From Desert Roads to Dead Sea Bliss
After bidding farewell to the captivating island of Malta, my next destination beckoned me back to Israel. I had booked a week-long stay at the Oasis Spa Club, a tranquil haven situated on the picturesque banks of the Dead Sea.
To optimize my travel costs, I devised a somewhat circuitous route from Malta to Frankfurt before finally flying to Israel’s Ben-Gurion airport. There, I rented a small Peugeot, ready to embark on my journey.
From Tel Aviv to the Dead Sea
My first stop was Tel Aviv, where I spent a delightful day exploring the vibrant city. But my true destination lay further south.
I drove into Hebron, continuing my journey toward Jericho, traversing the awe-inspiring Judaean Desert until I reached the Dead Sea, the lowest place on earth.
I stopped at a waypoint along the way, where I encountered a group of Israeli soldiers who had gathered for lunch and supplies. Opting to forgo the familiar golden arches, I decided to dine at the same eatery as the troops.
Descending Through the Judaean Desert
As I descended through the desert, my ears popped, a reminder of the dramatic change in altitude. The road continued downward through the stark Judaean landscape toward the Dead Sea, the lowest place on earth.
I made a stop along the way to embark on a hike, leading me to a surreal vantage point offering a bird’s eye view of the Dead Sea, with the majestic country of Jordan visible in the distance.
A Week at the Oasis Spa Club
This exclusive, adult-only hotel was strategically nestled along the shores of the Dead Sea, offering an idyllic setting for rest and relaxation.
While the focus was on rejuvenation rather than anything risqué, the tranquil atmosphere and absence of guests under 18 ensured a peaceful environment.
The spa itself boasted a Moroccan-inspired design, complete with sulfur baths, wet and dry Finnish saunas, hot tubs, an indoor Dead Sea mineral pool, a fully equipped fitness center, comfortable lounge areas, and a range of massage and body treatments.
With the beach right outside, I had the perfect opportunity to experience the legendary healing properties of the Dead Sea firsthand.
Floating in the Dead Sea
Each day, I waded into the mineral waters where I floated like a cork, thanks to the unusually high concentration of salt, nearly ten times saltier than the ocean.
I would slather myself with handfuls of the mineral-rich mud and smear it all over, allowing it to exfoliate and nourish my skin, leaving it completely rejuvenated.
A Feast of Israeli Flavors
As I settled into the resort, I couldn’t help but appreciate the culinary delights on offer. Israel is renowned for being the most vegan-friendly country in the world, and the Oasis Spa Club was no exception.
A plethora of vegetarian dishes awaited me, each one bursting with tantalizing flavors and creative spice combinations.
Meze platters of creamy hummus, tangy baba ghanoush, and zesty tabbouleh were always available, all waiting to be scooped up using a pita as a shovel.
The succulent dates from local date palm groves were another favorite, from luscious Medjool to chewy Halwawi. Their caramel-like sweetness was amazing.
The daily buffet showcased Israeli specialties, including laffa tortillas with green tahini, vibrant orange soup, delectably fried eggplant, kesten spelt bread, frena bread, and an array of refreshing salads.
There were also huge plates of stuffed peppers and goulash, prepared according to time-honored recipes passed down through generations.
One night at the “club” I saw the older generation dance into the night…
A Rejuvenating Dead Sea Escape
If you find yourself with more than just a day to spare, I highly recommend considering one of the remarkable spa resorts dotted along the shoreline of the Dead Sea for a truly rejuvenating and relaxing getaway.
Where I Stayed
Tel Aviv – Avia Hotel & Resort
The Avia Hotel & Resort in Yehud gave me a convenient place to stay near Tel Aviv and Ben-Gurion Airport. Located in Yehud-Monosson, it was particularly useful for my travels because I had a rental car and was coming and going through the airport.
Rather than staying in the middle of Tel Aviv, I found Yehud offered a quieter setting while still keeping me within easy reach of the city and the rest of my Israeli adventure. It made a practical starting point for getting behind the wheel and heading south toward the Dead Sea. Avia Hotel & Resort
Dead Sea – Oasis Spa Club
The Oasis Spa Club in Ein Bokek was exactly the kind of place I was looking for to relax for a week. Sitting along the Dead Sea, the hotel had a peaceful, adults-only atmosphere that made it easy to slow down and enjoy the surroundings. The Moroccan-inspired spa was a major part of the experience, with its Dead Sea-water pool, saunas, Turkish bath, sulfur baths, and treatments using the famous mineral-rich mud.
With the beach just outside and the stark desert landscape surrounding the resort, it was an ideal base for experiencing the Dead Sea and simply relaxing.
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