The city, not only renowned for its pure air but also for its quality of life, encompasses a rhythm of peaceful moments, multicultural aspects that have enchanted many artists, holistic therapists, spiritual and conscientious lovers who gather into a multicultural community, made from Sephardim, Ashkenazim, Ethiopians, Russians, and Bedouins. This dynamic immerses visitors into the magical richness and deeply welcoming desert region.
Arad © Shutterstock
Due to its proximity to the Dead Sea and Masada, many guest houses offer, authentic settings, and charming guest rooms at more moderate prices than area hotels. Rachel Yanay offers a bed and breakfast accommodation at her holistic site where guests can enjoy a Zen atmosphere with Tai Chi sessions and an excellent vegetarian breakfast. Her homemade cooking is varied and made with love (050-5518756).
The Artists' Quarter opens the doors of its houses and galleries of its inhabitants, offering visitors a look at many art forms and the opportunity to relax with eco workshops, therapeutic days, aromatic plant seminars (yonat-midbar.co.il), watsu (Heavenly Water by Sivan Cohen Avitan, 054-4927261), and other beneficial treatments.
Arad © Shutterstock
On Friday evenings and during some week days, Eli and his wife welcome up to 40 guests to their beautiful villa. During the evenings a candlelit dinner table is set up, sumptuously decorated with dishes for which only the hostess knows the secret. Eli, a natural raconteur entertains the guests discussing fascinating topics while delighting them with his wines and cured meats made to perfection (Culinary Experience in the Heart of the Desert, 050-4224777).
At Kfar HaNokdim, in the heart of the desert, and less than an hour and a half from Tel Aviv, is a haven of peace, a hymn to life in the desert, an oasis inspired in the spirit of the desert inhabitants, the Bedouins. At the same time, it is a paradisiacal corner, a village with comfortable Bedouin tents and luxurious rooms surrounded with greenery, a refuge far away from daily routine with breathtaking views, a warm welcome, and traditional food from the region’s cuisine. At Kfar HaNokdim, there is also the opportunity to spend an extraordinary weekend in a 5-millionstar hotel. Programs offered include an introduction to stargazing , through a telescope and by the naked eye, to learn recognizing the stars’ names and their legends. Also, take a night walk under the rain of the "Perseids" meteors, visible every year in Israel. Visitors can marvel at one of nature’s terrific events from the heart of the Canaan Valley. Arad and its environs, with raw mountain terrain, stark light, and quiet, give the chance to repair mind, heart, and soul. (kfarhanokdim.co.il)
