Eilat evacuation, houthis, and 24 hours: Locals project exploration

Travel section, the road map: The last six months have been quite challenging for the Eilat people, including the people of the southern tourism industry, who mobilized completely and opened their homes and hearts for the evacuees. Now, when the Passover holiday is approaching and the hotels are slowly starting to return to normal, we can once again talk about the southern city in touristic contexts.

Since the last half year has given its signals to the local tourists and restaurateurs, both small and large, a new venture was born in the last few weeks - the Locals venture, which continues the very successful line of the Eilat Tourism Corporation - the "101 experiences for 0 shekels" venture. A variety of unique events will take place in Eilat entertainment venues, and as part of them, a selection of businesses scattered throughout the city will open their doors for a local hospitality experience.

The new venture consists of a financial incentive program and support for local businesses. With the help of the money, they will be able to operate without a weight on their backs and publish new programs and authentic content. As part of this project, you can already see, for example, cultural collaborations, such as chefs hosting restaurants, the Elad Theater that will hold Arab "Culture on the Bar", "Barbis" that will open a pedestrian mall in Opira Park with performances - and more.

All of these will guarantee you enjoyment of the city and its tourist sites, without feeling that anyone is losing out - neither in terms of the experience nor in terms of the financial investment of the service provider. To support Eilat, we jumped to 24 hours, which made us want more.

We started at the "Agamim" hotel. The hotel from the Isrotel chain is more than a place to rest your head. The hotel is loved by couples, as well as families, due to the lagoon-like swimming pool, surrounded by rooms with direct access to it.

Add to that "Jasper 08" - a polished cocktail bar, and you have an ideal destination for entertainment lovers. All "Agamim" hotel rooms have been renovated, and are built around the central lagoon on its many inlets, so that everyone enjoys a view of the pool. Around the pool there is also a lot of vegetation, relaxation areas and even hammocks to complete the chill atmosphere. Since the pool is really big, even during busy periods you can find quiet corners here. Culinarily speaking, "Agamim" has a classic hotel restaurant that serves rich breakfasts and dinners.

Address: Kampen 7, Eilat.

"Melody" restaurant

In recent years, the southern city has been developing culinary-wise, and the regular tourists can already point to culinary institutions that are free of charge. About a year ago, the saturated market was joined by the "Melody" restaurant, an Italian-style kosher restaurant, located on Sderot Hatim in Eilat. It's not the first place you'd think of a restaurant hiding, but its location ensures it will attract locals and curious tourists alike. "Melody's" kitchen offers a menu that combines elements of traditional Italian cuisine alongside Mediterranean influences.

In short, a classic restaurant for all dough-pizza-pasta lovers. The menu is based on high-quality and fresh ingredients, including fine fruits and vegetables that come from the farmers of the Arava. Among the dishes you will find: southern sea fish ceviche, crispy eggplant on herb yogurt and tomato dip, truffle gnocchi, pizzas from the tabon, pastas and fish. On Fridays, the restaurant offers special Shabbat-inspired dishes.

22 Hatmarim St., Eilat. Open Sunday-Thursday, 22:30-18:00, Friday 15:00-12:00 and Saturday, 21:00-23:30. Details: 08-9232303.

"MOOD" restaurant, guest chef dinner (locals)

On the roof of the "NOW" boutique hotel is the chic "MOOD" restaurant. The restaurant, which attracts diners from all over the country thanks to a meticulous design that includes tables of different heights overlooking the pool, a fun atmosphere and up-to-date music, but not least because of the meticulous dishes that come out of the kitchen. If I had to define the place, then I would go for a Tel Aviv club in the heart of Eilat.

These days the tourism corporation is partnering for a rotating chef dinner at the "MOOD" restaurant, which includes special dishes by a guest chef that join the regular menu, which includes sushi, ceviche, a cigar stuffed with fish, pastries straight from the tabon, pastas and more.

As part of the "Locals" events, the restaurant will host rotating chefs, on Mondays at 7:30 PM until the end of April. To reserve seats: on the website TRAVELTOEILAT.CO.IL. Hayam 5, Eilat.

Elad Theater - Culture on the Bar (Locals)

There is no doubt at all that the world of tourism found itself helpless in the face of the events of October 7, and as time passed the dilemma grew whether to continue to act as if nothing had happened. So while the big theaters slowly returned to the familiar routine, it was the small theaters that managed to prove to us the brave connection between culture and today's reality.

These days, as part of the "Locals" events, the tourism corporation and the Elad Theater joined together for the show "The Crazy Song of the Haaretz" - a musical theatrical meeting directed by Shay Pitovsky and musically arranged by Kobi Lilian.

The show, which is characterized by a bar culture style, is presented in the terminal hall (the former Eilat airport). This is a work that combines poetry created following the events of the war. It's hard not to get carried away by her and remain indifferent to the touching lyrics and songs.

The show with the participation of: Dana Yitzhaki, Nili Rogel and Guy Cohen Shalu and the musicians: Sharon After, Omer Arbiv, Leah Gadaev and Zavik Vishnevsky. Every Thursday at 21:00 until the end of April. To reserve seats: on the website TRAVELTOEILAT.CO.IL.

You will decide on the water

There are quite a few places that it is enough to say their names out loud to feel peace and calm. This is what happens to visitors to Eilat when they hear about the Rif beach and its old dolphins, but even more so when they talk about "Stalbat on the water" inside the beach.

"Stalbat on the water" is the name of a relaxation complex located on the beach side, cut off from the world and distractions. The complex has three relaxation pools and a Zula complex where you can happily disconnect from the background noise of everyday life. In each of the pools you can float or wade in fun, and also receive a short Watsu treatment from the staff. Either way, the pools play quiet, pleasant underground music, which helps to relax.

After spending time in the pools, you can go up to the "Cafe Bar Bastalbet", which is located on the top floor of the complex and offers drinks and snacks, which you can enjoy in front of the sea.

Hours of activity of the pools: Sunday-Sunday between the hours of 11:00-15:00, on Friday and Saturday the hours of activity begin at 10:00. "Cafe Bar Bastalbet" is open from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

South coast of Eilat. Details: 08-6300111.

Red Sea Winery

If the phrase "wine in Eilat" sounds strange to you, you are not alone. Although it took us years to believe that good Israeli wine could be made outside of the Golan sector, it was also hard for us to believe that in Eilat there is a successful winery that has already won 24 medals in international competitions.

The Red Sea Winery was founded by entrepreneur Uri Shachar 22 years ago, and in the winery's visitor center you can see the magic happen. The center sits in the open, surrounded by vineyards. If you sit outside, you can enjoy the desert atmosphere with a glass of wine. If you go inside the air-conditioned space, you can see the barrel room and a knight's table around which wine tastings, chef meals and more are held. When visiting the winery, you can take a route that includes a tour and tasting of three types of wine and snacks at a price of NIS 100 per person. 

6 Derech Hamataim, Eilat. Sunday-Thursday 16:00-11:00, Friday 12:00-16:00 Saturday 12:00-17:00. Special events by appointment.