Napoleon who tried unsuccessfully to conquer Akko) with our surname – Jozefov.
Jozefin is a “riad”- four luxury suites around an internal courtyard. One suite, with a vaulted ceiling, is from the Crusader Period. The other three are from the Ottoman Period and are newer – “only” 200 – 300 years old, with wood-beamed ceilings. Each suite has its own special character, differing degrees of natural lighting, and distinctive color: Sapphire – blue; Topaz – gold; Emerald – green, and Jasper – burgundy. Small events (for up to 20 people) may be held on the patio, which includes a kitchenette.
Gradually, we have both become integrated into the life and rhythm of Akko’s Old City. We sit with our neighbors over a cup of Arabic coffee, celebrate with them at their weddings held in the central squares, and also take part in comforting neighbors during times of mourning.
Come join us and enjoy the enchantment of Old Akko!
