4 Best Hotels in Upper Galilee and the Golan, Israel

If relaxation is what you're after, look no further than this homey getaway, a good base for exploring the sights in the Golan Heights. The owner, Anat Cnaan, will greet you with open arms and a table filled with fruit and freshly baked goodies. Your well-designed suite will have a bottle of wine at the ready, which you can open on your personal patio overlooking the Sea of Galilee or enjoy during a relaxing soak in your suite's whirlpool tub. Spa treatments are available at very reasonable prices, and the lovely pool area was designed by Anat's architect-husband, Avi.

Nestled in the natural beauty of the Golan Heights is this gem of a hotel with an escapist feel, perfectly designed to complement the magical hilltop landscape. The exquisite Bauhaus design in a number of rooms pay homage to the building's origins as a French Customs House from the early 20th century.

Orchards surround this small hotel, so the heady aromas of the peaches and nectarines will bring you closer to nature as soon as you arrive. Views of the Golan Heights, Mount Hermon, and the Lebanon Mountains can be enjoyed from the pool, which is never crowded because it's shared by just five suites. Freshly brewed coffee and snacks baked on the premises are served throughout the day. This place feels like home after even a short visit. The owners take you on orientation tours of the area and give you recommendations of activities that will enhance your stay.

In the Western Galilee, Tamar and Yaron Cohen created three lovely suites off their home, where they focus on their love of wine. The couple bottles wine in an underground cellar they built for themselves, combining Yaron's carpentry skills with Tamar's tasteful designs. Guests checking in receive a welcome tour of the cellar and a tasting. Naturally, the rooms are all stocked with a bottle, too. The kitchenette includes cold drinks, as well as Tamar’s homemade chocolate truffles, cheese crackers, and nut cookies. Complimentary bikes and a list of where to ride are included in the rates.