8 Best Hotels in Upper Galilee and the Golan, Israel

With a splendid view of the Sea of Galilee, this colonial-style hotel south of Rosh Pina specializes in pampering its clients. Its spa features such treatments as the olive-branch massage and other rubdowns with oils distilled from wildflowers. The organic restaurant is known throughout the region, and the lobby has an herbal-tea corner open around the clock. A gallery sells local artworks, and a gift shop offers homemade breads, cheese, and other products. About half the accommodations are suites with their own whirlpool tubs.

Each of these distinctively designed suites offers all of the amenities you could want in a Rosh Pina retreat. The owner restored one of the historic homes built by Baron Rothschild in the late 1800s for the settlement's farmers. Taking it upon himself to be an ambassador for Rosh Pina, Kobi Kuperberg takes incredible care to make sure that you have a pleasant journey. Upon arrival, you will be greeted with wine, fruit, and chocolates. Breakfast is served in the peaceful gardens surrounding your suite, which have lots of stone and beautifully finished wood.

This stunning mansion has been in the Hameiri family since it was built in the late 1880s. The current generation has renovated the rooms and landscaped the grounds with an elegant touch. Most rooms have stained-glass doors and vaulted ceilings; it's worth asking for one of the pair with private terraces.

The waters of the Hermon Stream flow through a glass-covered channel in the lobby of this laid-back lodging. It's the one place where nature has been corralled, as everywhere else you look you'll see the snow-covered peaks of Mount Hermon or the rolling Naftali Hills. Although the rooms are simply decorated, they are perfect for families. There's a health and wellness center with indoor and outdoor pool, as well as a soothing spa. Kayaking and walking tours are available.

This lodging's peculiar name (it means "The Last Supper") shouldn't stop you from enjoying its magnificent views of the Golan Heights, the Sea of Galilee, and the Galilee mountains. The owners have outfitted each of the suites in classic style with furnishings they collected while traveling through Europe. They are happy to prepare gourmet breakfasts, lunches, and dinners, but many guests skip breakfast because each room has a kitchen stocked with a selection of cereals, yogurt, fruit, and other delicacies.

At the entrance to the Hula Lake Nature Reserve, the Hotel Galilion is a luxurious haven for bird-watchers. Guests can book spa treatments (or include them in the rate), relax poolside with a drink from the pool bar, and enjoy abundant buffet dinners and breakfasts in the dining hall. The two-story buildings are in desert-stone yellow, and the guest rooms are done in warm red and brown hues and have photos of migrating birds. For stunning views, request a room with a balcony facing Mount Hermon.

Part of Kibbutz Kfar Blum, this hotel in the Upper Hula Valley has spacious and elegantly appointed rooms. The spa offers unusual experiences, such as a rain cave and a Turkish-style steam bath. An Olympic-size swimming pool is a great place to relax after a day of exploring. The kibbutz offers kayaking on the Jordan River and a chamber-music festival every summer. It's 8 km (5 miles) southeast of Kiryat Shmona.

High in the foothills of Golan Heights, this hotel is only a few minutes from good beaches and a water park. Its main building has comfortable guest rooms with private balconies and fabulous lake views. The deluxe wood chalets have whirlpool tubs, saunas, entertainment systems, and other perks. Free guided tours of the area are available in summer.