We went to Eilat for our honeymoon in March 2006. I was 7 months pregnant at the time so knew I would be limited to do all activities, but this wouldn't stop my husband.
I found booking the holiday hard as their are only a few operators that go to Israel, but it is getting easier to find them. I went through a travel agent to get some brouchers for pictures and ideas, and looked through the internet for more information. We eventually booked through a specialist Israel operator, and they were extreamely helpful.
As we live in the East Midlands we had to travel to Luton to get a very early morning flight, as again, not that many airports fly to Israel yet. But it is getting more popular.
The flight was fine, though the seats were typical airplane style... small, uncomfortable and cramped. The food was nice on the plane, but really they should accomodate a flight if that distance
a lot better, so unless you upgrade, be prepared for stiff legs..
Dead Sea
Bathing in the salty, mineral rich waters of the Dead Sea was a surreal experience and ideal for revitalising a tired body. We first went in the spa part.... here there was different pools, one where you totally float due to the minerals in it.. but it does turn some jewellery a funny colour (ladies you can tell if your man has bought you cheap things if they change colour here) so maybe taking items of value off would be a good idea.
Next we had to cover ourselves in thick mud (very cold) and walk down to the sea. The muds dries as you are walking the short distance and yo u feel all wrapped up and tight by the time yo u get there. Then you litterally sit in the water, lift your legs and float.. how relaxing is that... The place looks like a mass of floating bodies, all enjoying the relaxation. Ideally you try and wash the dried mud off when you want to come out.. but its tough stuff and gets everywhere. Showers are available.. and if you have a good friend to help get it off this helps as well. It leaves your skin very soft and you feeling relaxed.
Dolphin Swim
This is lovely, you go to a sanctuary where the dolphins are free to swim back to freedom if they want to... but they don't as life is so good there. A great place for the family for the day it has a beach and restaurant and you can swim with the dolphins or just up to the netting if you are nervous(or pregnant). You can watch and touch the animals from pontoons around the site which is lovely.
We found people to be very friendly, and the hotel staff so eager to please. Anything you needed people seemed very accomodating for
Shopping
There are lovely outdoor markets during the day and night to look at and buy local items or presents. There is a large shopping centre (a bit like Meadowhall in Sheffield) which was good value for money.. The only tobacconist was in this centre and they are very helpful.
When you arrive in Israel you are processed through a strict check in procedure, PLEASE BE AWARE IF YOU HAVE A STAMP FROM EGYPT OR TURKEY IN YOUR PASSPORT THEY WILL ASK ALOT OF QUESTIONS. I had been to egypt the previous year and they interrogated me as to why I was now in Israel. It is important to remember they are only protecting their own country, but they do not really have a sense of humour.. so keep your conversation with Airport staff very short. When you leave the country expect to wait quite a while to get through customs before checking in.. they will open your suitcase 90% of the time and check everything, so keep receipts handy. Again they ask alot of questions so be prepared to be calm and get through it as easily as you can. Any gold that you buy must be in clear bags and shown.
Guns
Be prepared to see alot of people wearing guns. We were eating dinner one night in a mexican restaurant when 4 soldiers sat down next to us. After they ordered their meal they took their jackets off and put some very large weapons on the table next to them.. This could be quite scary for some people. But even the hotel staff and other security officers carry guns, and we were told... do not hesitate to use them when needed
All hotels we visited and the one we stayed in were exceptionally clean and to a high standard. The food was lovely, though not cheap, but if you go self catering you will find loads of restaurants to eat in that are reasonably priced and offer a great range of food.
NIghtlife
We found it to be lively and friendly. Their are beach bars for relaxing in, or livelier places for dancing the night away. Again remember the alcohol is not cheap their but worth the price for the scenery at night whilst you relax and unwind
Children
Although we did not take our 12 year old son with us I would definately go back there with him.. There is alot to do, including a fair at night along the beach front. Hotels offer a range of entertainment during the day and night.
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
I spent a fortnight in Eilat in 1996, and it’s not a place I’d ever want to go back to! I found there was very little to do there. It was incredibly expensive and most of the locals were rather unfriendly. I found the airport security rather oppressive too - both inbound and outbound. Lexy
Funzo 18.01.2008 15:40
great review. i used to live about 30 mins north of eilat, and go back regularly... it is developing at such a quick rate and gets better and better each year. love the fact that you feel completely safe there and would reccommend it to everyone.
sunmeilan 18.01.2008 15:24
I love the sound of being wrapped in mud and then floating...lovely!
NH Hotels, the hotel chain leader in Europe, with more than 300 hotels in 20 countries in Europe, Latin America and Africa. Enter into our web site and find the best available tariff at all times
Jan 18th, 2008
very helpful by (100%):
