A trip through the Jordan Valley or the Golan Heights can be heartbreaking. The normally bustling tourist sites, beaches and restaurants sometimes seem deserted. Only a few brave souls understand that the people of the North need us. They need a livelihood, a kind word, a sense of normalcy in the midst of the madness they are experiencing.
The north is heavily affected by the security situation, and the whole region is affected, as not everyone takes the time to check where is safe and where is not. As I walked around Galilee and the Golan Heights, I repeatedly came across people who could not understand why domestic tourism had almost completely disappeared, hastily explaining that “not a single alarm was sounded here.”
Amid this madness, there are still reasons for optimism, stemming from some incredibly brave private ventures, such as the decision not to postpone the opening of a new hotel in the northwestern part of Lake Galilee.
This April, the Nabal David Galil Resort hotel was opened. It is part of the new Nabal David chain, which also reopens the former Ramada Netanya hotel, currently undergoing extensive renovation. Overlooking the Lake of Galilee, the Golan Heights and Galilee, the Nabal David Galil Resort hotel is surrounded by nature and cultural heritage. The hotel takes its name from its unique harp-shaped design, which recalls the local Jewish history. (Photo by ASSAF PINCHUK)
This unofficial 5-star hotel has 276 rooms spread across 6 floors. All rooms are modern in design and come with all the amenities you would expect from a new hotel. In addition to the rooms, there are 18 suites that are not yet available for booking, including 2 presidential suites. There is a lobby restaurant on the entrance floor of the hotel that serves light meals.
The hotel also features a business lounge, various sized halls for events and meetings, meeting rooms, an amphitheater for top artists, an infinity pool overlooking the Sea of Galilee (heated in autumn and spring) adjacent to a snack bar, and a recently opened spa offering an extensive menu of treatments, next to a fully equipped gym. (Photo by ASSAF PINCHUK)
The hotel’s design opted to use natural resources from the existing environment, from basalt to pebbles from the Kinneret coast. The design is characterised by a play on colour and natural textures. Behind the plan is the firm Miloslavsky Architects, led by architect Anat Shani. The interior design was commissioned to designer Michael Azrai.
The design work was complicated by these difficult times. The Houthis, among other things, caused a lot of heartache with many elements being delayed or not arriving in Israel at all. To deal with the delays in delivery, the hotel had to get very creative to open on time. Those with a keen eye will notice some issues with the finishes. According to the hotel manager, they are trying to find a solution.
For example, the use of standard sunbeds in the pool area until shipments of more design sofas and sunbeds arrive in the country. As mentioned above, these issues don’t detract from the local experience, but they may be a hindrance for those expecting a resort-like experience abroad.
Due to various issues, the hotel is currently closed and the nightly rate is NIS 1,450 per couple including breakfast. Please note that due to the size of the rooms, families with more than one child will need to take more than one room, in which case the second room will be offered at a 15% discount.
River Coffee
The hotel is not the only new addition to the area. After a long renovation, a lovely bakery has opened in the Hall of Iron Swords, in the middle of the “Jordannit” visitor center on the banks of the Jordan River. This center, which receives hundreds of pilgrims every day who want to take a dip in the Jordan River, has recently undergone a transformation. One of the defining moments of the transformation was the relocation of the bar-restaurant “On the River” inside the center. Those who were lucky enough to have been to the previous “On the River” will surely remember its rather gloomy design. Now, after 20 years of existence, the restaurant has acquired a new, brighter and better decorated location in the “Jordannit” complex. (Credit: MEITAL SHARABI)
The people behind On the River are Nadav and Naor Dayan, a married couple from the Menakamia settlement. They have created many spaces in their new location that are open to nature with a modern design. The On the River complex also houses Café River, which serves sandwiches, pastries, salads, coffee and soft drinks. The menu may seem simple at first glance, but it is surprisingly delicious. The savory and sweet pastries are simply delicious. The bread used in the sandwiches won our hearts and stomachs. The menu can be enjoyed inside the restaurant space or in the courtyard facing the Jordan River.
Opening hours: Sunday to Saturday, 8:00 to 16:00. Details: 077-9386283.
Ancient Synagogue of Kfar Nahum
If you’re already planning to visit the region, whether you’re staying at one of the new hotels or just taking a day trip, we recommend combining it with a visit to the White Synagogue of Kfar Nahum. The synagogue is located north of the Sea of Galilee on a Franciscan site, next to a modern church that sits a little way out of the landscape. On the site are the remains of an ancient synagogue that stand as a testament to hundreds of years of history. A tour of the ruins allows you to admire the architecture and imagine the vibrant community that once thrived within these walls. Kfar Nahum Synagogue (Credit: MEITAL SHARABI)
Admission fee: 5 NIS.
Details: 04-6721059.
How to get there: WAZE “Kfar Nahum Synagogue”.
Lavender Farm
Just a short drive from the hotel is another attraction worth visiting for people of all ages: Azizo Lavender Farm. Located in Moshav Knaf in the southern Golan Heights, this farm is dedicated to growing lavender. The flowers are in full bloom until the end of July, making this the perfect time to visit if you want to see the farm at its best. The farm’s lavender fields are not adjacent to the farm, but you can book a tour in advance. (Photo by MEITAL SHARABI) (Photo by MEITAL SHARABI)
Even if you don’t visit the fields, visiting the farm is an experience in itself, because as soon as you enter the place, you will not be able to ignore the enchanting scent of the oval lavender. The farm not only cultivates lavender, but also produces many different things, including cosmetics, decoctions, decorative and edible products. The visit includes a short tour and a film about the working process on the farm.
Afterwards, you can enjoy lavender ice cream and crepes, or purchase products from a specialty lavender shop.
How to get there: WAZE “Azizu Lavender Farm”
Admission fee: Free
For details, please call 050-5871515.
