The hotel born at the worst time – and became one of the Kinneret's pleasant surprises

The Nofei David Galil Resort in Kfar Nahum, which opened about three years ago at the worst possible timing, just before the wars and evacuations in the north, is finally starting its life. The hotel, built on land purchased from the church, offers 276 rooms, the Darya spa, an infinity pool, an amphitheater with 800 seats, and focuses on the Israeli audience until incoming tourism returns. A weekend visit included a REWIRE retreat with lectures by Dan Ariely and Dr. Nader Buto, and revealed a hotel offering a complete experience of landscape, food, and spa.

The Nofei David Galil Resort, located near Kfar Nahum on the northern shore of the Kinneret, opened about three years ago at the worst possible timing, just before the region entered a period of wars, evacuations, and a difficult security situation. The hotel was forced to open, close, and resume operations repeatedly, and only now, after a long period of uncertainty, is it beginning to fulfill its purpose. The hotel was built on land purchased from the church in Kfar Nahum, with the initial intention of attracting incoming tourism to one of the holiest Christian sites. In the first three years, almost no tourists arrived from abroad, so efforts were directed at the Israeli audience. CEO Itai Eshel explains that the chain plans to expand to Jerusalem as well, in a similar model. The hotel offers 276 rooms, including suites and family rooms, a whole floor for couples with jacuzzis, a children's pool, a playroom, the Darya spa with ten treatment rooms, and an infinity pool overlooking the Kinneret. A huge glass wall along seven floors opens the view to the lake. The complex includes an amphitheater with 800 seats, which has hosted performances by Idan Raichel and Hatikva 6, and the chain intends to make it a regional cultural hub. A weekend visit included a REWIRE retreat with lectures by Prof. Dan Ariely, Dr. Nader Buto, and Talia Green Titiyon, along with a performance by comedian Daniel Chen and a party with DJ Skazi. The food, combining Israeli cuisine with Mediterranean touches, was praised, and the spa massage was described as one of the best the writer has experienced.