Spa Vacations in Israel

Israel is known for having several very attractive resorts frequently visited by tourists who are concerned about their health. Known for having a widespread hot springs, sophisticated spa hotels and sunny climate thus making Israel a country that can offer its visitors a vacation focusing on their health, or a one-day visit to a health resort as part of the tour. The Dead Sea tops the list of therapeutic resorts, and is famous for its high concentration of salts and minerals.

Health problems are generally the primary reason for visiting a spa resort.  Generally, these spa resorts were instituted to satisfy the desire for a break from everyday life, whether you visit them for one day or for a longer vacation. The most popular therapeutic resorts are located in the vicinity of Lake Kineret and the Dead Sea. But there are other therapeutic resorts throughout the country. Most of the natural therapeutic resorts, as well as, of course, the spa resorts, offer the possibility of combining your visit with a range of holistic treatments. In recent years, the field of alternative medicine has developed rapidly in Israel. Among the treatments offered are water therapy, ayurvedic medicine, and conventional massages. Next to most of the therapeutic resorts are hotels offering special vacation packages that include treatments and pampering, as well as board and lodging.

The Dead Sea is the lowest point on earth, lying at the bottom of the Great Syrian African Rift Valley, about 400 meters (1280ft) below sea level. The area is renowned for the health giving properties of its rich minerals, and the Dead Sea is known as 'natures own health farm'. It is more than just another interesting sightseeing destination. The Dead Sea is one of the most fascinating places on earth, boasting an extraordinary combination of natural geography, history, archaeology and luxurious pampering options that together add up to an unforgettable holiday.

The healing properties of the Dead Sea have been known throughout centuries. People have travelled from the world over to relieve symptoms of rheumatism, arthritis and psoriasis. Many people also come to the Dead Sea simply to relax in the resort's unique atmosphere. The extra bromine in the air helps to slow down the system, inducing a feeling of relaxation that one cannot find anywhere else in the world.

The Ein Gedi Spa is a well-established site on the shores of the Dead Sea. It has six indoor thermo-mineral pools — two for women, two for men, and two for mixed bathing. There is also an indoor resting area facing the primordial panorama of the Dead Sea. The pools are refreshed by a constant flow of salt and mineral rich water, and have a steady temperature of about 38 °C. Outside the building is a large bath containing rich, heavy black mud, which is great for ridding the body of poisons. An all-terrain-vehicle-type train, waiting outside the indoor baths, takes vacationers to the ever-receding seashore, for bathing. There is also a natural freshwater pool outside, which operates in the summer, as well as a spa treatment center. Visitors can enjoy various treatments and massages in the private treatment rooms. It’s worth your while to book your treatment in advance, and to inquire about the pampering packages, which include a visit to the facilities on the site, a treatment of your choice, and a packet of cosmetics manufactured from the Dead Sea water.

The north of Israel has an attractive concentration of spots for excursions and recreation. However, only two of them have authentic therapeutic baths. Besides these, a range of therapeutic hotels offer various spa services and health programs, as well as healers who use diverse methods.

Since the days of the emperor Titus Flavius Vespasianus, who dropped by to bathe in the site’s warm water on his way to conquer Gamla, and up until now, Khamei Tveriya has served as a popular therapeutic and recreational resort. The site is fed by 17 different springs that flow from the vicinity of Khamat Tveriya National Park, across the road. The water, rich with some 100 different natural minerals, bursts out from a depth of some 2,000 meters to the various pools, whose heat reaches 39 °C.

Nowadays, this site is divided into the old location, with separate bathing areas for men and women, and the spa site — Khamei Tveriya ha-Tse’ira (“Young Tiberias Springs”), with personal therapeutic pools, cosmetic mud pools, a sauna, a workout gym, a whirlpool, and treatment rooms. There is also a toddlers’ pool at the site, as well as a lawn, and a private beach on the banks of the Sea of Galilee.

The central part of Israel does not have many therapeutic sites. But,however, Tel Aviv and the vicinity have a selection of spa centers, offering a selection of treatments and pampering packages. Some are located in hotels and others in private villas or facing the sea.

Located approximately 20 minutes outside of Tel Aviv, Khamei Ga'ash has the main therapeutic springs in the center of Israel. The thermo-mineral springs were discovered in the 1980s while prospecting for oil. The site has two pools with thermo-mineral water: One is small and very hot, with a temperature of 40 °C, while the temperature of the other, bigger pool is 36 °C. In addition, there are special showers with therapeutic water, saunas, a treatment center, and a regular swimming pool which is open in the summer season. Next to the baths are Kibbutz Ga’ash’s guest rooms, which can rented for the day or for overnight stays. Next to the kibbutz is Ga’ash beach, where you can drop by after visiting the baths.