Lifestyle

The holiday village "Athanchata Bafik": a pampering vacation in a kibbutz atmosphere

June 4, 2023
6:38 am

Although we usually think of it in the green winter, the Golan Heights is loved by travelers at this time of the year mainly because of the streams and springs full of cool water. Recently the level has become particularly popular due to the understanding that there is nothing like the holiday villages in the kibbutzim for families and couples who love to travel.

In the south of the plateau, in front of the views of the Sea of Galilee, the Jordan Valley and the Golan Mountains, is the holiday village "Athanchata Bafik". The resort, located at the edge of Kibbutz Afik, is surrounded by lawns and trees and overlooks Nahal Fik. It has 45 accommodation units, a spa complex with treatment rooms and a hammam, a sauna and a jacuzzi, a swimming pool, a cool cafe that turns into a bar in the evening with young friends who prepare fresh food and unique pastries, a lawn with barbecues, a dining room and even a charming children's garden.

The resort is divided into 30 premium rooms that can accommodate up to a couple of adults plus two children. The rooms have a double bed and two pull-out beds, a spacious bathroom, an equipped kitchenette and an indoor and outdoor seating area. The complex also has 15 suites for couples and families of an adult couple plus three children. The suites have a large jacuzzi in the bedroom, a fully equipped kitchenette, a large living room with pull-out sofas, a dining area and a private balcony.

Athena (Photo: Arnold Barr)

The rooms are all designed in a clean line with lots of light, the furniture is modern, the common spaces are spacious, and the level of equipment in the kitchenette allows for the preparation of light meals.

Those staying at the resort can enter the kibbutz pool, which is a few steps away from the rooms. The pool is semi-Olympic and surrounded by lawns, trees and shaded areas. There is also a toddler pool and a snack bar that offers drinks and snacks.

There are two hiking trails from the resort – both lead to Ein Peak, which we will expand on later. The difference between them is the departure points, which allow you to choose a short and a long route. If you don't feel like making an effort, of course you have the option of traveling by car or choosing to hang out at a kibbutz, have a picnic with salads and pastries you bought at the cafe or cook on the grill. I recommend the cafe's excellent lasagna with a cool basalt beer, which in the afternoon during happy hour they offer it in a 1+1 sale. In general, this is a great place to rest and spend a long weekend, or as a focal point for star tours in the area – so you can definitely enjoy all the worlds here – a holiday in a kibbutz atmosphere with luxurious rooms, the possibility to travel to a variety of attractions and points of interest within a half-hour drive, or simply to have fun deciding on a kibbutz.

Prices: from NIS 700 per night with breakfast for a couple in the middle of the week. From NIS 900 per couple per night with breakfast on the weekend.
"I will land in Afik", Kibbutz Afik.

For more details: 073 – 7594550

Ein Peak

We have already mentioned that five minutes from the kibbutz you will find Ein Peak – a hidden spring that is loved by the residents of the area. The spring water comes from a cave and drains into a pool at a height of 1.8 meters which is shaded under fig trees. The descent to the pool is a bit steep, but it is also suitable for families. Along the way down you will see the remains of the Syrian village of Peak, and from the view terrace there you can look out over the ancient city of Susita. Besides the deep pool, there is a wooden bench and shady corners. If you continue after the pool, you will be able to see the cave from which the spring comes out and families with small children usually settle next to it.

Ein Peak (photo: Mittal Sharabi)

Ain Selukia

About 20 minutes from Apik is Ein Selukia ("Springs of Eden"). The route to the springs is easy and very suitable for families (not suitable for strollers) and dipping in its cool pools is like jumping into heaven on a hot day. The access to the pools is simple and easy – from a regulated parking lot there is a path leading to a magical stream, the waters of which flow in small cascades into the wading pools.

In fact, Ein Salukia sits in a kind of "mini park" where there is a clear path that runs partly in the shallow water. Along the path there are quite a few shady corners where you will find couples and families having a picnic.

Ein Salukia (Photo: Mittal Sharabi)

"El Sultan"

One of the most fun experiences in traveling is discovering new places and tastes – especially when they are in the most unexpected places. Within walking distance of Tiberias is the Big Furia shopping center, and while it attracts shoppers from the area, not many know that it is home to "El Sultan" – one of the best Arabic restaurants around.

Alsultan Restaurant (Photo: Tal Paz Communications)

"El Sultan" is a restaurant that specializes in authentic Arab food – and most importantly, it has the best table opening we've seen lately. This means that as soon as you sit down, the table is decorated with an unimaginable variety of fresh salads based on seasonal vegetables, tahini and hummus and hot pitas from the tabon. In the main section you will find grilled meat, fish and fresh seafood. There are also more authentic dishes such as stuffed lamb neck. And you can't finish the meal without nostalgic desserts such as Bavaria, chocolate mousse or baklava and hot coffee.
"El Sultan" restaurant, Big Furia center, Tiberias.

Opening hours: all week, from 10:00 to 0:00.

For more details: 04 – 6733488

The fishermen meeting

It is impossible to travel in the area without stopping at an authentic fish restaurant, and on the banks of the Sea of Galilee, one such is waiting for you – the "Fishermen's Meeting" restaurant by Chef Manor Zithoni. The restaurant, which is based on fresh fish that comes straight from the national lake, sits in a building that was previously used by the kibbutz fishermen, where they cleaned the fish and prepared fresh food for them from the fish they collected with their own hands. If you sit inside the building, you can see old photographs that tell the history of the local fishing industry, but on days like this – especially towards sunset – you should sit outside and enjoy the breathtaking view that is a perfect setting for a meal.

Among the dishes on the menu: fried mullet or sea bream, grilled fillet pieces, grilled in the oven with confit garlic butter and herbs, sea fish cigar accompanied by tahini, arysa and pickled lemon, handmade focaccia with dips, homemade hummus, salads, children's dishes and desserts.