Tourism in Jordan valley and Golan heights: Resilience amid challenges

If you travel in the Jordan Valley and the Golan region, you will not be able to help but feel a pinch in your heart. The tourist sites, beaches and restaurants that are usually packed with visitors sometimes seem deserted, except for a few brave ones who understand that the people of the north need us. need a livelihood, a kind word and a sense of normality amidst all the madness they are experiencing.

Since the north is greatly affected by the security situation, and since not everyone bothers to check where it is safe and where it is not, an entire region is affected. More than once, when I get to walk around the Galilee and the Golan, I come across people who don't understand why domestic tourism has almost been wiped out, and rush to explain: "There wasn't even a single alarm here."

In the midst of all this madness, there are still some reasons for optimism that come from a super-brave private venture, such as the decision not to postpone the opening of a new hotel in the northwest of the Sea of Galilee.

In April of this year, the "Naval David Galil Resort" hotel opened. The hotel belongs to the new "Naval David" chain, under which the old "Ramada Netanya" hotel, which is currently undergoing a massive renovation, will also reopen. The "Naval David Galil Resort" hotel overlooks the Sea of Galilee, the Golan Mountains and the Galilee, and is surrounded by natural and heritage sites. The hotel got its name thanks to its unique design in the shape of a harp, as a reminder of the local Jewish history.

The hotel, which is unofficially defined as 5 stars, spans six floors. It has 276 guest rooms on different levels - all modernly designed and equipped with everything you would expect to find in a new hotel. In addition to the rooms, there are also 18 suites that have not yet been opened for reservations, with two of them being presidential suites. On the entrance floor of the hotel there is a lobby restaurant that serves light meals.

You will also find here a business lounge, halls of various sizes for events and conferences, meeting rooms, an amphitheater where leading artists will be hosted, an infinity pool overlooking the Sea of Galilee and will be heated in the autumn and spring seasons, next to it is a snack bar. Also, these days a spa is opening that offers an extensive menu of treatments, and next to it is a well-equipped gym.

In planning the hotel, they chose to use natural resources from the existing environment, from the basalt stones to the pebbles of the Kinneret shores. The design is characterized by colors and natural textures. The person behind the planning is the Miloslavsky Architects office led by architect Anat Shani. The interior design was entrusted to the designer Michael Azoulai.

Since we are in a difficult time, the design work was also complex. The Houthis caused a lot of heartache when, among other things, many elements were delayed or did not arrive in Israel at all. To deal with the delay in deliveries, the hotel had to be very creative to open on time. The sharp-eyed will be able to notice some problems with the finish, which according to the hotel managers are trying to find solutions.

For example, using standard sunbeds in the pool area, until the shipment of more designed sofas and sunbeds reaches our shores. As mentioned, problems that do not really detract from the experience there, but can interfere with those who expect a resort-like experience abroad.

With all the glitches, the hotel is currently ending its running period, and a night will cost NIS 1,450 per couple on a bed and breakfast basis. It is worth considering that families with more than one child will have to take more than one room, due to the size of the rooms. In that case, the second room will be offered at a 15% discount.

River Coffee

The hotel is not the only new thing in the area, after a long period of renovations, a lovely bakery was opened during Iron Swords on the banks of the Jordan River - right in the heart of the "Jordanit" visitor center. The center, which is usually visited by hundreds of pilgrims every day who want to immerse themselves in the Jordan, has recently undergone a transformation. One of the things that completed the transformation, is the move of the bar-restaurant "on the river" into the center. Those who were lucky enough to be in "On the River" in its previous version, surely remember its slightly gloomy design. Now, the 20-year-old restaurant has gained a new and much brighter and more decorated location within the "Yordanit" complex.

Those who stand behind "On the River" are Nadav and Naor Dayan from the Menachamia settlement. In their new place, they created lots of spaces open to nature, with a modern design. The complex of "On the River" includes "Cafe River", where sandwiches and pastries, salads, coffee and soft drinks are served. Seemingly simple menu, but surprisingly good. The savory and sweet pastries are simply excellent. The breads used for sandwiches managed to capture our hearts and stomachs. The menu can be enjoyed inside the restaurant space or in the courtyard facing the Jordan River.

Open: Sunday-Saturday, 08:00-16:00.More details: 077-9386283.

The ancient synagogue of Kfar Nahum

If you are already coming to the area, whether to stay at the new hotel or for a day trip, you should combine a visit to the White Synagogue in Kfar Nahum. The synagogue is located north of the Sea of Galilee, on a Franciscan site next to which there is a modern church that seems somewhat detached from the landscape. On the site you will find the remains of an ancient synagogue that stands as testimony to hundreds of years of history. On a tour among the remains you can admire the architecture and imagine the vibrant community that once thrived within these walls.

Entrance price: NIS 5 .

More details: 04-6721059.

How to get there: at WAZE "Kfar Nahum Synagogue".

The lavender farm

A short drive from the hotel there is another attraction worth getting to know - and it doesn't matter what age you are - the Azizo Lavender Farm. The farm, located in Moshav Knaf in the south of the Golan, is entirely dedicated to growing lavender. We are right at the height of the blooming season, which ends at the end of July, so if you want to see the farm at its peak - this is a great time to visit. Although the farm's lavender fields are not adjacent to the farm, a visit to them can be arranged in advance.

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 intoxicating smell of the oval lavender. The farm not only grows lavender, they also produce a variety of things from it, such as cosmetics, infusions, ornamental products and edibles. The visit includes a short tour and a film about the work process at the farm.

After that, you can indulge in lavender ice cream or a crepe, and buy products in a store dedicated entirely to lavender.

How to get there: at WAZE "Azizu Lavender Farm".

Entrance price: free

More details: 050-5871515.