Travel

Five Places Where You Need To Be Kissed

From Tel Aviv to the Negev Desert and Back

From Anthony Grant, former About.com Guide

Five places where you need to be kissed now -- and why not? Perhaps you didn't think of Israel as a romantic destination, and maybe it isn't. But were the likes of Paris and Venice ever elected capitals of love by free and democratic election? No. And my vote's on Israel for places that will surprise you with the power to wow you, and if that isn't a recipe from romance, I don't know what is. So from the towers of Tel Aviv to the desert sands of the Negev, here are some choice spots in Israel where, for your own good, you need to be kissed now.

1. Scots Hotel, Tiberias

Photo: Scots Hotel Tiberias

The luxurious Scots Hotel in Tiberias was built by the Church of Scotland in the refurbished historical buildings of the Scottish Hospital. Here, you'll find a supremely restful atmosphere, amid a fusion of 19th-century basalt stone buildings with 18 guestrooms and a more modern wing with 50 more. Access to the swimming pool is by elevated walkway over exquisite, luxuriant gardens straight out of the bible. From the glorious pool, you can look out over the Sea of Galilee all the way to the Golan Heights.

This is an upscale hotel where bacon is readily available (yum!) and is that rare place that's perfect for families and couples alike. Sources say the aforementioned gardens are quite conducive to a kiss, stolen or otherwise.

2. Tel Aviv Port

Photo: Anthony Grant

Malls aren't generally romantic places, but what about un-malls? The Tel Aviv Port complex, called Namal in Hebrew, would qualify as one of those: lots of great shops and restaurants, and no roof. Located in north Tel Aviv and right alongside the sea, this is perhaps -- with the clear exception of the Carmel Market -- the most iconic of Tel Aviv's shopping places.

The long, vast decks are made of bleached gray wood and in places are fashioned to look like sand dunes, their gentle curves forming a foreground to an aquatic orchestra of white-blue waves that lap the railing. Serenaded by sea spray, it's also the perfect staging ground for a sun-kissed you-know-what.

3. Beresheet, Negev

Photo: Anthony Grant

Beresheet is a new resort located in the dusty Negev Desert town of Mitzpe Ramon, about two hours south of the Dead Sea. The name in Hebrew means means "genesis."

Beresheet aspires to eco-sensitivity – after you park and arrive, the only way to get around is by electric golf cart or on foot. There are 111 rooms and suites located in different areas throughout the property. Forty-two suites have their own swimming pools. The restaurant features organic cuisine and a décor that, thanks to floor-to-ceiling glass walls, opens up to the desert views.

Beresheet is located literally on top of the Makhtesh Ramon, the world’s biggest crater formed from natural erosion, and a spectacular highlight of the Negev. Sources say there is already a tradition of kissing on the balcony that hovers spectacularly over the crater.

4. Rosh Pina

Photo: Anthony Grant

Israel has plenty of pretty hill towns like Safed, Zichron Yaakov and Rosh Pina. Safed may be better known outside Israel than Rosh Pina -- it is, after all, the home of Jewish mysticism and a known haunt of Madonna when the Kabbalah Girl visits Israel -- but it's Rosh Pina that wins over more Israelis on account of its great restaurants and small inns with a rustic yet upmarket ambience.

Located in the Galilee, in Israel's north, Rosh Pina overlooks the Hula Valley and edge of the Golan Heights. Leafy and artsy, its history is similar to that of Zichron Yaakov to the south. Today it has a large assortment of very charming inns and restaurants - some, like Pina Barosh, are both.

Pina Barosh is reminiscent of some of the wonderfully refurbished old farmhouse (agrotourism) properties you'll find in places like Cyprus and Italy. The guestrooms are resplendent with exposed stone walls and comfy furnishings, but it's the view from the restaurant that's the more ravishing backdrop to a kiss...and to be frank, a clucking amazing chicken salad.

5. Bat Yam

Photo: Anthony Grant

Let's face it, you really don't need to be kissed on the beach in Tel Aviv, because it would be a bit like locking lips on a crowded subway platform -- you might be footloose, fancy free and sunbaked, but chances are slim you'll be anything close to alone.

What makes Bat Yam's beach prime get-kissed country is its off-the-radar feel even though it's literally just footsteps south of Jaffa. This is where you go when you have a free afternoon in Tel Aviv but can't handle the city's boardwalk bustle. Bat Yam isn't glamorous, but the beach is actually wider (and I'd guess, cleaner) than Tel Aviv's long stretch of sand. So revel in this insider sexy secret, slather on the sunblock and pucker up!

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