As we try to balance war and life in Israel, deciding where to travel within safe borders to maintain health and wellness has become crucial for those of us who live here and those who will be visiting. Among the few destinations that effortlessly blend mindfulness, charm, relaxation, local sourcing and delicious cuisine in one stay, one that clearly stands out is Sloness Moran.
This was my second visit (the first was when Slow-ness opened), and it was a quiet reminder that one of life’s greatest luxuries is enjoying the great outdoors. Book one of the 30 coveted rooms before they fill up to soak up the serene atmosphere of this laid-back sanctuary built on the idea that everyone needs a few days to unwind barefoot in nature.
concept
In the middle of the pandemic, friends Eli Shaked, David Peretz and Amir Glick (owners of Studio Naim) came together with a shared dream to recreate the Relaxation Houses, the ’60s- and ’70s-style slow-down hotels in Israel that their parents’ generation would visit a few times a year to unwind in nature.
These humble retreats were social, cultural and wellness retreats from the city, work and pressures of modern life, with an emphasis on holistic care of the mind, body and soul, connection with nature, healthy nutrition, exercise, enjoyable routines and community.
Feeling a calling to revive this safe haven, the three set out to find the perfect location to give others – and themselves – the same experience. Along the way, they discovered an old guesthouse and communal kitchen space, and quickly came up with the blueprint for their own slow-paced haven. Today, Kibbutz Slowness at Moran is a stylish, unpretentious rural hotel with a focus on conscientious hospitality.
stay
Getting there is easy: Slowness is just under two hours’ drive from Tel Aviv, or take the train to Karmiel and then a 15-minute taxi ride. Once you arrive, settle into one of the minimalist, inviting rooms, where you’ll find comfy beds adorned with soft organic sheets next to large windows facing the forest. If you choose one of the property’s four suites, you’ll enjoy a large living room space where you can entertain friends or just relax. Since Slowness is a full-body experience, it’s no surprise that each room comes stocked with organic, eco-friendly soaps, shampoos, and conditioners.
Drop your bags and make your way leisurely to the heart of the hotel, a farm-to-table chef’s kitchen set on a vast lawn. The space blends vintage and urban aesthetics to encourage leisurely dining, providing a soothing setting for visitors looking to indulge in a menu heavy on dairy and fish. Chef Nitai Yahalom applies thoughtful, meticulous classical techniques to locally sourced, organic, seasonal whole foods from the region’s many farms, creating dishes that will please even the pickiest eaters, one of whom is my cousin, who is gluten-free and dairy-free, but there are plenty of options, including house-made gluten-free breads and pastries. Sip on cocktails and wines from local vineyards while you tuck into cabbage, sea bass and healthy pastas as your main course.
Feel free to wander the tranquil space and enjoy the bar, piano and fireplace, or peruse the shops’ curated selection of goods, soaps and other homewares. I bought some pottery from Kibbutz Mahanaim’s shop, where you can also buy jams, cheeses, homemade spreads and crackers to enjoy a leisurely picnic outdoors.
The main restaurant isn’t your only option: head across the street to Galilee Brewery for lamb, steak, eggs and freshly brewed beer (try the IPA) brewed on-site. Housed in an old brewery that served as a kibbutz local pub, Slow-ness founders worked with Guy Segal and Yahav Yaakov to bring it back to life. Sit on the patio and don’t miss the chocolate cake or apricot and pistachio tart for dessert.
But enough about food, let’s talk more about health.
Slow-ness publishes a list of weekly activities you can take part in. There’s something for everyone, from yoga (vinyasa, ashtanga, restorative) to journaling sessions and flexibility courses. And for those who just want to relax, the hotel’s outdoor pool is surrounded by lush trees. Lie outside with a good book, then rejuvenate with a soothing afternoon in the wood sauna. Staff can also recommend local masseuses for those in need of a relaxing massage.
Unlike many hotels that aim to offer a similar style of escape, Slowness is not isolated but surrounded by authentic, modest kibbutz homes, where kibbutz families live – in fact, kibbutzim love the concept so much that they have become partners of Slowness.
price
Much of Israel’s accommodation is overpriced and mediocre, but this relaxing stay is (we all agree) worth it. From the beautiful design to the free yoga and exercise classes, this hotel is well worth the price.
During high season, a weekend stay for couples will cost around 2,500 NIS for a standard room and 3,200 NIS for a suite, including breakfast. Prices are about 15% cheaper on weekdays, with three-night stays available for under 2,000 NIS on weekdays.
Add in dinner in a restaurant and the average price for two people, including drinks, will be around NIS 450.
But don’t give up on the slow life just for the winter: the region may get colder, but it’s just as beautiful in the off-season. Take advantage of discounted rates and stay and work remotely with other nomads, couples, and those who simply want to slow down, connect with themselves, and get inspired.
To book your stay, please visit our website https://slow-ness.com/en/ or contact us at hello@slow-ness.com or +972-(0)4-8111030. Also, to stay up to date on our latest events and retreats (including the launch of our upcoming half-board accommodation option), follow us on Instagram @moranslowness.
Slower
Slowness Moran is just the first of several that Shaked, Peretz, and Glick (who aren’t hoteliers by trade) plan to open around the country. Future locations will likely be built near Moran, with an emphasis on families and longer-term wellness retreats. Either way, the message is clear: One day the war will end, good times will come, and we’ll need more places like Slowness so we can all breathe and reconnect with nature, others, and ourselves.
Lauren Gumport is a travel enthusiast, travel writer, and VP of Public Relations at travel tech startup Faye Travel Insurance. Her travel tips have been featured in The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, BuzzFeed, and more. Follow @Gumport on Instagram.
The author was a guest at the resort.
