As I pen these words, wide awake at 3:30 AM aboard my flight from Tel Aviv to New York City, I can’t help but reflect on an extraordinary adventure. Despite a 12-hour journey ahead, sleep remains elusive, my mind still buzzing with the vibrant memories of the past week. I had hoped for eight hours of rest, but only managed three, a testament to the unforgettable experiences I’m eager to share.
An Unforgettable Week: My Vibe Israel Wellness & Culinary Tour
The last eight days have unfolded into one of the most unique, eye-opening, creatively inspiring, deliciously fun, educational, and utterly amazing experiences of my life. I was incredibly fortunate to be invited on a 7-day tour of Israel, aptly named Vibe Israel, organized by the wonderful non-profit, Kinetis. Vibe Israel is a visionary program designed to bridge the gap between common perceptions and the vibrant reality of the country, leveraging the power of immersive experiences and online influencers to share authentic stories. The timing couldn’t have been more perfect; just a week before receiving this incredible invitation, I had begun contemplating applying for a Birthright trip, thanks to a nudge from my friend, Davida. This journey felt like a serendipitous extension of that initial curiosity.
Our itinerary was meticulously crafted, packing an incredible array of experiences into just seven short days. My goal is to encapsulate the essence of this trip within this comprehensive post, with future articles dedicated to sharing the numerous recipes inspired by Israel’s rich culinary landscape – I’ve returned with a treasure trove of ideas! One of the aspects I’m most excited about is sharing the stunning visuals from our journey. We were incredibly lucky to have an exceptionally talented photographer, Or, accompany us throughout the entire week, capturing every moment and emotion through captivating stills and engaging videos. His work truly brought our adventure to life.
My fellow bloggers, Ben, Jessa, Kathryne, and Emily, and I all converged in Tel Aviv on a Sunday night. I truly couldn’t have asked for a more delightful and engaging group of individuals to share this adventure with. Our shared laughter and camaraderie were constants throughout the trip. Our arrival was exceptionally smooth, thanks to a VIP airport service that whisked me directly from the plane, through customs and passport control, to my luggage, and finally to my waiting taxi in an astonishingly short 30 minutes. A new personal record, no doubt! This VIP treatment continued seamlessly throughout the next eight days as the Vibe Israel Wellness Tour unveiled some of Israel’s most exquisite restaurants, luxurious spas, and fascinating farms. I’m excited to dive into some of my favorite moments, adorned with countless photos, all thanks to the incredible Or!
Floating in Wonder: The Dead Sea & Kibbutz Ein Gedi Experience
Without a doubt, the Dead Sea stands as one of the most awe-inspiring places I have ever visited. Prior to arriving, my knowledge was limited to the fact that its incredibly high salinity makes you effortlessly float. And indeed, you do! Comprising an astonishing 33.7% salt, this natural wonder is ten times more potent than the ocean. It’s a truly astounding phenomenon. While not officially designated as one of the Seven Wonders of the World, I’m personally casting my vote for it to be added as the eighth; its surreal beauty and unique properties are utterly breathtaking. The pure, mineral-rich salt it yields is renowned for its incredible health benefits, making it a destination for wellness seekers worldwide.
The quintessential Dead Sea ritual involves liberally coating your entire body with nutrient-rich mud, essentially a full-body mud mask – a surprisingly delightful experience! After allowing it to dry for a few minutes, you simply wade into the calm, buoyant waters, no floatation device necessary. A word of caution for those with sensitive skin or minor cuts: any open wounds will sting intensely upon contact with the highly saline water, so proceed with care. The sensation of floating is truly out of this world; I felt like a human bobber, completely weightless. After a refreshing rinse in the mineral springs, my skin felt exceptionally smooth, deeply cleansed, and thoroughly rejuvenated. This, I decided, should definitely become a regular part of my skincare regimen!
Before venturing to the Dead Sea itself, we spent a relaxing afternoon at the Ein Gedi Kibbutz. For those unfamiliar, a kibbutz is a unique, traditional Israeli community often based on agriculture and communal living. The Ein Gedi Kibbutz specifically hosts a renowned spa situated very close to the Dead Sea, drawing visitors seeking a few days of rejuvenation through saunas, Dead Sea water treatments, massages, and other luxurious spa services. The communal atmosphere was truly enjoyable, offering a fantastic opportunity to interact with locals. As part of the Vibe Israel experience, each of us received a unique spa treatment: a date wrap! Yes, you read that right – we were gently massaged with a delicious date paste and then enveloped in plastic to allow our skin to absorb all the nourishing goodness. (A quick note: dates are absolutely ubiquitous in Israel, a true staple!) The spa treatment was exquisitely relaxing, and I honestly could have happily lingered there for days.
A delightful interlude to our spa experience was the unexpected appearance of a magnificent animal, an ibex, which gracefully strolled onto the property to graze. I was able to get within three feet of it – a truly wild and wonderful moment!
The Vibrant Carmel Market and an Immersive Slow Food Workshop
I have always harbored a deep affection for markets, and let me tell you, Israelis truly excel at creating an unparalleled market experience. The Carmel Market was a sensory explosion of fresh, vibrant produce everywhere you looked. I’m talking about breathtaking rainbows of fruits, vegetables, aromatic spices, and an abundant variety of nuts, meticulously arranged and bursting with color and life. Our visit culminated in an incredible slow food workshop led by the talented Rafram Hadad. We started by immersing ourselves in the market’s hustle and bustle, hand-picking our ingredients directly from the vendors, then made our way to a stunning loft space to collaboratively prepare our lunch. This hands-on culinary journey was a highlight, connecting us deeply with the local food culture.
I can confidently say that Israelis are some of the most genuinely hospitable hosts I have ever encountered. While that might sound like a broad generalization, it is, in my experience, 100% accurate! If you find that hard to believe, you simply must experience it for yourself. We were graciously invited into the home of a local Israeli family, where we utilized their beautiful kitchen to prepare our freshly gathered ingredients. Afterward, we gathered around a piano, chatting and enjoying an impromptu jam session for about an hour and a half. It was a perfect, intimate immersion into local life, creating a truly personal and unforgettable memory.
A Deep Dive into Hummus: The Strauss Hummus Factory Tour
Prepare to indulge in all the hummus! One of the most fascinating stops on our tour was an exclusive visit to the Strauss Hummus Factory. Strauss, the esteemed Israeli parent company behind Sabra, is a major producer of hummus and a variety of cold salads. Having never before experienced an industrial food production tour, this was a truly eye-opening opportunity to witness the large-scale creation of a beloved staple. What impressed me most about the products from this factory was their unwavering commitment to quality: they are non-GMO, crafted with whole, natural ingredients, and, most importantly, absolutely delicious!
Following our immersive factory tour, we had the distinct pleasure of meeting the chief recipe developer, the culinary mastermind responsible for creating all the innovative new products in the test kitchen for Strauss’s Israeli sector. What an incredibly cool job – I secretly coveted his position! He guided us through the art of making traditional Israeli hummus at home, sharing invaluable tips and tricks. We learned everything from the optimal method for soaking and cooking chickpeas to achieving the perfect chickpea-to-tahini ratio (a precise 4 to 1). Perhaps the most surprising revelation was discovering that authentic Israeli hummus typically contains no olive oil within the blend itself; it’s traditionally drizzled generously on top just before serving. You truly learn something new every day, don’t you? After this enlightening experience, I’m practically ready to make eating hummus my full-time job – just like the Israelis do, albeit perhaps with a little less pita bread!
A Culinary Masterclass: Israeli Breakfast Workshop with Paula Rosenburg
Hands down, this was my absolute favorite activity of the entire trip: an Israeli breakfast workshop with the remarkable Paula Rosenburg. Paula is not just a local healthy living expert, recipe developer, and naturopath; she is an inspiring force of nature. From the moment I met her, I adored her. Her beautiful personality radiates both inside and out, and her passion for healthy living shines through every ounce of her energy and work.
Paula’s philosophy revolves around taking beloved classic Israeli dishes and infusing them with a healthy twist – a culinary approach that resonates perfectly with my own work on FFF. During the workshop, we crafted three iconic dishes: shakshouka, tahini, and falafel. This was my very first time experiencing authentic shakshouka, and I instantly fell in love. The dish is a symphony of fresh, incredible flavors in every bite. We prepared a delicious vegan version using tofu and nutritional yeast, a delightful alternative to the traditional egg-based recipe. You can definitely anticipate seeing my own healthy twist on shakshouka appearing on FFF very soon! Making falafel was another incredibly fun and engaging experience; the “ball jokes” were certainly flying around the kitchen! It’s surprisingly easy to make and bursting with flavor. We opted to bake our falafel instead of frying it, and honestly, I found its taste superior to the traditional fried variety – lighter yet equally satisfying. The tahini dish we created was visually stunning, infused with beet juice to give it the most vibrant, captivating pink hue. Surprisingly, the beet flavor was subtle, not overpowering. You can look forward to this beautiful and healthy tahini recipe making its debut on FFF as well!
Liquid Gold: Rishlakish Organic Olive Press
This experience marked a first for me: taking a “legit shot” of olive oil! Apparently, it aids digestion, and let’s just say, after indulging throughout the trip, it was much needed. A fun personal fact: I dislike olives but absolutely adore olive oil – I definitely inherited my dad’s taste buds! This visit to the Rishlakish Organic Olive Oil Farm and Press was an incredibly enriching experience. The business is a heartfelt family affair, operating with a steadfast commitment to being 100% organic. I gained invaluable knowledge about olive oil production, from how olives are meticulously processed into the liquid gold we cherish, to a plethora of practical tips and tricks.
Did you know that olive oil MUST be stored in a dark green glass jar? If the jar is clear or made of plastic, it will cause the olive oil to go rancid much faster. So, a crucial note to self and to you: always buy the good stuff in the right packaging – seriously! It’s an essential detail for preserving quality and flavor.
I thoroughly enjoyed being on this farm and delving into the intricacies of a product I use daily in my own kitchen. The most intriguing fact I learned was about using olive oil for high-heat cooking. Contrary to some myths, Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) is perfectly suitable for stir-fries and other high-heat applications, as it can be safely heated up to 400°F. The second most fascinating tidbit concerned baking with olive oil: when substituting it for other fats like butter, canola oil, or coconut oil, you only need to use 2/3 cup of olive oil for every 1 cup of the alternative. Interesting, right? These practical insights have certainly elevated my appreciation and understanding of this versatile kitchen essential.
Nourishing Body and Soul: Harduf Anthropomorphic Kibbutz and Organic Farm Lunch
The Harduf Anthropomorphic Kibbutz was an absolutely astonishing place, resonating deeply with me due to its incredible mission. This unique kibbutz is dedicated to providing a nurturing home and holistic support system for individuals with special needs, abused children, and those grappling with mental illness. Beyond simply offering shelter, they implement comprehensive programs focused on rehabilitation through art, which I firmly believe is one of the most powerful forms of medicine. It was profoundly moving to witness such compassion and dedication in action.
The entire kibbutz operates on the principles of sustainability, fueled by a magnificent 100% organic farm meticulously cultivated by the community members themselves. What makes this farm particularly remarkable is its incredible biodiversity; unlike most commercial farms that focus on a select few crops, this particular farm is more akin to a giant, flourishing garden, boasting hundreds of different varieties of fruits, vegetables, and herbs. They even raise their own chickens and dairy animals, ensuring their community is almost entirely self-sufficient, drawing sustenance directly from their own land. Witnessing this thriving ecosystem genuinely inspired me to embrace gardening more seriously, and soon! Our engaging guide on the property led us through the expansive gardens, allowing us to pick whatever fresh vegetables our hearts desired – a true farm-to-table experience.
After our harvest, we collected fresh eggs and had the opportunity to utilize one of the kibbutz’s communal cooking spaces for our lunch preparation. The highlight for me was getting to make our very own pita bread, baked in a traditional outdoor fire oven – truly an unforgettable hands-on experience! This workshop was perfectly aligned with my interests and passions, making it an absolute joy.
The Vibe Israel crew also became quite adept at capturing fantastic group photos, ensuring we had plenty of lasting memories!
Comfort and Charm: Our Israeli Accommodations
Throughout our journey, our accommodations provided much-needed comfort and local charm.
Diaghilev Hotel – For the majority of our time in Tel Aviv, we were based at the Diaghilev Hotel. Its prime location was a significant advantage, allowing us to explore many of Tel Aviv’s attractions on foot – a wonderful convenience! The hotel itself boasts a distinct artsy, boutique vibe, which I absolutely adored. Beautiful artwork adorned every corner, and our rooms were thoughtfully designed for comfort and relaxation, offering a perfect urban retreat.
Mizpe Hayamim – Nestled in the picturesque northern region of Israel, Mizpe Hayamim is renowned as one of the country’s most esteemed spa hotels. We heard from numerous locals that their massages are simply the best! Each of us was treated to an amazing suite, thoughtfully stocked with dried fruits and a bottle of fine wine, ensuring a truly luxurious stay. Beyond its spa facilities, Mizpe Hayamim distinguishes itself as an active organic farm. Its on-site Muscat Restaurant, which we savored (details below), champions a farm-to-table philosophy, utilizing almost exclusively produce harvested daily from its own fields, orchards, and dairy. This commitment to local, sustainable sourcing, including milk, yogurt, and cheeses, to fuel its exquisite menu, along with locally sourced meats, exemplifies an incredible hotel model that deeply impressed me.
Exploring Beyond: Other Memorable Activities
Our trip was enriched by several dynamic and engaging activities that allowed us to experience Israel’s contemporary lifestyle.
Tour of Tel Aviv via Bike Share – I am a huge advocate for bike share programs, and Tel Aviv’s system reminded me favorably of Minneapolis’s renowned one. I was genuinely surprised by how incredibly bikeable the city is. We spent a wonderful afternoon cycling down to the Mediterranean Sea, exploring a bustling market, and cruising through a vibrant shopping district, experiencing the city’s energy from a unique perspective.
Rooftop Yoga – My excitement soared when rooftop yoga was added to our itinerary at the last minute! We connected with an amazing local instructor, Maya, who led us through a serene 60-minute sunset Vinyasa flow atop her Tel Aviv loft. It was a truly magical experience, combining invigorating movement with breathtaking views as the sun dipped below the horizon <3.
Workout at a Local Health Club – My final day in Tel Aviv wasn’t officially part of the Vibe Israel Tour. Ben, Jessa, and I were the only ones who hadn’t yet flown home, leaving us with an entire day to explore Tel Aviv at our leisure. I was thrilled to discover that Ben and Jessa shared my passion for fitness (have you seen their blog?!). We decided to pop over to a local gym for a quick sweat session and utilized their showers, as we had already checked out of our hotel – a perfect way to refresh before our flights!
A Culinary Tour: Where We Indulged
It truly felt as if we ate our way through Israel – quite literally! We had the incredible opportunity to indulge in an extensive variety of exquisite dishes, ranging from innovative vegan creations to sumptuously organic meaty delights. Every restaurant on our itinerary was meticulously chosen to align with our group’s keen interest in health food, a testament to the thoughtful planning of the Vibe Israel tour. The food was consistently amazing, though often served in truly generous quantities. The chefs and owners of these establishments were beyond generous, showering us with practically every item on their menus – I kid you not! Almost without exception, each meal began with an abundant spread of drinks and appetizers, followed by a series of main courses, and culminating in delightful desserts. The majority of our meals were served family-style, which was absolutely fantastic, as it allowed me to sample and savor everything! Here’s a list of the incredible places where we dined, along with a brief description of their culinary specialties:
Taizu – This “Asia Terranean Kitchen” offers a fresh, innovative concept based on Chef Yuval Ben Neriah’s personal interpretation of street foods from five distinct Southeast Asian countries: India, China, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. All I can say is, it was absolutely flipping delicious, a true fusion of flavors!
Village Green Vegan Restaurant – Offering fresh and truly delicious vegan food served hot-bar style, reminiscent of a Whole Foods Market. This spot easily became one of my favorite lunch experiences – wholesome and incredibly satisfying!
Cafe Louise – A delightful haven for fresh, delicious, and healthy meals, with a strong emphasis on vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free dishes. Their food was light yet incredibly flavorful!
Nanuchka Georgian Vegan Restaurant – An authentic Georgian restaurant that is remarkably 100% vegan! The flavors were exceptionally rich and satisfying, proving that vegan cuisine can be both hearty and incredibly delicious.
Muscat Restaurant (Mizpe Hayamim Restaurant) – Nestled within the beautiful Mizpe Hayamim hotel, the dishes here are meticulously prepared using a rich array of fresh produce harvested daily from the hotel’s own fields, orchards, farm, and dairy. Their desserts were absolutely fabulous, a sweet conclusion to a farm-fresh meal!
Puaa Restaurant – Imagine comfort food elevated to a healthy, creative art form! This charming restaurant, with its cozy, “hole-in-the-wall” feel, offered an incredibly inventive menu that delighted our taste buds.
Reflections: My General Thoughts on Israel, Tel Aviv, and the Culture
Approaching this experience, I honestly had no preconceived notions, or perhaps a somewhat skewed vision, of what Israel truly was. I have been utterly and completely blown away by an incredible tapestry of diversity, profound hospitality, a vibrant focus on health and wellness, authentic community spirit, and cutting-edge technology. Tel Aviv, in particular, stands out as one of the coolest cities I’ve ever had the pleasure of visiting. Situated gracefully along the azure Mediterranean Sea, it proudly claims its title as the startup capital of the Middle East. The entire city is remarkably walkable and impressively green, boasting extensive bike paths lining its streets, ubiquitous recycling nets, accessible hydration stations, and a charming abundance of dog walkers. The overarching vibe I absorbed was distinctly European yet brimming with innovative energy.
Israel itself is an exceptionally young nation, a mere 75 years old, and this youthfulness is reflected in Tel Aviv, where the average age is a remarkably youthful 31 years old – truly astounding! I particularly cherished the rich mixture of people we encountered. Many were native-born Israelis, but a significant number were transplants from all corners of the globe, contributing to Israel’s incredibly diverse and cosmopolitan atmosphere. One significant misconception I held was the belief that everyone in Israel is Jewish and intensely religious. Interestingly, the Jewish people we met in the areas we visited often seemed less outwardly religious than some Jewish communities I’ve encountered in America (Joanna, the founder of Kinetis, confirmed this observation!). My initial vision of intensely religious individuals living across Israel gave way to the reality of ordinary, Westernized people going about their daily lives. (It’s worth noting that we did not have the opportunity to visit Jerusalem, which I understand is home to a much more visibly religious population.)
What truly made this adventure exceptional was the deeply personal nature of every experience. The sheer privilege of meeting so many incredible locals, being welcomed into their homes, and listening to their unique stories offered an immersion unlike any other. I firmly believe that the individuals who contributed to this tour are what made it so genuinely surreal and profoundly impactful. It felt as though we were given an exclusive, “insider edition” of Israel, which is precisely my preferred way to travel – authentic, intimate, and richly personal.
As for the health and wellness scene in Israel, I was genuinely blown away. It always brings a smile to my face to see people running and working out in foreign countries, and Tel Aviv certainly delivered its fair share of exercisers on the streets! It was evident that the general population is health-conscious, and the city boasts a commendable number of healthy restaurants, which made me incredibly happy. The most intriguing aspect I observed about the Israeli health movement was its apparent strong correlation with veganism. In the US, we see a myriad of different “health diets,” but from what I witnessed in Israel, the equation seemed simple: Healthy = Vegan. Let’s just say the vegan movement here is incredibly popular and thriving. I’m simply overjoyed to see people embracing their greens and proudly living a plant-forward lifestyle!
The Vibe Israel Gang at the Farewell Cocktail Party
I could easily continue for many more paragraphs, but I shall conclude here, brimming with gratitude. I want to extend a ridiculously enormous thank you to Kinetis, to its visionary founder, Joanna, and to the exceptional program director, Rotem, for orchestrating and making this truly unforgettable experience possible. My heart is already longing for my next trip back to this incredible country!
P.S.: I am proud to announce that I managed to work out on 5 of the 7 days I spent in Israel. It was much-needed after our daily gastronomic adventures – and I truly mean stuffing our faces (right, Kate?). A special thanks again to Emily Miner for motivating those workouts!
This post is proudly sponsored by Kinetis and Vibe Israel. While I received a round-trip, all-expenses-paid trip to Israel, I was not monetarily compensated for this post. All opinions and experiences shared here are 100% my own, genuine reflections. Thank you for supporting my dream of cooking and eating my way through the world!