Spas may not be the first thing that come to mind when you think of visiting Israel. However, over the past 15 years or so, spas have become a way of life for many Israelis.
This has paralleled the fitness, health club, and gym craze in the United States. While we seek out strenuous, fast-paced calorie-burning exercise, there is little emphasis on this in Israel.
Instead, the focus is on restorative, calming therapies. The normal city-dwelling Israeli lives a fast-paced, busy life filled with aggressive traffic and drivers, along with the stress of political conflict and tumult. Amidst this hustling lifestyle, spas provide a welcome respite. They are a welcome way for both Israelis and tourists to slow down and relax.
Israel is home to one of the most beneficial natural spas in the entire world — the Dead Sea. Although it is called the “Dead” Sea, the whole region and sea itself is very much alive.
Since the Dead Sea has no outlet, it is a “terminal lake.” It loses a good amount of its water by evaporation. This results in a very high concentration of salt and natural minerals.
In fact, the Dead Sea is one of the most saline lakes in the world. Its waters are particularly rich in chloride salts of magnesium, sodium, potassium, calcium, and bromine. Combined with the benefits of an oxygen-rich atmosphere, mineral-rich mud, thermo-mineral springs, and ideal climatic conditions with year-round sunny skies, the Dead Sea is one of the most healing places in the world.
Naturally, the Dead Sea is an ideal spot for spas to offer healing therapies and treatments that tap into the natural power of the sea. You can find a large array of treatment centers, just a few of which include:
Ein Bokek Climatic Treatment Center:
A resort of on the western shore of the Dead Sea, Ein Bokek is the location of Solarium-400, a site for the natural treatment of skin and arthritic diseases. The Solarium offers healing and therapeutic treatments combined with bathing in the Dead Sea and exposure to sun rays.
Ein Gedi Spa:
This spa offers six indoor thermo-mineral pools, a private beach, an outdoor pool, and Dead Sea black mud treatments, which rid the body of toxins. Visitors can enjoy various healing treatments and massages in private treatment rooms.
Hammei Zohar Spa:
The Zohar hot springs are located on the south-western shore of the Dead Sea. The Hammei Zohar Spa includes two indoor thermo-mineral pools, private treatment baths, black mud treatments, massage, and a Jacuzzi.
Radisson Moriah Plaza Spa:
Located in Neve Zohar, the Radisson is well-known as one of the area’s finest hotels. The spa offers an indoor sea water pool, outdoor pool, two thermo-mineral water pools, private beauty treatments, massage, black mud treatments, a sauna, and a Jacuzzi.
Carlton Dead Sea Spa:
This all-inclusive spa offers a wide range of treatments from hydrotherapy, black mud packs and wraps, inhalation treatments, massage, and an outdoor freshwater pool.
Hyatt Regency Dead Sea Health Club- This spa and health club offers an indoor seawater pool, an outdoor pool, two thermo-mineral pools, massage, sauna, steam room, Jacuzzi, aromatic treatments, and private treatment rooms.
Hod Hamidbar Resort and Spa:
This spa is located on the northern stretch of the Ein Bokek region. The Ma’ayan Spa offers massage, ayurveda treatments, hydrotherapy, black mud treatments, body peels, and facials.
To read a great first-hand account of a tour of some of Israel’s luxurious spas, check out this article in the travel section of The New York Times:
http://travel.nytimes.com/2005/11/06/travel/06spas.html
Tweet
Email
Twitter
Skype
{ 0 comments… add one now }