Believe it or not, until the 1980s, members of Israel’s Histadrut labor union received an annual paid vacation at a designated Beit Havra’a (Wellness House). These facilities were dotted around the country to provide guests with complete rest and relaxation.
Although far too young to have experienced a Beit Havra’a, David Perez, 45, says he has always felt nostalgia for them.
So, when he went into the hospitality business, he took aspects of the concept as a blueprint. The result is Slowness, a new 30-room “countryside” hotel on Kibbutz Moran in the Galilee.
“It’s not just a boutique hotel which gives you a place to sleep. But a quiet place where you can eat well, sleep well, unwind, and get sunshine and fresh air. We provide hospitality built around wellness,” the former Tel Avivian tells ISRAEL21c.
The Slow-ness vibe
Slowness is distinct from the usual hotel experience.
There is no reception or check-in procedure. Guests receive a welcome WhatsApp message informing them of their room number and then slip quietly into their quarters without doing paperwork.
The sign that points to the accommodation is labeled “Rest.” Housed in rows of renovated kibbutz houses, the rooms have large windows looking out onto thick greenery that gives both privacy and a feeling of being surrounded by nature.
All the tones used in the décor are muted, creating a peaceful atmosphere. There is no TV in sight. On a shelf above the herbal tea and ceramic mugs is a linen pouch containing a self-exploratory card game and a book of poetry.
