WHO ARE WE?

Ein Gedi is a beautiful oasis mentioned in Song of Songs, the place where King David hid from King Saul who gave chase with an army of 3,000 men in the caves of Ein Gedi.

The name Ein Gedi means 'Spring of the Kid' which refers to the Ibex which can be spotted during quiet walks through the valley.

The climate is dry and the plains arid. The temperatures soar in the summer and fall to no less than 10 degrees in the winter. The high oxygen levels, low location and the pollution free air make it one of the healthiest places in the world.

The area was first inhabited well before King David's time. The first inhabitants lived there in the Stone Age (approximately 5000 years ago). The Jewish village of Ein Gedi was inhabited in Biblical times and was destroyed and rebuilt again and again over the centuries. However, before the founding of Kibbutz Ein Gedi in 1956 it had not been inhabited for 500 years.

The kibbutz was established in 1956. A group of young army recruits dreamt of a home in the Judean Desert. The location of the kibbutz makes the political difficulties of today in the country seem a far cry away from the centre of the Dead Sea. Vegetable gardens, Date plantations and Turkey houses were just a few of the original business ventures. It did not take long for the young pioneers to realize that they were actually sitting on an international treasure. Cleopatra believed it so why shouldn't everyone else. Black mud, Hot Sulphur water, Dead Sea and natural springs all generate a sense of rejuvenation, tranquility, peace and serenity.

And so, the 'Country Hotel' was founded. Since then it has flourished. The Spa, Restaurants, Botanical Garden, 4x4 desert terrain vehicles all thrive and grow to bring you the ultimate in a pleasurable holiday.

The members today are creative crafters and their wares can be seen in the souvenir shops dotted all over 'Ein Gedi Country'.

It is a fact that life is certainly not boring with Jerusalem being one hour away and Ben Gurion Airport one and a half hours away. Ein Gedi features on every Tour Operators itinerary because it is well worth a visit.

WHO ARE WE? Essence of life.