negev mishne……………..
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While Israel may conjure up images of ancient history, holy places and Middle Eastern sounds and smells, it can also be the perfect destination for a romantic getaway with that special someone. Whether you opt to splurge on a yacht at sunset or prefer a free night of star-gazing in the desert, whether you stay at a centuries-old and beautifully restored bed-and-breakfast or feast on the utterly modern cuisine of the country’s finest restaurants, Israel will surely melt your hearts.
Tel Aviv
Romance on the Beach
The 2.5-mile rocky coastal strip from Achziv to Rosh Hanikrah is most picturesque around sunset, with green algae clinging to the rocks, windswept landscapes and the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean shimmering in red and orange hues. Walking the beautiful stretch of coast, you’ll encounter fishermen casting their rods out to sea and children gathering seashells; and along the way, you’ll pass some archaeological remains and small pools of shallow water where you can splash about, till you reach the famous and enchanting grottoes at Rosh Hanikra. The steepest cable car in the world, at Israel’s northwestern tip, will take you down to the sea caves, hewn over millennia by the surging waves. The hike along the coast is not difficult, but might take up to four hours.
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A Charming B&B
In the old city of Acre, Arabesque is an Arts & Residency Center and a little perfect hideaway for couples. As the name implies, this wonderfully renovated old house, smack in the middle of the old bazaar, is an arts center and a residency for writers and translators, but it is also the perfect base for a romantic weekend, with three spacious bedrooms filled with antiques, a lovely inner courtyard to while away the evening, and a beautiful common room where the manager, Micha, will cook you ample breakfasts. For that special vacation, book the Peacock Room, and you’ll enjoy a breathtaking room of Ottoman design and centuries-old stone walls under a vaulted ceiling, complete with a sitting area, small kitchen and a truly unique Armenian-tiled bathroom.
The Love Boat
Nothing says romantic gesture more than a private cruise on a sail boat, so while in Acre, why not go out to sea aboard theMañana, a luxurious and sailing yacht with a crew that will take you on that once-in-a-lifetime boat trip along the shores of Israel, while you indulge in typical Galilee cuisine and some excellent local wines. The yacht sails from the ancient, bustling and picturesque port of Acre, with its typical Middle Eastern atmosphere and excellent fish restaurants. And once aboard the yacht, you’ll enjoy the peace and quiet of the open sea, the cool breeze and the glorious sight of the minarets, the ancient houses and the massive walls that had withstood Napoleon’s army.
Dinner for Two
Voted one of the best restaurants in Tel Aviv, Kitchen Market is also the perfect setting for a romantic dinner, on the second floor of the farmers’ market in the port area, and with a gorgeous sea view to boot. Enjoy a beautifully executed and presented dinner for two, cooked from the best and freshest ingredients, like porcini mushroom brûlée with roasted chestnuts, parmesan and prosciutto, or roasted duck breast with bitter orange cream and bok choy, then go for a romantic stroll under the moon along the Tel Aviv Port promenade, to the soundtrack of waves lapping the beach.
Ride into the Sunset
What could be more romantic than a horse ride for two in the beautiful scenery of Moshav Haniel in Emek Hefer, with the smell of orchards and the open countryside around you? The Haniel Ranch also offers romantic tours to Nahal Alexander, where you can enjoy a delicious meal for two prepared especially for you. If you opt for a moonlit ride, you are in for an unforgettable experience, best suited for nature and animal lovers. And you cap off the night with a romantic dinner under the stars.
Swimming with Dolphins
For a unique spa and diving experience, visit Eilat’s Dolphin Reef, where you can get up close and personal with these beautiful creatures, and frolic or dive with them. Decked with wooden platforms floating on the water, the reef is a unique ecological site, where visitors can enjoy nature, breathtaking views and a secluded beach, as well as a rare opportunity to swim with dolphins in their natural habitat. Don’t miss the three pools, surrounded by lush gardens, where you can float in seawater or fresh water and have trained therapists apply relaxation techniques on your buoyant bodies. It’s a little piece of heaven for those in love, and those who love beach life in all its glory.
Arabian Nights in the Desert
When it comes to the perfect romantic setting, nothing beats the magic of desert scenery, especially when a spectacular sunrise paints the sky a fiery red and makes the primeval wilderness surrounding you the most romantic place on earth. If you’re adventurous, you can enjoy this majesty in a sleeping bag for two, but if you’d rather spend a more luxurious night with your significant other, head south to Kfar Hanokdim in the Judean desert, between Arad and Masada, with a bucolic village setting offering the charms of an Arabian Nights oasis amid palm trees. You can choose between a wide range of accommodation, from well-equipped Bedouin tents, to a beautiful Sukkah (a hut) or a stone dwelling with air-conditioned and gorgeously-fitted suites. And around all these, you’ll find some lovely private spots in the shadow of palm trees, complete with hammocks and peacocks roaming about. You can join a scenic camel ride into the desert, and in the evening, when the lanterns are lit, the whole village looks like the stuff of fairytales, or a mirage.
