Living it up on the Heights
It's a different world in the Golan, with a 'classic' kibbutz, pampering, sumptuous dinners and a grand mountain
The northern Golan Heights region is situated just a few kilometers from Kiryat Shmona and the Hula valley towns, but it seems like an entirely different world.
The area's wide open spaces and breathtaking landscape completely detach its dwellers visitors and from the urban hustle and bustle.
Ortal ( Hebrew) is one of the few kibbutzim in the country that has maintained the classic kibbutz lifestyle, and its economic success is attributed to the fact that each member chooses his or her profession.
We arrived at noon, so we were immediately escorted to the kibbutz cafeteria for a hearty meal. After lunch we were officially greeted by Etti, the marketing director of Kibbutz Ortal Bed and Breakfast (Nofesh Barama), who gave us a tour of the huge computerized dairy barn, and then walked us through the serene kibbutz paths to our reserved guestroom.
Scandinavian wooden hut the ticket
Kibbutz Ortal's 42-room sleeping complex offers two kinds of lodging facilities: The country guestrooms are suitable for a family of four, and are equipped with satellite TV, air-conditioning, a coffee corner, and a shower.
If the purpose of your trip is to explore the area's attractions, then the comfortable country guestrooms are more than enough. However, if you really want to spoil yourself and your loved one, then a Scandinavian wooden hut is your ticket.
The huts are located smack in the middle of a secluded pine tree grove in the kibbutz's outskirts, and as soon as you reach the hut's doorstep, you immediately become enthralled in the romantic ambience.
A large whirlpool is located in the hut's center, right beside the cozy fireplace area. The dinning corner leads to an accessorized kitchenette, and the bedroom is quite spacious as well. Breakfast is served on a porch that overlooks a horse-grazing field.
Pampering for body and soul
We ordered an aromatic oil massage, which is given by professional masseuses who are also kibbutz members. If the massage has not satisfied your pampering needs, you may also indulge yourself in shiatsu and healing treatments.
After we had relaxed in the whirlpool for a while and had taken a short nap, we were ready for some action, so we decided to go on a jeep excursion.
Pini, Ortal's jeep tour guide, is known for his ability to identify every path in the Golan Heights with his eyes closed; even at nighttime. The excursion was fascinating, as Pini gave us explanations on the Golan's history and geology.
The tour included a visit to the volcanic Mt. Bental, which is a great observation point, to Mt. Hermon, the Golan Heights, the Galilee and Lebanon Mountains, and eastward into Syria. But we also visited a number of out-of-the-way spots, and after a couple of hours with Pini, it was hard for us to resist the temptation of joining The Nation Supports the Golan movement (the movement is against any Israeli withdrawal from the Golan Heights region, which was taken from Syria during the Six Day War).
Aviva's House
Following a long and rather tiring day of sightseeing, all we wanted to do was enjoy a nice tasty dinner.
We selected "Aviva's House" restaurant in Kibbutz Ein Zivan. The dishes are mainly French and Italian-style, and are prepared in a slow and meticulous manner.
Roasted eggplant, cauliflower in delicate mustard sauce, delectable focaccia and salads with surprising sauces were put served as appetizers. The first course included lamb burgers in a crispy wrapping with tahina, and chicken liver pate. The main course was comprised of mildly spiced soft leg of lamb, and we couldn't pass up on the exquisite Belgian chocolate cake for dessert; after all, we were on vacation!
- Aviva's House: NIS 100 (about $23) a person, including wine; non-kosher. For reservations call 972.4.699.3660.
The following morning we woke up to a breakfast that included an assortment of pastries, salads, fresh omelettes, and jam.
Kibbutz Ortal also offers an attraction package for families with children, which includes a visit to the petting zoo, amusement park, computerized milking center and dairy barn, as well as horseback riding sessions.
Kibbutz Ortal Bed and Breakfast (Nofesh Barama):
- Scandinavian huts: Weekdays - NIS 470 (about $107) a night a couple, NIS 850 ($193) for two nights. Weekends (two-night minimum) - NIS 1,200 (about $273).
- Country guestrooms: Weekdays - NIS 240 (about $55), including a NIS 90 (about $20) surcharge a child. Weekends: NIS 320 (about $73).
- Prices include breakfast.
- Telephone: 972.4.696.0808.
- Email: ortal@ortal.org.il
