In recent years the Israeli Spa culture has developed quite a bit, and today you will find an abundance of options and resorts to choose from, ranging from day spas to spa hotels and natural resort. In this article I will explain the different spa alternatives Israel has to offer to incoming tourists.

Day Spas

For those living in Israel it seems like spa culture has flooded the country, and day spas are popping all over the place. Day spas offer a wide range of treatments including all kinds of eastern and western massages (Shiatsu, Twina, Ayurveda, Swedish massage etc.), facial treatments, stress relief (usually Hebrew speaking only) and other facilities and treatments (oil bath, Jacuzzi, Sauna).

Spas that specialize in facials do not usually have the best masseurs, and vice versus – spas that specialize in massages do not usually have the best facial treatment personnel around, so you’ll first have to make your choice of treatment and then look for a spa with that specialty.

Massage and facials prices range from 200 NIS to 360 NIS (45-80$), depending on the spa location, the type of massage, and how much time the treatment takes.

Romantic Spas

Some of the day spas in Israel offer special packages and treatments for couples. Packages will usually include a couples’ massage, a nice meal, use of the spa facilities (Jacuzzi, sauna etc.), and sometimes one other special treatment such as an oil bath.

Prices for such a package range from 600 NIS to 1200 NIS (140$ - 280$) depending on the package components and whether on not it includes a meal.

Spa Hotels

Spa hotels are on one hand the most expensive alternative and on the other hand a very nice option for those looking for a relaxing way to spend some time in Israel. There are about 10 hotels which specialize in spa vacations in Israel, and most if not all of these specializing spa hotels are luxury hotels (4-5 stars hotels).

When shopping around for a spa hotel, you will find that those hotels mostly offer all inclusive packages, including 3 meals a day and will sometimes also throw a daily massage or treatment of your choice into the offered package. Prices for such a package range from 1000 NIS to 2000 NIS (225-450$) per night – depending on the resort and day of week.

Some of the best Spa hotels in Israel are located in the Galilee, and some near the Dead Sea.

Dead Sea Spas

The Dead Sea is one of the most special spa locations in the world. In the recent decade the number of incoming tourists who visit Israel especially in order to stay at one of the Dead Sea spas has consistently increased, and it is a very popular destination for tourists from Germany, Eastern Europe and Japan.

There are two types of spas at the Dead Sea - Private and public spas.

Private spas mainly include spa hotels, which unlike in the rest of Israel are not always all-inclusive, and offer a wide variety of accommodation levels: 3, 4 and 5 stars, as well as 5 star deluxe hotels.

Public spas are either government held or belong to one of the Kibbutzim in the area, and are usually a natural resort with hot spring waters in which you may spend the day. Public spas are not as luxurious and pampering as private spas, but if you are looking for a more affordable offer for a one day trip - this might be a good alternative for you.

Spa Locations

As mentioned before, spa hotels are usually located at either the Galilee or the Dead Sea. Day spas are spread throughout the country, with a very large selection in Tel-Aviv and Herzliya. Public spas and natural resorts are to be found in The Dead Sea, The Negev, and Hamat Gader (South of Ramat Hagolan).

About the Author

Michal Moreno is the content editor for Israel Travel Tips- a travel guide all written by a native Israeli from the insider's point of view: http://www.israel-travel-tips.com Michal Also Writes For Kesemhamaga Israel Spa: http://www.kesemhamaga.co.il/en/

 

One of the main attractions of a vacation visit to Sydney, Australia, is the stunning views of Sydney Harbor. Why not enjoy this magnificent scene from the deck of a speeding jet boat or a more leisurely cruising sailboat?

There are quite a few companies offering boat rides on Sydney Harbor so you have a variety to choose from.

Sail boats are a nice way to go because they cruise along at a slower pace and allow you to really drink in the surrounding beauty of the harbor. You can chat with you friends, family and shipmates while sipping a cold drink and letting the ocean breeze blow through you hair.

Another way to go is getting on one of the fast jet boats that zip around the harbor and under the Harbor Bridge. Some of these boats have as much as 700 horsepower and the way they race and bounce across the waves you can fully expect to get your face wet. But no worries just put your face to the sun and dry off.

These speed boat rides will give you a thrill that rivals the best amusement park ride. The pilots will put the boat through fancy maneuvers like fish tails, spins and power-brake stops. So tighten up the safety vest as these boats can reach speeds approaching 50 miles per hour as they churn their way through the wake.

Another choice is a fishing cruise. Sydney Harbor provides superb access to the Great Barrier Reef, which is one of the best fishing areas in the world. Whether you want to go out for a couple hours or all day, Sydney has no shortage of fishing cruise companies ready to ensure that you have a great fishing cruise.

Then there’s the always popular whale watching cruise. Here you can really relax and enjoy the adventure of spotting these great denizens of the sea. Along the way there are plenty of native birds to look for as well as Fairy penguins, seals, dolphins.

Many of the various Sydney water excursions depart from the areas around the Sydney Opera House, the Taronga Zoo and Darling Harbour.

You can also go to Circular Quay to catch a harbor boat excursion. These trips will typically take you up the southern shore to Watsons Bay, then to Middle Harbor before returning to Circular Quay.

A great way to enjoy Sydney Harbor is to take a lunch or dinner cruise. Many people prefer the sunset or evening cruises. The harbor is especially beautiful at night and a scenic nighttime cruise of the eastern suburbs and the upscale Middle harbor is a pleasant and romantic way to spend an evening.

If you have a little more money in your vacation budget you can charter a yacht with a captain and full crew. You can tour the harbor in comfort and style with air-conditioning, television, DVD movies, refrigerator and other amenities.

Cockle Bay is a good place to go if you would like to take a romantic gondola ride on the water. These gentle gliding boats can seat up to four people and you can even get them catered.

No matter what you budget or interests, Sydney Harbor should be near the top of you list for things to do and see on you vacation to Sydney, Australia.

About the Author

The author of this article, Peter Shannon, is the owner of the popular http://www.1001-vacation-ideas.com - Here you will find a large collection of vacation and getaway ideas for travelers searchable by theme and location.