4.3.1 Spas

Over the past decade, spas have increased dramatically in popularity and as such quality and occurrance in Israel. Whilst the Dead Sea has long-had some spa facilities allowing those wanting to, to take advantage of the 'healing' properties of the water and mud, the past ten years has seen, even here, a huge increase in quality.

At the Dead Sea today, most hotels are resort-style hotels, boasting full spa facilities, each more luxurious than the next. The Dead Sea spas are pretty cool in concept, yet are very popular with health tourists, coming for often extended period of times as it is argued that this is needed for full effects.

We at Tourist Israel think that the spas which have sprung up elsewhere across the country, especially in the Galilee, are far cooler, however. Often in quiet and tranquil locations, these are true escapes, yet, as in everything in Israel, are never isolated.

These spas are not really on the international tourist trail at all, often because they are so new, yet are very popular with Israelis, often escaping from Tel Aviv for the weekend. Despite not having international recognician, these spas have a very high standard of treatments, with many of the staff having learnt their Thai Massages or Indian ayurveda from Thailand or India, whilst travelling as is the rite of passage for Israeli's.

Three of the Galilee's most prestigious spas are:

The Relais and Chateaux Mizpe HaYamim located between Rosh Pina and Safed in the Upper Galilee and said to have not only superb treatments, but also great food in a stunning setting.
The Vered Hagalil spa is set between the Sea of Galilee and Rosh Pina and was listed in Workman Publishing's book of 1,000 places to see before you die, and even has horse-back riding on site!
Not strictly in the Galilee, the Carmel Forest Spa is an international-style spa less Israeli than the other two, but no less luxurious and is set in a nature reserve. This is also significantly closer to Tel Aviv and the Coastal Plain