Jeannine Williamson selects her pick of the best places to unwind in Israel
When it comes to picking a spa destination, Israel is a natural choice. Dead Sea minerals are renowned for their healing qualities, and several are unique to the salty water and can’t be found anywhere else.
Recent years have seen a growth in world-class spas in Israel, particularly in luxury hotels in Ein Bokek, and many mid-range hotels have opened treatment rooms.
Israel Tourist Board director Uzi Gafni said: “With the mineral-rich Dead Sea we have the world’s largest natural spa on our doorstep, and with age-old traditions of health and well-being an integral part of Israel’s culture, our spas are among the best in the world.”
Isrotel recently announced the acquisition of a new hotel on the shores of the Dead Sea. The former Caesar Premier Dead Sea has reopened as the Isrotel Dead Sea Resort and Spa and undergone a £1 million renovation completed in April.
Superstar Holidays manager Charlene Blake said: “Almost every hotel in Israel which opens, or has been renovated, has a spa. Even three-star properties are including some sort of spa facility.”
In fact, El Al’s upper-class travellers can even enjoy a last-minute massage in the new spa in the King David Lounge at Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion airport before taking to the skies.
Below are five of the best five-star spa options on offer in Israel:
Carmel Forest Spa Resort
Where? Overlooking the Mediterranean near Haifa, 40 minutes north of Tel Aviv.
What’s on offer? Set in 15 acres of private woodland in a beautiful spot in the forests of Mount Carmel, the resort offers a huge range of natural and holistic treatments.
With two pools, Turkish hammam, spa treatments and a programme of activities and classes including guided forest walks, mountain biking, yoga, meditation, t’ai chi and aerobics, the only difficulty guests have is deciding what to do next.
Who should go there? Outdoor and sporty types looking for relaxation and exercise.
Sample product: Peltours offers three nights’ full-board from £799 per person, including flights and use of the spa and sports facilities. An anti-stress package with five assorted treatments costs £150.
Moriah Plaza
Where? On the Dead Sea beach facing the Edom Mountains.
What’s on offer? This modern hotel, formerly a Sheraton, boasts no fewer than 16 massages in its Top Spa, including a ‘thousand hands’ massage involving two treatments over two days. The spa has an indoor Dead Sea water pool and offers black mud treatments and heat therapies. There is a gym, tennis and basketball courts.
Who goes there? Families with children of all ages who want entertainment and a kids’ club.
Sample product:Superstar Holidays offers seven nights’ half-board from £738 per person, including flights and use of the spa. A beauty and relaxation package, including a mud therapy massage and four other treatments costs £100.
Isrotel Royal Beach Hotel
Where? Eilat
What’s on offer? Isrotel’s flagship hotel on the Red Sea coast recently unveiled its state-of-the-art spa, following a £1 million facelift.
Guests can choose from a variety of treatments, such as seaweed wraps, aromatic oil rubs, massage, acupressure and reiki.
Alternatively, they can experience one of many treatment packages such as energy glow, anti-stress, body and mind harmony and detoxification. Outside, guests can make a splash in the three pools connected by waterfalls.
Who goes there? Luxury seekers after a beach holiday with spa treatments on the side.
Sample product:Longwood Holidays offers seven nights’ bed and breakfast from £829 per person, including flights.
Le Méridien Dead Sea
Where? Ein Bekok by the Dead Sea
What’s on offer? Treatments on the menu in the intimate Gallery spa include a honey aroma moisture treatment or a massage followed by a Cleopatra milk bath. The hotel’s second spa, the Mineralia, has two large swimming pools, two Dead Sea pools and 25 treatment rooms.
While parents are pampered, younger guests can amuse themselves at the children’s club, with attractions ranging from traditional games and crafts to computer games.
Who goes there? Couples and families who enjoy the facilities of a large resort hotel.
Sample product: Superstar Holidays offers seven nights’ half-board from £780 per person, including flights.
Daniel Hotel and Spa Resort
Where? Herzlia, 10 miles north of Tel Aviv on the Mediterranean coast.
What’s on offer? The 40-room Shizen Lifestyle Spa Resort, in the grounds of the hotel, has an eastern theme with Japanese-style guest rooms.
The spa has 18 treatment rooms where guests can indulge in therapies that have their roots in Far Eastern traditions as well as contemporary beauty treatments. Couples can sign up for a romantic pampering day for two for £145.
Who goes there? Couples who want to combine upmarket R&R with a few days in Tel Aviv.
Sample product: Longwood Holidays offers seven nights’ bed and breakfast in the spa resort from £350 per person, including a body massage. Flights not included.
