Arrival/Check-In: The Dead Sea is a must-see for anyone visiting Israel or Jordan. After spending the previous day at the Beresheet Hotel, our arrival at the Dead Sea property took a bit longer than expected. We hurried to check in so we’d have time to float and apply the famous mud before sunset. The front desk was busy but efficient and helpful, getting us checked in and directed to our rooms. We were traveling with another couple; our room was ready while theirs was not, so we used our room to change before heading straight to the Dead Sea.
Guest Quarters: All rooms at Isrotel Dead Sea Resort & Spa offer balconies, most with views of the Dead Sea and the Moab Mountains. We were fortunate to have a spacious suite with an expansive balcony overlooking the water. A short hallway led into the suite’s living area, which included a large sofa, coffee table and comfortable seating. The bathroom was modest, featuring a single sink and an unusual built-in unit that combined a hair dryer with an electric shaver outlet. To its credit, the hotel also provided a separate full-size hair dryer, a welcome alternative to the built-in device. The bedroom had a comfortable king-sized bed, but the highlight of the room was the balcony—perfect for soaking up the sun while taking in the extraordinary Dead Sea vistas.
Services/Amenities: The Dead Sea’s extreme salt concentration results from inflows like the Jordan River having no outlet; evaporation leaves behind high levels of salt and minerals. The sea is famed for its therapeutic qualities, yet it faces environmental pressures from shrinking water levels due to evaporation and mineral extraction in the region. Entering the water, you float with ease—buoyed by the density—and feel a distinct tingling sensation on your skin and scalp. Following local custom, we covered ourselves with Dead Sea mud provided by the hotel, allowed it to dry, and then floated to rinse it away. Removing the mud proved trickier than applying it, and we used the public beach showers before returning to the hotel. Being located right across the road made the whole experience convenient and memorable.
After freshening up in our rooms, we enjoyed dinner at the Zer Hazahav Restaurant. The meal was excellent, and the staff were professional and friendly as we recounted the day’s highlights.
TOP TAKEAWAYS
◆ Remove watches and other wearable electronics before entering the Dead Sea. Even water-resistant devices can be ruined by the high salinity, as happened to my watch and my Garmin VivoFit.
◆ The Dead Sea is the lowest point on dry land, approximately 1,373 feet below sea level, and its setting is simply breathtaking.
◆ We ended the day on our balcony with a cheese plate and Israeli wine, watching the sun set over the Dead Sea.
Isrotel Dead Sea Resort & Spa
Ein Bokek, Dead Sea
86980 Israel
tel 972 8 668 9666
isrotel.co.il