Hotels – global hotel system

Hotel Spa Mizpe Hayamim has the hedonistic treatments and fine dining you’d expect from a Relais & Châteaux–listed property. What you might not expect, however, is the amount of comestibles and beautifiers grown on site. Or made, baked, dried, skimmed, picked, pickled, fermented, and so on. The resort is very much a working farm, with livestock, dairy production, even candle, oil, and soap making. Each morning leaves are selected from the herb gardens and orchards for the so-called tea corners and for the spa’s unique Galilean Harmony approach, which incorporates locally sourced flora into various scrubs and massages. Jewelers and artisans shape their wares at the crafts gallery.

The prevailing attitude might be rustic and organic (even the indoor swimming pool and two large Jacuzzis are chemical-free), but that doesn’t mean you’ll be sleeping on hemp. Rooms are decorated pleasantly, in a muted palette of earth tones and pastels; woven wool rugs in maroons and golds are about the only sign that you’re in the Middle East, in terms of the décor. Looking out the window produces another sensation entirely, as the buildings overlook the Sea of Galilee and the Golan Heights.

Included with your room is dinner at the mostly vegetarian restaurant, where freshly caught fish is also served. Or you can eat at the hotel’s second restaurant, where meat is served. This separation of milk and meat is, of course, a firm nod to the location in Northern Israel. For more eateries, as well as a change of scenery, the lively small town of Rosh Pina is a quick jaunt.