The Executive's Guide to Business Travel in Eilat: Red Sea Meetings & Leisure

Selecting the right accommodation in Eilat isn't merely about comfort—it's about positioning oneself strategically within this compact yet surprisingly diverse business ecosystem. The North Beach hotel strip hosts the majority of conference facilities, while the Coral Beach area offers more secluded luxury.

My personal preference remains the Royal Beach Eilat, whose business center has witnessed countless editorial deadlines during my visits. The property masterfully balances professional amenities with genuine relaxation spaces—essential when transitioning from spreadsheets to sunsets. For extended stays, I've found the Dan Eilat's executive suites provide that crucial home-office functionality with their separate working areas and panoramic sea views that somehow make quarterly projections seem less daunting.

For the ultimate working sanctuary, consider booking a Club Level room at the Herods Palace. Their private lounge has become my de facto office during afternoon lulls between meetings, offering complimentary refreshments and mercifully robust Wi-Fi that hasn't failed me yet—even during video conferences with Auckland.

Eilat's business infrastructure has matured considerably in recent years, offering venues that capitalize on its natural splendor rather than simply replicating the sterile conference rooms one might find in Tel Aviv or Jerusalem.

The Eilat Convention Center remains the city's premier venue for larger conferences, though I find its architecture somewhat uninspired compared to the surrounding landscape. For more intimate gatherings, the ICE Eilat (International Convention Eilat) offers sleeker facilities with modular spaces that can be configured to various requirements.

However, it's the unconventional venues that truly distinguish Eilat's business culture. Last autumn, I hosted a small editorial summit aboard a chartered yacht—the portable projector I brought along transformed the main cabin into an impromptu presentation space. The gentle Mediterranean rocking proved surprisingly conducive to creative discussions on upcoming publication themes.

For truly impressive client meetings, consider the underwater observatory at Coral World Park. Their private meeting room, suspended among marine life, creates an atmosphere that simply cannot be replicated in conventional settings. I've witnessed even the most stoic financial directors soften when barracudas glide past during budget discussions.

In fifteen years of business travel, I've found few tools more effective for relationship-building than a thoughtfully selected restaurant. Eilat offers a remarkable spectrum of dining establishments where business conversations can unfold naturally over exceptional cuisine.

For impressing clients, Whale's positioned at the marina combines theatrical seafood presentations with discreet service—the staff seem to possess a sixth sense for when to approach and when to maintain distance during negotiations. Reserve their corner table overlooking the yacht harbor, which provides both privacy and a conversation-starting vista.

For more casual team dinners, Last Refuge offers an authentic Israeli experience without sacrificing sophistication. Their private dining area accommodates up to twelve and features a dedicated service team—invaluable when discussing sensitive business matters.

Perhaps most memorable was an editorial strategy dinner at 5th Avenue, where our publishing team finalized next season's content calendar over their renowned seafood platter. I've since invested in a portable voice recorder for such occasions—brilliant ideas flow more freely over excellent wine, and one's memory becomes correspondingly less reliable.

A word of advice: Israeli business dinners typically begin later than their European counterparts—8:30 PM is entirely normal—and involve multiple courses. Adjust your expectations (and your afternoon snacking) accordingly.

The astute business traveler recognizes that Eilat's leisure offerings aren't merely recreational—they're strategic opportunities for relationship-building and mental refreshment between intensive work periods.

Early mornings in Eilat possess a particular magic. Before the day's meetings commence, I've made a ritual of swimming at Coral Beach, where the Red Sea's remarkable clarity provides a moment of meditative weightlessness. Investing in a quality swim goggles is worthwhile—the underwater visibility here extends to 20+ meters on calm mornings.

For client entertainment that transcends the ordinary, arrange a private sunset sailing excursion. Numerous operators offer 2-3 hour charters with catering options; I've found these floating meetings particularly effective for delicate negotiations—something about the neutral territory and gentle motion seems to soften entrenched positions.

Between intensive conference days, the Dolphin Reef offers a surprisingly effective reset for mental fatigue. Their floating relaxation pools extend into the sea where dolphins swim freely nearby—an experience that renders spreadsheets and deadlines temporarily insignificant. I've emerged from 30-minute sessions there with solutions to editorial challenges that had seemed insurmountable hours earlier.

For the ultimate executive indulgence, book a private desert excursion to the Red Canyon. The portable espresso maker in my travel kit has provided many a civilized caffeine moment while watching the sun transform the sandstone into impossible shades of amber and crimson.

The savvy business traveler recognizes that shopping in Eilat transcends mere retail therapy—it's an opportunity to leverage Israel's tax-free status while sourcing items that enhance one's professional presence or serve as meaningful gifts for colleagues and clients.

Eilat's mall culture might initially seem at odds with its desert setting, but the Ice Mall and Mall HaYam offer climate-controlled environments with international brands at advantageous prices. The former houses an impressive selection of luxury watches—I acquired my current timepiece there at roughly 18% below London pricing.

More interesting are the artisanal boutiques scattered throughout the city. Origami on the northern promenade stocks handcrafted leather goods that make exceptional client gifts with substance beyond the typical corporate offering. Their document folios have become my standard parting gift for new publishing partners—distinctive without being ostentatious.

For those seeking to elevate their business wardrobe, Gottex's flagship store offers swimwear and resort wear that transitions seamlessly from poolside meetings to formal dinners. Their linen blazers have accompanied me through countless summer conferences without surrendering to wrinkles or humidity.

Before departing, I always visit Ahava's concept store for their professional-grade skincare products. Long-haul flights and air-conditioned meeting rooms extract a considerable toll on one's appearance; their mineral face serum has proven remarkably effective at mitigating the visible effects of transcontinental business travel.