By Sarah Carnvek
Rural tourism in Israel has always been a popular holiday option. There are dozens of cottages, guesthouses and cabins peppered throughout the country in kibbutzim, moshav villages and community settlements. Moshav Amirim – a vegetarian cooperative community in the Upper Galilee – pioneered the idea of countryside accommodation.
Amirim built its first guesthouses in 1961. Back then, the community realized it had the potential for being a great stopover for tourists heading to Jewish sites in Safed and Christian holy places in Tiberias.
In 1985, the Tourist Ministry officially labeled Amirim a "rural tourist village," the first of its kind in Israel.
Over the years, the tourism market has increasingly demanded rural atmosphere with posh accommodation. So, Amirim built to measure.
The alleyways of this cozy community are lined with bed-and-breakfasts, galleries and spas. From the outside the cabins may look rustic but inside these guesthouses are designed to the last detail. Many of the suites are super-luxurious with private Jacuzzis, top-of-the-line televisions, decorative furniture and other modern facilities.
Situated at a height of 600 meters above sea level, overlooking the Lower Galilee and the Sea of Galilee, the view from Amirim – which means “summits” in Hebrew -- is hard to top.
"The view here is breathtaking; we're located in the heart of a nature reserve, and there are great people here," says Gitit Zarchi, owner of View 10 (Nof 10) Luxury Suites and Spa, of Amirim's success in the rural tourism market.
Eco-tourism in a cappuccino
When visiting Amirim, tourists can feel at one with nature but don't need to forgo their morning cappuccino while doing so. The community is vegetarian and vegan and many people are involved in recycling projects, says Zarchi.
The latest trend in North America is locavorism, eating food that comes from within 100 miles of home. Amirim has been practicing this tenet for the last six decades. The vegetables and fruit served in the eateries here come mainly from garden patches near the guesthouses.
The little community has a growing culinary scene. There's an Indian restaurant, a few vegetarian and vegan eateries and bakeries, too.
Breakfast at Caffecito in Amirim
And while for many guests, the thought of only eating vegetarian food might sound like a recipe for constant hunger, the restaurants and cafes in Amirim have extensive menus that prove otherwise.
"My menu includes fritters with nuts, blintzes, soups, lots of organic salads, desserts, herbal tea. You leave here full and satisfied," says Dalia Cohen, the venerable owner of the village's landmark restaurant, Dalia, which opened its doors 30 years ago. "You can be a master chef with a vegetarian meal."
Galilee ambiance
International guidebooks tend to refer to Amirim as a hilltop community with a European feel. In fact, this neighborhood is an Israeli community with a Galilee ambiance.
Nearly the whole community has a hand in tourism and as such makes it a top priority that visitors feel comfortable and at peace during their stay in Amirim. Everyone is ready to help or direct you wherever you're going.
Deluxe accommodations in a rural settingThe pace is relaxed and carefree. Visitors are encouraged to while time away at the many cafes in the area. Or visit a gallery. Or relax at the spa.
"Amirim has restaurants, artists, galleries, nature trails, guesthouses and cabins. It's a true holiday village," says Zarchi.
Amirim also boasts many nature trails, which inevitably lead to a spectacular view of the Sea of Galilee (Lake Kinneret) below. In summer, there's a community pool that is accessible to visitors.
And Amirim is still the perfect starting point for a tour of the Galilee region. It's just a 25-minute drive to Safed, a 40-minute drive to Tiberias or a horseback or jeep ride to the nearby nature reserves.
Other attractions in the area include kayaking on the Jordan River, tours of the Golan Heights and boat trips on the Sea of Galilee.