Body and Soul

In the middle of winter in Israel' the best places to take shelte are the country's varied spa offerings. From the Carmel Forest to the Red Sea, here are the pmpering options

Carmel Forest Estate

The Carmel Forest Estate isn't just another hotel; it's a true estate filled with manicured gardens in the heart of the Carmel Forest. The spa offers a wide range of treatments, including massages, body wraps and comprehensive treatment packages aimed at relieving stress, cleansing toxins or reducing weight. The estate also features an excellent restaurant with an impressive menu and new wine bar
www.isrotel.co.il; 048307888

Mizpe HaYamim

The Mizpe HaYamim spa hotel lies along the eastern slope of Mount Canaan and overlooks a stunning view of the Golan and Sea of Galilee. If you're looking for a relaxing vacation, you can definitely find it here. The hotel defines itself as a organic health farm, with orchards, walking trails, herb gardens, a dairy, livestock farm and vegetable garden. The cherry on top is the spa, which offers a wide range of treatments.

www.mizpe-hayamim.co.il

Spa Village, Hamat Gader

The Hamat Gader Spa is a great alternative for those seeking to enjoy the local natural springs, but in a more intimate setting. Entry is limited to 120 people, aged 16 and above. The spa features thermomineral spring pools that spout from deep below the earth's surface, comprised predominantly of sulfur and natural minerals. The spa has a waterfall with caressing warm water streams that massage the body, tanning beds, dry saunas and pampering treatment rooms. Spa-goers can also spend the night, at one of 29 log guest cabins, each outfitted with a spring water Jacuzzi.

*6393; www.hamat-gader.com

Coola, Tel Aviv

A spa for women only, including the entire treatment staff. Located at Bayit BaNamal, at the Tel Aviv Port, the relaxing décor and seaside locale create a uniquely relaxing vibe. Alongside popular spa treatments, Coola also offers a few innovations, like the Shokola, which features a warm chocolate oil massage, coconut peeling and chocolate tastings, or the Field of Pleasures – a warm citrus oil massage and grapefruit face mask

03-5444462; www.comme-il-faut.com

Darna Spa, Binyamina

Darna means “at our house”, and this intimate spa with Moroccan décor really feels like a home away from home. Dip into the Jacuzzi in the garden, or sit by the goldfish pond and take in the tranquil vibe, or spend the night in one of the fancy suites whose walls are hand-adorned. The treatment offerings include a four-handed massage, beauty treatments, warm stones and a milk and cream bath

04-628728; www.darna-spa.co.il

Shizen Spa, Herzliya

The Shizen Spa is a wing of the Daniel Hotel in Herzliya, featuring 40 rooms decorated in minimalistic Japanese style and each facing the sea. The spa has a covered pool, wet and dry saunas, jacuzzi, fitness center and 18 treatment rooms offering massages, cosmetic treatments, energy treatments and peeling. One of Shizen's specialties in the Alpine Montana, inspired by a ritual to prepare brides and grooms for their wedding night.

09-9528272; www.shizenhotel.com

Hamei Yoav

Hami Yoav boasts ten thermomineral pools, one waterfall pool, two jacuzzis, wet and dry saunas, water massage showers, watsu and jahara treatments, warm stone massages, Chinese medicine, shiatsu, reflexology, mud wraps, body peeling, facials, and deep tissue, Swedish and Holistic massages. Plus, daily bone-mass building exercise workshops.

08-6721150; www.hamei-yoav.co.il

Zeelim Kibbutz Hamam

The Hamam consists of a thermomineral pool and jacuzzi at 99-104 °F, a dry sauna, located at the kibbutz's historical bath house. The high ceiling creates an echo similar to in a Turkish Hamam. There are also Swedish massages and Indian warm stone treatments, but the most spectacular treatment is the Holistic Pulsing treatment, in which the patient is rocked rhythmically, sending ripples through the body that relax the muscles and attain a sensation of balance and wellbeing.

08-9989272

Herods Vitalis, Eilat

The spa is an independent wing of the Herod's Hotel, with over 50 rooms, devoted entirely to spa treatments. The rooms overlook the Red Sea and are each outfitted with a jacuzzi. The spa also has warm and cold massage waterfalls, massage pools, a half-covered swimming pool, saunas and spa treatments.

08-6380000; 1-800-20-20-020

מגזין אטמוספירה גיליון 162, פברואר 2012