A natural mud all over the body, a sunrise over the archeologic site of Masada, what can be more romantic than a vacation in the Dead sea? Here are some tips before you come here as a couple
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This is a “calm down” message for all you anxious romantic souls out there – chances that the Dead Sea will kill your romance are slim. If anything, it will only enhance it. The deep serenity, pleasantly warm winter sun and outstanding landscapes make for a wonderful quality time in two, with only three apparent guidelines: stay calm, enjoy the moment and love your partner. Not necessarily in this order.
Neve Zohar hotel area. Photo by Udi Goren
Good morning
The Dead sea can be reached from several directions, depending on your point of departure. Those descending from road number 1, through Jerusalem, may take the blissful opportunity to visit Nahal Prat and walk along its banks for a while. This magnificent river gives rise to a plethora of desert vegetation and impressive fruit trees, including fig trees and the memorable palm that lent the “palm pool” – an enchanting spring-water swimming pool – its name.
Another man-made wonder built alongside the lower Prat and worth a visit by itself is the majestic Saint George, a fifth century Greek-Orthodox monastery, complete with an ancient cave (where Alijah the prophet took refuge, according to legend), light blue domes and an active bell tower. Wait for the bells to echo in the river canyon – even complete atheists find that to be a moving spiritual experience…
Totally natural – the salt in the Dead Sea. Photo by Udi Goren
Those arriving at the Dead Sea via the southern road number 31 can enjoy some more up-to-date attractions, like the splendid little Glass Museum in Arad (Artists Quarter), displaying original glass sculptures made by the artist Gideon Friedman using unique technics of fusing and slumping.
Noontime
Road number 31 travelers are in for another local experience: Muza Bar (Alon gas station complex) offers great pub food, but the main attraction here is the cool atmosphere and an amazing collection of hundreds of scarves and pennants representing football clubs from all over the world.
Green bee eater bird. Photo by Udi Goren
Road number 1 travelers are not that gastronomically lucky, but their way to the “real thing” is shorter: Kalia Beach, on the northern Dead Sea coast, offers a laid-back bathing experience, complete with tourist services extending from snack bar and sunshades to horseback riding and kayak excursions.
Afternoon and early evening
Arad arrivals haven’t had their share of nature yet. Nahal Arugot National Park is the perfect place to correct this: trek the river uphill in a well-marked path and bath in its clear freshwater pools along the way. Deal?
Sunset in the Dead Sea. Photo by Udi Goren
Now you may ask where’s all the romance we promised, and how romantic such a blood-soaked historical site can be, and the answer is: take the cable-car up the mountain, watch the Dead Sea sparkle silently beneath the imposing red mountains of Jordan, find a secluded corner on the top and sit yourselves calmly to watch the sunset. The question will not rise again.
So romantic – Ein Gedi beach. Photo by Udi Goren
If it’s not too late, and you wish to maintain the sweet romantic feeling some more, drop by Kibbutz Ein Gedi to visit its fantastic Botanical Garden declared by National Geographic to be one of the ten most beautiful gardens in the world. More than 900 species of plants – most, but not all of them cacti and succulents – thrive here in almost impossible weather conditions, thanks to the longtime devotion and care of the kibbutz members. Isn’t that the epitome of romance? We rest our case.
