Tel Aviv-Jaffa is putting the finishing touches to a variety of projects that will enhance its image as Israel's city of culture.

As you stroll southwards along the Tel Aviv boardwalk, the familiar promontory of Jaffa is always in your sight. Its ancient timeless beauty unchanged, it is a perfect contrast to the busy, bustling modernity of Tel Aviv.

Jaffa is 4,000 years old, making it probably the world's oldest port.

Torn between the familiarity of a holiday home and the service of a hotel? If so, the construction of the David Promenade Residences will be exciting news. Developers are building two towers on the first line to the sea, one for the Residences and another for a hotel. And those living in the Residences will be able to order almost all the luxuries of the hotel.

Three gifted artists have conceived a slick stage show in a warehouse in the port of Jaffa, combining an electic array of art disciplines, reflecting the rhythms and talents of each performer. Welcome to Mayumana mania!

For the past 15 years, Eylon Nuphar, Boaz Berman and Roy Ofer have been constantly tweaking and upgrading the Mayumana concept to keep it fresh and thought-provoking.

One of the most beloved artists in Tel Aviv's cosmopolitan society, Maestro Zubin Mehta, has transformed the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra (IPO), which recently celebrated its 75th anniversary, into one of the world's premier musical ensembles.

Zubin Mehta, who has been the music director of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra for 40 years, was born in Bombay, India, and grew up in a musical envi

Even with dozens of stores in 20 countries around the globe, Michal Negrin still cannot quite take in the fact that she is the doyenne of a costume jewellery and fashion empire that has captured the imaginations of both teenage girls and sophisticated women alike.

"I don't live my daily life within the context of being the head of an empire.

Israelis are renowned for thinking outside the box. In 2002, Adina Tal was approached by a group of deaf and blind people to create a drama class.

When the stars visit Tel Aviv, they don't want to lose sight of the Mediterranean for a minute… even in the bathroom.

It's cool cuisine. Literally. Order sashimi in the Olive Leaf restaurant in the Sheraton Tel Aviv and it comes on what looks like a glass tray with circular sections for soy sauce, ginger and chilli mayonnaise. But the tray is actually an ice carving, prepared by chef Charlie Fadida.

Mr Fadida is one of Israel's top ice sculptors.

Dozens of diplomats can't be wrong. Cafés in Herzliya often resemble the United Nations, with members of numerous overseas delegations who have chosen to make this town their home sipping drinks and chatting. It is easy to see what attracts them - wide boulevards, beautiful beaches, a stunning marina and an upscale shopping centre.

For many travellers, a "boutique hotel" is an unknown quantity. any of us Brits think "boutique" is just a euphemism for a posh B&B.

Tel Aviv residents have discovered a better way to get around their hometown.

Beit Ha'ir, recently renovated by the Municipality of Tel Aviv-Jaffa, forms part of the Bialik complex; a centre of Hebrew and Israeli culture. It is also part of the "White City" of Tel Aviv.

The White City was awarded the status of world cultural heritage site by Unesco in 2004, as "an outstanding example of new town planning and architecture in the early 20th century".

Holon, once famous only for its sand dunes, has now become known as children's paradise. Just a drive around the city will show you why. At crossroads you'll see models and sculptures of animals and cartoon characters, while large coloured murals decorate the school walls around town.

Story gardens have been set up in 13 parks around the city.

The Tel Aviv Museum of Art houses the largest collection of Israeli art in the world.

Tel Aviv is not only on the map, it is also rapidly becoming one of the Mediterranean region's most popular "sea, sun and fun" destinations.