From the famed Yoga Arava festival that takes place each November, to new hotel/spa offerings, not to mention the iconic and unforgettable Dead Sea – travelers seeking wellness travel should look no further than Israel.
The Dead Sea
Cleopatra and her fellow ancient Egyptians came to the Dead Sea thousands of years ago to bathe in the healing waters of the Dead Sea, sparking a tradition that continues today as visitors flock to the shores to slather themselves with nutrient-rich mud. Beyond just its skin rejuvenating properties, the Dead Sea boasts other health benefits including helping alleviate symptoms for those with respiratory conditions, such as asthma, and muscle aches and pains.
Yoga Arava
Not too far away in the Arava Valley, visitors can find another wellness getaway at an annual happening called Yoga Arava. It celebrated its 10th year last in 2019, and while 2020 may be on a smaller scale, it’s clear that this gathering has amassed a following of fans who will return to see it through. Scheduled as a long weekend retreat, Yoga Arava invites individuals to partake in a selection of yoga workshops led by teachers from both Israel and abroad. Guest accommodations range from farms to luxury guests houses, so it’s certainly a wellness event for anyone.
Northern Israel
The region of Northern Israel beckons one to explore the culinary diversity of Israel. Visitors are invited into the homes of local residents through Galileat to engage in a culinary workshop. Druze, Muslim, and Bedouin are amongst the groups that call the Galilee home and open their homes to visitors to teach them how to make traditional dishes while also sharing in their culture. Visit Yiftah’el, a family-owned farm the makes both delicious wines and honey that you can sample to your heart’s content. Another stop not to be missed is the Shirat Roim Dairy located at Kibbutz Lotem. Here you can meet with cheese-maker Michal Mor Melamed and taste some of her award-winning cheeses while hearing the story about how a paragliding trip in the Alps inspired her to begin making cheese. Her cheeses are so good that they even represented Israel at the World Championship Cheese Contest.
Six Senses Shaharut
Officially open as of August 5, the Six Senses Shaharut is located in Arava Valley of the Negev Desert with 58 ultra-luxe and sustainable suites and villas. The on-site activity center will include an Earth Lab, camel stables, Senses Spa, authentic Bedouin dining experience and more. With traditional therapies, signature treatments and personalized programs, Six Senses Spa Shaharut includes six treatment rooms and one presidential spa suite. Saunas, steam rooms, and hammams can be found in male and female changing areas and are a great way to start any treatment. Six Senses Spa in Israel also offers a 262-foot indoor pool, 80-foot outdoor lap pool, fully equipped gym, and yoga studio with desert views.
