Our Heritage
Between past and present
Gordonia Hotels takes its name from the Gordonia Zionist youth movement, which was founded in 1925 in Europe. As many of its members moved to pre-state Israel, the movement rolled up its sleeves and got to work establishing many kibbutzim, including Maale Hahamisha in 1938, which was to be the site of the Judean Mountains’ first convalescent home. Upon its opening, this convalescent home set a new bar for quality and planted the roots of what was to become a unique hospitality tradition that still flourishes to this day. Some of the original buildings are still standing, forming a natural extension of the mountainous landscape.
The Gordonia movement has always been inspired by the values of A. D. Gordon, the thinker and man of action considered the first Hebrew ecologist. Gordon was also responsible for introducing the word “chavaya” (experience) to the modern Hebrew dictionary, derived from the word for consciousness. Gordon perceived the deep connection between a person’s life and work, and the nation’s life and land. He believed that true peace of mind comes from closeness to nature, a healthy body, harmony, and simplicity. It’s hard to argue with that!