ESCAPE BLOG

When you hear the words ‘The Dead Sea’ what’s the first thing that springs to mind? The Dead Sea Scrolls, relaxing in the warm salty water, the exotic desert setting? As everyone knows the waters of the Dead Sea are extremely salty (it’s not called The Sea of Salt for nothing!) but it’s because of this ingredient that you can float and immerse yourself in your own time bubble.

And where else in the world can you have a truly organic mud face mask? It’s widely believed that the mud contains not only cosmetic properties but healing ones as well – could this be Israel’s answer to the fountain of Lourdes, which also is believed to have healing properties? The various treatments are pretty affordable, try an exotic inhalation treatment that is said to sooth headaches.

There are some wonderful hotels in this area and many have great entertainment and a good range of food and drink. Or, simply relax in the lobby and sit and look at the stars. Most of the best hotels are in the Ein Bokek area and this is where you’ll find the best music, atmosphere and the legendary Sammy’s bar. Alcohol is expensive but travel to the nearby towns of Amman, Arad or Masada for the liveliest spots.

It may sound like an unusual location, but after 4000 years and visits from various real-life celebrities of the day (Cleopatra and The Queen of Sheba to name just two), the Dead Sea is still as inviting and mystical now as it was then; after all, the ruler of one of the greatest civilizations to ever live can’t be wrong.