Kibbutz Ein Gedi Resort Hotel
Dramatically located on a hill overlooking the Dead Sea, this kibbutz and its low-rise accommodations are set amid the exotic plantings of the only internationally-registered botanical garden in which people live. For visitors to this Eden, boasting over 900 plants, including the otherworldly Baobab, it’s hard to believe that before 1949 there was nothing but barren rock here. This location, a 20-minute drive from Masada, makes a good base for those who want to climb Masada at dawn, explore the region at their own leisure, or just enjoy the beauty of the place with its gorgeous swimming pools. There are four kinds of accommodations at a wide range of prices set over a sprawling shared community on the grounds of the kibbutz. Standard rooms are basic, but set amid wonderful gardens and air-conditioned. Upgraded boutique rooms and new mini-suites and deluxe-plus rooms are more luxurious; some offer decks that overlook dramatic vistas. Guests can while away the day at the on-site Synergy Spa (adults only) where a healing treatment menu includes various full-body mud wraps, facials, massages and Reiki. For family-friendly fun, the Olympic-size outdoor pool has a cocktail bar and snack kiosk for ice cream and finger foods. There’s also a well-organized schedule of daily and nightly activities, including desert excursions, live music, circus performances for kids, and ceramics and Shibori workshops (inquire at the reservation desk, by appointment). A super market is accessible on-site.
It’s possible to arrive here using public transport, as the kibbutz provides a shuttle down to the public beach, but a car is essential in order explore the area. Ein Gedi is heavily booked by groups, so reserve far in advance. This is a “green” hotel, and also a kibbutz community so service is basic and practical, but very family-friendly and community-driven.
Dramatically located on a hill overlooking the Dead Sea, this kibbutz and its low-rise accommodations are set amid the exotic plantings of the only internationally-registered botanical garden in which people live. For visitors to this Eden, boasting over 900 plants, including the otherworldly Baobab, it’s hard to believe that before 1949 there was nothing but barren rock here. This location, a 20-minute drive from Masada, makes a good base for those who want to climb Masada at dawn, explore the region at their own leisure, or just enjoy the beauty of the place with its gorgeous swimming pools. There are four kinds of accommodations at a wide range of prices set over a sprawling shared community on the grounds of the kibbutz. Standard rooms are basic, but set amid wonderful gardens and air-conditioned. Upgraded boutique rooms and new mini-suites and deluxe-plus rooms are more luxurious; some offer decks that overlook dramatic vistas. Guests can while away the day at the on-site Synergy Spa (adults only) where a healing treatment menu includes various full-body mud wraps, facials, massages and Reiki. For family-friendly fun, the Olympic-size outdoor pool has a cocktail bar and snack kiosk for ice cream and finger foods. There’s also a well-organized schedule of daily and nightly activities, including desert excursions, live music, circus performances for kids, and ceramics and Shibori workshops (inquire at the reservation desk, by appointment). A super market is accessible on-site.
It’s possible to arrive here using public transport, as the kibbutz provides a shuttle down to the public beach, but a car is essential in order explore the area. Ein Gedi is heavily booked by groups, so reserve far in advance. This is a “green” hotel, and also a kibbutz community so service is basic and practical, but very family-friendly and community-driven.
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