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.