Dead Sea Israel – Your Next Spa Vacation

The Dead Sea is really a wonder. Just effortlessly float on your back and enjoy the Mediterranean sun and splendour of the desert around you. Not to worry – you can’t sink in the Dead Sea. It is immeasurably beautiful with milky blue water and shores encrusted by white salt deposits. The Dead Sea rewards each visitor with an unforgettable experience. Wade into the salty water, scoop handfuls of black mud and slather it on your body for a photograph.

Dead Sea – Quick Facts

It is not a sea but a lake, bordered by Israel and Jordan. The evaporation hovering the Dead Sea gives a constant haze over its surface. The Jordan River flows into the Dead Sea, but it has no exit point so that the rich minerals build up within the Dead Sea water. Due to the high salt content of the water, no living creatures can live in the sea except for microscopic creatures such as bacteria and microbial fungi. In recent decades, the Dead Sea has been rapidly shrinking.

Dead Sea – In The Bible

It is known by a few different names in the Bible, including the Salt Sea, the Sea of the Arabah and the Eastern Sea. It has been mentioned several times in the Bible.

An advancing force of Ammonites and Moabites was on their way from beyond the Dead Sea to fight King Jehoshaphat.

“After this, the Moabites and Ammonites with some of the Meunites came to wage war against Jehoshaphat. Some people came and told Jehoshaphat, “A vast army is coming against you from Edom, from the other side of the Dead Sea. It is already in Hazezon Tamar” (that is, En Gedi). Alarmed, Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of the Lord, and he proclaimed a fast for all Judah. The people of Judah came together to seek help from the Lord ; indeed, they came from every town in Judah to seek him.” – 2 Chronicles 20:1-4 (NIV)

Read the full story here – 2 Chronicles 20

Ezekiel prophesied that the Dead Sea will one day flow with fresh water and fishermen will be able to cast their nets from shore.

“He said to me, “This water flows toward the eastern region and goes down into the Arabah, where it enters the Dead Sea. When it empties into the sea, the salty water there becomes fresh. Swarms of living creatures will live wherever the river flows. There will be large numbers of fish, because this water flows there and makes the salt water fresh; so where the river flows everything will live. Fishermen will stand along the shore; from En Gedi to En Eglaim there will be places for spreading nets. The fish will be of many kinds—like the fish of the Mediterranean Sea. But the swamps and marshes will not become fresh; they will be left for salt. Fruit trees of all kinds will grow on both banks of the river. Their leaves will not wither, nor will their fruit fail. Every month they will bear fruit, because the water from the sanctuary flows to them. Their fruit will serve for food and their leaves for healing.” – Ezekiel 47:8-12 (NIV)

Read the full prophecy here – Ezekiel 47

Zechariah also echoed this same prophecy that life-giving waters will flow where today the Dead Sea water is salty.

“On that day life-giving waters will flow out from Jerusalem, half toward the Dead Sea and half toward the Mediterranean, flowing continuously in both summer and winter. And the Lord will be king over all the earth. On that day there will be one Lord—his name alone will be worshiped. All the land from Geba, north of Judah, to Rimmon, south of Jerusalem, will become one vast plain. But Jerusalem will be raised up in its original place and will be inhabited all the way from the Benjamin Gate over to the site of the old gate, then to the Corner Gate, and from the Tower of Hananel to the king’s winepresses.” – Zechariah 14:8-10 (NLT)

Read the full chapter here – Zechariah 14

Dead Sea Minerals – A Vital Secret

The Dead Sea is full of superb minerals which can help keep your skin healthy, smooth, young-looking. Dead Sea beauty treatments make use of the mineral rich Dead Sea mud dug out of the banks and floor of the Dead Sea. The mud and minerals from the water are used in creams, anti-aging remedies, make-up, face masks and more. People suffering from skin disorders are often told to soak in the Dead Sea. They visit the Dead Sea to take salt baths and mud treatments to improve various conditions and illnesses such as psoriasis, arthritis and various allergies, and get their skin revitalised. The Dead Sea air has a low pollen and allergen content, making it ideal for those with respiratory problems. The air is also high in oxygen which is great for overall well-being.

Dead Sea – Spa Resorts

In ancient times, the Dead Sea was a sought-after destination for royalty such as King Herod and Queen Cleopatra who visited the Dead Sea to enrich their bodies with the essential minerals of the water and mud pools. Consider spending a night or two at the Dead Sea. This will enable you to soak in the therapeutic waters across two days and will allow plenty of time to indulge in a few spa treatments offered by many of the hotels that line the shores. You can enjoy a full health club and spa that offers natural thermal and mineral body treatments. You can cover your body from head to toe in the all-natural nurturing Dead Sea mud, leaving your skin soft and fresh, and your soul with an experience of a lifetime. You can also enjoy a soothing massage. There are many suitable alternative accommodation options such as hostels, guest houses and cottage style units at local kibbutzim. Prices tend to be cheaper, and you mostly won’t have access to an on-site spa or health club – but you will certainly experience stunning sunrises and sunsets alongside local flora and fauna, which is just as pleasurable.

Dead Sea – Beaches

It is possible to visit the Dead Sea as a day trip from Jerusalem or Tel Aviv. Top choices for day trippers are Neve Midbar Beach and Kalia Beach. You can find mud to slather yourself in and showers to use when you’re ready to wash off. Other amenities include changing rooms, lockers as well as a café to satisfy your appetite with lovely views of the turquoise waters of the Dead Sea and the surrounding golden-brown mountains. It’s ideal for people of all ages, families and couples.

Excursions Around The Dead Sea

There are interesting places to visit nearby the Dead Sea. The sites can easily be worked into a full day itinerary or spread over two days.  Along the shore of the sea are several biblical locations: the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, the desert wilderness of Ein Gedi where David took refuge, the Jordan River Baptismal Site and Jericho city. Other attractions on the western shore include Qumran where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered and Masada (as seen below), the royal fortress of King Herod which stands atop a cliff with views over the Judean desert.

Dead Sea – A Must Visit

When it is safe to travel again, do consider a trip to the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth at 434m below sea level and the hottest spot in Israel. The Dead Sea is not just your average beachside vacation – it’s a complete world of attractions and leisure sites throughout the entire local desert region. At the same time, take the relaxing opportunity to hover on the water surface, while your skin enjoys all the benefits of the salt and minerals.

Create a DIY Dead Sea Israel Spa Day at Home

Now that you have more time due to the COVID-19 outbreak, it is a good time to pamper yourself. Try a DIY Dead Sea Spa Day at home. While there’s nothing like a real-life Dead Sea spa experience to make you feel rejuvenated, it may add a little comfort to your day and improve your overall feeling of wellness. Your body will thank you. You can coddle yourself with Dead Sea minerals, from bath soak and body scrub to hair care, facial mask and anti-aging treatment. You can get some of the popular Dead Sea mineral products like Ahava, Premier or Seacret online. Enjoy!

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Where to go in Israel? | Winemaking and Winery Tours

Ancient Winemaking in Israel

Israel has a long history of wine production, dating back to biblical times and continuing to modern day. Hundreds of winepresses are found in the fields, villages and cities of the Holy Land. The ancient winepress was a giant, hallowed out rock where the grapes were brought and crushed by the feet of the workers, extracting the juice to make the wine. Many vineyards and winepresses are found in most of the biblical places and ancient sites, in Galilee in the north, Golan, Shomron, Judean Hills and the Negev Desert, in the south.

The Bible has References to Wine, Winepress and Winemaking

It’s no secret that wine flows freely in biblical stories. Grapes are one of the seven species connected to the land of Israel along with wheat, barley, figs, pomegranates, olives and date honey. Vineyards and winemaking were common in agrarian Israel. Wine was an essential part in the worship of the people of God in both Old and New Testaments. Wine was used in celebrating the Passover. Wine is associated with life and God’s blessing. Wine was used in the Scriptures as symbols of many important truths: Jesus turned water into wine at the Cana wedding and the Passover cup at the Last Supper was filled with wine.

Rediscovering the Promise of the Land

Ancient Israel must have been one of the earliest wine-producing countries. Wine production came to a halt with the Muslim conquest in the 7th century AD and did not start up again until the arrival of Baron Edmond de Rothschild in the late 19th century. Israel has gone through ups and downs within the wine industry but today the Holy Land is returning to a world class wine status.

Israel is renowned for its agriculture. Its Mediterranean weather and fertile soil give the wine an ideal foundation of producing the perfect grapes. Israel’s viticulturists are forward-looking. Most of Israel’s wineries are technologically innovative and they engage internationally trained winemakers, with experience in major wine producing countries. Israel is honing the art of winemaking to vie with some of the best in the world. Today, hundreds of wineries, ranging in size from small boutique enterprises to large companies, are producing Israeli wines.

Winery Visit in Israel

Consider a half day or full day trip to discover some of Israel’s wineries – you can enjoy an array of experiences such as wine education, cheese and chocolate tastings, chef restaurants, vineyard tours and beautiful scenery. The winery tour includes wine tasting and takes you to see the winemaking process first-hand. You get to learn about how good quality wine is produced by traditional winemaking techniques combined with new technology and how variations in the soil and climates are reflected in the wines. You get to tour around the vineyard on a jeep, a memorable experience full of scents and tastes in the fresh air of the hills. Call us for your private Israel wine tour on your next visit to Israel. We are happy to provide an itinerary and pricing on just about any tour you would be interested in. Click here if you are interested in organizing a private tour.

Israeli Cuisine – Hummus, Falafel and More

Think of Israel cuisine and we probably picture bowls of hummus for dipping, pita breads stuffed with falafel and salads of finely diced tomatoes with plenty of herbs and olive oil. Think again … there’s a whole lot more to this. The Israeli cuisine is unbelievably diverse, a blend of local dishes and dishes brought to Israel by Jewish immigrants. Israeli food is probably one of the healthiest foods in the world. Here are some dishes we think you will love to try when you are next in Israel or cook in your very own kitchen.

What to Eat in Israel?

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1. Shakshuka

Shakshuka is a good choice for breakfast. It is a dish of eggs poached in a tangy sauce of simmering tomatoes, olive oil, peppers, onion, garlic and spices. Some will add spinach, feta cheese and other ingredients to the mix. It’s nourishing, filling and it’s simple to make with this recipe.

2. Shawarma

Shawarma is a popular Israeli street food classic made of grilled beef or chicken heavily marinated in olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice and warm spices. It can be served on a plate surrounded by colourful vegetables including tomatoes, onions, shredded lettuce and pickles or simply in a wrap.

3. Falafel

Falafel is a great snack by itself. It is a deep-fried ball made from ground chickpeas, fava beans or both, herbs and seasonings. It is usually stuffed into pita bread or served atop fresh greens. How to make perfectly crispy falafel?

4. Ptitim

Ptitim also known as Israeli Couscous is a great meal for kids. The tiny pasta pearls are made from semolina flour, dried and then toasted to give a nutty flavour. It is known colloquially in Israel as “Ben-Gurion’s rice”. Just add anything in it … carrots, tomatoes, corn, peas, any herb or spice … and make it your own style as you like.

5. Challah bread

Bread comes with every meal in Israel but be sure to try the Challah bread made with eggs, flour, butter, yeast and sugar. It is a simple recipe. The most important thing is the braiding. Try this at home.

6. Hummus

Hummus is a creamy dip typically made with a blend of chickpeas, tahini, salt, olive oil, lemon juice and garlic.  It is a meal on its own or we can eat it with different veggies, use it as a salad dressing, spread it on two pieces of toast or create a fancy grain bowl. Try this recipe at home.

7. Baba ganoush

Baba ganoush is simply aubergine mixed with tahini, lemon juice, garlic and whatever other flavours you want to add, and served with bread, crisp vegetables and pita chips.

8. Latkes

Latkes are popular Israeli potato pancakes, made from mashed or grated potatoes, flour, eggs, onions and finely crushed matzo crackers.

9. Kanafeh

Kanafeh is a thin vermicelli-like cheese pastry soaked in sweet sugar-based syrup, topped with ground nuts like pistachios.

10. Baklava

Baklava is very rich in aroma and flavour. It is prepared from phyllo dough sheets with butter and pistachios, cashew nuts and walnuts, soaked in sugar syrup or honey.

11. Halvah

Halvah is crumbly and dry. It is made of tahini from typical chocolate and vanilla flavour to pistachio, cinnamon flavour and many more flavourings.

So here it is, the top 11 foods that you should try when visiting Israel! Even though travelling may not be possible during this season, we can stay home and try the above recipes. Have fun!

Lord, bless the food before us, the family beside us and the love between us. Amen!

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As the weather warms up, there are plenty of orchards and flowers in bloom. See the variety of flowers scattered around the nation, colouring the fields and gardens in red, purple, yellow and white tiny dots.

Petra: A UNESCO World Heritage site & one of the New Seven Wonders of the World

Hidden behind soaring cliffs is none other than Jordan’s most prized tourist attraction, the prehistoric Jordanian city of Petra. Commonly known as the Rose-Red City, for its impressive monuments carved into the sandstone-coloured mountain, or the Lost City of Stone, for it was an uninhabited ruin for centuries, this ancient city was declared UNESCO World Heritage site in 1985, and in 2007, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

This city’s architecture is the legacy of the Nabateans, who beyond their remarkable stone-carving abilities, proved great innovation in trade and irrigation systems in the middle of the desert. Thanks to the Nabateans, people today get to witness the magnificently carved Treasury, with a façade so impressive from its sheer scale, down to its intricate detail. This city was ultimately conquered by the Roman Empire in 106 AD and its significance in international trade declined due to the necessity of sea trade routes. Today, the city’s tombs (many of which have been looted by thieves), demonstrate a combination of Nabatean and Greco-Roman architectural styles.

Watch and admire the Nabateans remarkable stone-carving abilities:

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