Personally, after about 10 minutes in the warm spring water, I was ready to go take a dip in the refreshingly cool pool and enjoy the other attractions.
By MEITAL SHARABIThe exquisite beauty of Hamat Gader Hot Springs attracts many to its welcoming resort.(photo credit: MEITAL SHARABI)
Like many other ordinary Israeli children, I visited Hamat Gader when I was young. For years I would recall with dread the ferocious crocodiles, the hot springs, and the dozens of people bathing in the crowded sulfur pools. I hadn’t been there in over a decade when friends of mine in the north recently convinced me that it was about time I dealt with these bad memories, since I was missing out on one of the most beautiful Kinneret relaxation experiences.So I agreed to go check it out. I decided right then and there that I would have fun no matter what. And it’s a good thing I took this oath at that moment, because just then my neighbor Elad knocked on my door and told me his cats had decided to make their new home in my car’s engine.Three hours – and many bruises and scratches – later, we managed to make our way onto central Israel’s main highway right in time for pre-weekend traffic. But like I said, I was determined to have a good time, so I cranked the music up and continued inching northward with the rest of the country. An hour and 40 minutes later, we finally reached the Tzemah junction, which looked nothing like it had the last time I had been there. It was now filled with shops and restaurants. We stopped at one of the shops to stock up on drinks and nosh (because we’re Israeli and who knows when we’ll find another store, right?).Then we turned east toward our destination.I must admit that as soon as we left the hopping commercial center, I began to relax. The winding road passes by beautiful scenery, and even though the road lies close to the Jordanian border, it is a safe and fun place to drive.As much fun as the drive up was, we were ecstatic when we finally reached the Hamat Gader Hot Springs. The resort is spread out over almost 40 acres and includes hot thermal baths with powerful waterfalls, restaurants, a crocodile farm, a small zoo and a safari. In addition, you can visit the ancient ruins there, which include well-preserved halls and baths built by the Romans during the mishnaic period.And it turns out that in addition to the thermal pools and animal attractions, Hamat Gader is home to the Spa Village Hotel. The hotel is like an intimate health village – or, as Israelis would call it, a boutique hotel. You must be 16 or older to stay there, which means that even in the summertime, when school’s out, it’s never crowded and has no kids running around. The hotel offers 29 suites for couples, and all the guests are treated like VIPs. Each suite comes equipped with a private Jacuzzi filled with the healing waters of the local spring. Of course, even if you’re staying in the hotel, you are still welcome to join the rest of the daytime visitors at Hamat Gader and take a dip in the thermal mineral-water pools, relax in the sauna or get a massage at the spa. In short, Hamat Gader is like a Thai resort, and you can get some serious pampering there.Personally, after about 10 minutes in the warm spring water, I was ready to go take a dip in the refreshingly cool pool and enjoy the other attractions available to visitors who come just for the day. My favorite attraction was a huge 10-meter water slide called Splash.The water slide was the perfect way to cool down before going to watch the crocodiles being fed. This was quite an educational experience. Their caretakers usually feed them in the afternoons, and they explained in lively terms and with tremendous patience about the different kinds of crocodiles and how they live. It’s a good thing we got there during feeding time, because apparently all they do the rest of the day is lie around doing nothing.Next, we went to go see the friendly baboons, the entertaining parrots and the lazy snake. We had heard a rumor that a kangaroo lived there, too, but we couldn’t find him.All in all, it was a very enjoyable experience.While we were at the hotel, we had peace and quiet, the massage was incredibly relaxing, and the thermal pools were invigorating. My batteries were definitely recharged – I was ready to start a new week. And I can honestly say that I am completely over my horrifying childhood experience.Location: Hamat GaderType of outing: All day activity with option for overnight stayLength: On hot days, I recommend arriving in the afternoon hours.Season: All year longDirections: Drive to Tzemah JUNCTION. Continue east on Route 98 until you reach Hamat Gader.
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