The Dead Sea has taken the top spot on the top ten list of the prestigious tourist "Travel and Leisure" magazine as the most recommended "healing" destination.
Although Israelis already know that the Dead Sea is the winner for all those who seek out both healing and vacationing, but it is amazing to be validated by a prestigious international publication.
(Dead Sea)
"Besides it's breathtaking views, the Dead Sea is known have healing powers. From the black mud that can be lathered on the skin for peeling or easing of skin conditions such as psoriasis, and up to the natural power to cure asthma, joint inflammation, osteoporosis, and other health complications," wrote the American magazine.
In addition, the magazine acknowledged the unique tanning phenomenon in the lowest location on earth. "At 400 meters under sea level, the UV rays are filtered through evaporation layers above the Dead Sea, the ozone layer, and another atmospheric layer. It's said that this means that tanners can enjoy the benefits of the Vitamin D from the sun rays, with less risk of getting sunburnt or suffering skin diseases later on".
In the Tamar Dead Sea district, there was excitement surrounding the new status of the place. "We're very excited to have been chosen by one of the leading tourist magazines in the world".
Head of the district council, Nir Wagner, also expresses excitement, saying, "the Dead Sea is reliant on natural resources: water, sun, black mud, oxygen-rich air... and even amid COVID the area is lucky to see tourists".
The second on Travel and Leisure's list came the rainforest in Yakushima Island, Japan. This forest is home to trees aged between 2,000 to 7,000 years, which have healing properties. The forest is also said to be a place with spiritual forces to which many Japanese come to to mentally recharge.
Following in third place is Bimini's Healing Hole in the Bahamas. This is a pool filled with crisp cool water, and can only be accessed by boat. The pool collects salt water and sweet water from swamps with many minerals that can have healing powers.
In forth place, contrasting to the other untouched natural wonders, is a prestige manmade resort - Taos's Ojo Caliente, Mexico - located on one of America's oldest healing site. The site combines between healing pools with minerals and mud, with a desert cliffs in the background.
The rest of the list names the salt flats on the shoreline of south Caribbean island of Corsa near Venezuela, and the Saratoga springs in New York. It goes on to nominate the Okangan Valley in Britsh Columbia in Canada, Kagoshima in the city of Ibusuki in Japan, the famous Niagarra falls, and the Lithia springs in the city of Ashland in Oregon.