What could be more relaxing than a day or two at a hotpring spa? Travelling slowly in Israel can be a challenge, particularly if you are a tourist who wants to catch as many sites as possible in as little time, so taking a day or two for relaxation is a great idea. With swaying palm trees,lush foliage surrounding the two pristine pools,sounds of a waterfall and the tinkle of wind chimes you can easily be convinced to slow down for that day or two. Pristine, turquoise pools filled with healing mineral waters are the heart and center of this hotspring spa getaway. Hamat Gader, Israel, home of the ancient Roman hot springs spa has sprung to life in its modern reincarnation. Alongside vast public pools, a boutique hotel tucked away in a quiet corner allows guests quiet and privacy along with the extra comfort of staying overnight allowing them to enjoy the springs at all hours of the day or night. To my mind, this is about as close to the Garden of Eden as one can get in this lifetime.
Sulfur springs
The highlight of any visit to Hamat Gader Spa Village are of course, the sulfur springs. Known for their outstanding mineral properties, in healing everything from arthritis to high blood pressure to digestive disorders, you can choose between warm, hot, or hotter. The hottest springs clock in at 42 degrees Celsius, and are hot indeed. There is a small sign that says one should not stay in longer than ten minutes, but I highly doubt that the sign is needed. I was able to last for just three. Other pools are a mere 38 or 40 degrees Celsius and sport the added attractions of natural waterfalls, Jacuzzi jets, and hydrotherapy currents.
Bathing, bathing and more bathing
There is not much to do at Hamat Gader but kick back and enjoy the waters. To that end, you can bathe in the very large public pools, the two smaller pools exclusively for the guests of the hotel, or your very own private Jacuzzi filled with mineral waters on the large wooden porch attached to your room. All pools share the same water source with the same healing properties. In your personal in-room Jacuzzi you can set the temperature to your liking and while away the hours in perfect solitude.
Thailand in Israel
The Spa Village hosts approximately 30 individual wooden guest houses that have a Thai village feel to them. The elephant sculptures that adorn the gardens add to the Asian feel. Each guest house has a large room with a comfy queen size bed, closets, sofa ,coffee table and cable tv. A small fridge stocked with free beverages and a bottle of wine are included as well. On the attached porch you will find the above mentioned Jacuzzi as well as a kettle for boiling water and all the fixings to make a nice cup of coffee or tea.
Blue Bar
Part of the boutique hotel complex includes a small restaurant called the Blue Bar, situated right at the edge of the pools. It serves a deluxe, gourmet breakfast every morning replete with hand pulled espresso or cappuccino, and eggs made to order, along with a full buffet of fruits, vegetables, cheeses, and herring. It is easy to fill up on the delicious, fresh food served with a smile. The restaurant is open for dinner as well, and serves fish and pasta daily, with side dishes of rice, potatoes and cooked veggies. A colorful salad bar is open each evening alongside the hot dishes, with an ever changing variety of salads. Most room reservations include both breakfast and dinner, but if yours does not, it is worth adding, as the nearest restaurants are a ten to fifteen minute drive from the hot springs. Eating on site is both easy and tasty.
Massage the day away
Spa Village at Hamat Gader is dedicated to creature comforts and stress reduction. To that end, the full hotel package includes not only breakfast and dinner, but also a 45 minute massage per person. The massage center, staffed by experienced masseurs and masseuses, offers a variety of treatments ranging from Swedish massage, to shiatsu and Thai massage.
Caveat Emptor!
Before signing on to this relaxing vacation, it pays to keep in mind that the sulfur smell is pervasive (I personally love it) and the weather can climb to 40 degrees Celsius in the summer time. Wintertime is high season in Hamat Gader, and prices are accordingly higher. Our visit during the low season set us back 1400 shekel, or $370 for two people. That included the room, breakfast and dinner for two, and two forty five minute massages.
A relaxing getaway
Whether you are a weary tourist, or a stressed out business traveller, taking a night or two at Spa Village, Hamat Gader, is a wonderfully unique way to recharge tired batteries. Nestled in a corner of Israel, near the Sea of Galilee, and not far off the tourist trail, the natural scenery is breathtaking and the miracle of the sulfur pools is not to be missed.
Traveler’s Tips:
- Drink plenty of water, even if you don’t feel thirsty.
- Don’t plan on doing too much. Sulfur tires you out.
- Use plenty of sunscreen.
- Don’t feed the alligators!
