EL AL | Atmosphere

See the Sights I Hot Springs

A Breeze over the Water, Mitzpe Shalom A holistic experience

Mitzpe Shalom (the Peace Vista) is a beautiful country resort set upon the basalt cliffs of the southern Golan Heights. At first glance, it resembles any other country lodge, with its lawns, greenery, luxury suites and wooden cabins. But just next door to its rooms and garden, lies its spa, with its three cave-like saltwater pools, carved into the cliff. The spa offers a 90-minute holistic experience involving a series of hydrotherapeutic treatments designed to recalibrate and restore energy levels, both physically and mentally. The immersive music that’s played, invites guests to feel the womb-like power and energy of the pool waters. The deep-tissue watsu massages release any bottled-up tension and help you reconnect with your inner peace, as you experience the water’s warmth and softness. The hotel complex also includes a wine bar, cozy corners to relax in and a beautiful balcony looking out onto the gorgeous Galilean landscape. The country lodge suites have also been carved into the cliffs and are equipped with unique stone furniture. mitzpe-hashalom.co.il/english Einot Kedem, the Jordan Valley Dead Sea waters Between Mitzpe Shalom and Ein Gedi, lie some of the finest hot springs in the country. Einot Kedem hot springs are blessed with the waters of Kedem Stream, wonderfully warm and comforting when enjoyed under the starry sky of a cold winter’s night. The water here is black due to the high concentration of sulfur, though sometimes it can suddenly turn pink, a phenomenon yet to be fully understood. There are several pools of a diameter of about

Einot Kedem I Photo: Nave Lev

Synergy Spa, Ein Gedi Hotel I Photo: Tal Flint

Dolphin Reef, Eilat I Photo: Dana Gonda

1 meter each, in which it is most enjoyable to float on your back and take in the peace and tranquility. The temperature of the water oscillates between 40°C and 45°C, and even in the summer, it’s hard to resist taking a dip. Highway 90 is the road to take to reach this gem of a place – Einot Kedem is just after Metzoke Dragot Junction for those arriving from the north, and right after Kibbutz Ein Gedi for those coming from the south. Once you cross the sign indicating you’ve reached Kedem Stream, park and walk down the path that leads to the hot springs. Pro tip: download the Waze app and write Hot Springs Nahal Kedem Dolphin Reef, Eilat Underwater chilling The Dolphin Reef is a place where the concept of chilling by the pool

roaming free, dolphins jumping out of the water, are what your eyes will meet when you arrive in this little oasis of fun and relaxation. The spa, with its three different relaxation pools, offers a series of hydrotherapy treatments. One pool is filled with sea water, another with saltwater, and the third with freshwater – as well as massaging pebbles at the bottom. As you float in the water and experience the various watsu therapy treatments, immersive music helps you relax even further. There’s also a sauna, a relaxation corner, a juice bar, and an outdoor terrace with lounge chairs, bean bags and sofas, perfect for gazing into the deep blue sea, glass of wine, or herbal tea in hand. In the evening, dozens of little candles light up the spa, adding extra magic to the already wondrous atmosphere of this first rate spa. ■ dolphinreef.co.il

is taken very seriously. Tropical greenery, ducks and peacocks

20 ATMOSPHERE JANUARY 2023

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