Just a
few miles north of Tel Aviv, Gaash thermal baths and spa is located. A
wonderful place for a day or evening relaxation. At Gaash one can enjoy a full
experience of natural thermo-mineral springs hot pools with jets, spa, saunas
and green lawns. There is even a shop and a good restaurant on the premises.
Let’s
start with some history. Years ago, entrepreneurs searched for fuel and gas.
They did not find any of this; instead, they found hot springs with
thermo-mineral water. When the entrepreneurs left, the Kibbutz (Gaash is still
a Kibbutz) built a pool, and as time passed by it was developed into a
comprehensive complex.
So what
is to be found there? A swimming pool in the summer, year-round thermal pools
in different temperatures with massage jets of different types, a sauna complex
with dry and wet saunas, spa, restaurant, and a green space outside.
Gaash
Spa is quite large with 14 treatment rooms. They offer many types of
treatments, including hot stones and bamboo. I chose hot stones and was
impressed with the professional massage giver. She was very attentive and used
the exact amount of force I was looking for, including using more strength
where I like it and less where I am sensitive. My group members were full of
compliments too about the treatment – the spa staff is highly
professional!
Before
and after the spa we enjoyed the pools zone. There are several pools
overlooking the green lawns. The thermo-mineral water contains healthy sulfate
(such as the ones in the dead sea). The pools temperatures are varying with the
hottest reaching 40’c. Each pool has different jets with different intensities
and locations. Overall, there are more than 100 jets in the pools!
Here’s
the pool overlooking the garden. You may observe the colored lights in the
garden. It is very pleasant to sit in the water and look out and relax,
especially when it gets cold!
This is
what it feels like in the bubbling water….
And
here’s the second pools zone.
At the
other end the higher leveled pool is the warmest one – 40’c.
Here’s
the saunas zone.
I
recommend going to the store “Spa of Nature” that is located in the pools zone.
When we went there to look at the unique products they sell there we found
bathing suits and other fashion items for really good prices. The shop is
loaded with items worth looking at!
In
addition, they sell their cosmetics products branded also “Spa of Nature”. The
products are natural and contain no Parabens, SLS and no preservatives or other
harmful ingredients. Among the products are: soap, shampoo, lotions, bath
salts, peeling, etc. and have great fragrances such as citrus, peach-lavender,
cherry-vanilla, etc. They also exclusively sell a special hat that protects the
hair while in the sauna.
When
visiting Gaash Baths, allow at least a half day to experience everything that
the place has to offer! If you get hungry, there is a dairy café and a Kosher
meat-and-fish restaurant called Nostalgia. The restaurant is a wonderful
surprise! It is worthwhile eating there as the food is really good! You can buy
meal voucher starting at 70 nis. Here’s what we ate there as a group:
For
starters – a variety of salads and a fresh warm focaccia bread, tomato soup and
excellent fried breaded cauliflower!
For main
course, we had excellent Asian-flavored Salmon well prepared and cooked served
on vegetables, tender stewed beef, Asian chicken with coriander, and vegetarian
patties.
The
sides were quite creative. The potatoes were cooked with sundried tomatoes,
onions and olives with herbs and tasted like heaven! The rice was full of
spices and was a big success on the table. Also fries and fresh Israeli salad
were served.
We got
an assortment of desserts: Belgian Waffle, Fried Choros, chocolate fondant, ice
creams and sorbet.
While
the restaurant is not a gourmet restaurant, the food is well presented and
really tasty! There are many other plates served, so check the full menu when
you get there.
At Gaash
Baths one can rent lockers, towels, robes and buy spa shoes. Additional items
can be purchased at the shop. Gaash is open every day with extended hours with
shows during some days of week.
Disclosure:
I was a guest of the place
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