Ein Gedi and 'black mud'

Surrounded by desert, the Ein Gedi spa and resort proved to be a favorite for us. The rooms were spartan, but the air conditioning was cold, the showers hot, the staff friendly and the country food excellent. Our room cost a little over $100 a night, but included 2 excellent meals and free entry to the day spa and swimming pool. It was just a peaceful, pleasant place.

For our first full day, we took in the spa. It was about a mile drive along the highway and featured mineral baths, dead sea 'black mud' skin treatment, and excellent massages. Most of the masseuses (sp?) were from Russia and were experienced professionals. The spa itself sat aways from the Dead Sea shore. This was because over time the sea level has dropped, so you took a little tractor and wagon to the shore itself. We both got to float in the Dead Sea. The water is the saltiest on earth, so salty that you'll need medical attention if any gets in your mouth or eyes. It's kind of slimy, and the sea floor was rocky and uncomfortable to walk on. After floating, we covered ourselves with world-famous 'black mud.' We were also removing it from ourselves hours later as it is pretty persistent. We also both worked on our tans and loaded up with sun block.

A view of the Dead Sea from Highway 90 south of Ein Bokkek. Below: a view of the 'wadi' which stands behind the Ein Gedi Kibbutz.