Arrival/Check-In: After spending the day in Petra, Jordan, we followed an ancient spice route through the Negev Desert and crossed the border into Israel. We made our way to the Beresheet Hotel, which sits 2,625 feet above sea level on top of the Ramon Crater. Unlike impact craters, Ramon was formed by water erosion. The sprawling complex is completely made of native stone.

Check-in was swift, but we had to arrange a few details. We wanted to make sure we had dinner reservations, as it was Shabbat, and we also needed to confirm our excursion to the Ramon Crater the following morning. After a little confusion, we secured an experienced ranger and a Polaris RZR 4×4 for the crater ride.

The friendly bellman escorted us (and lots of luggage) to our room in a golf cart. A fleet of these carts scurries about transporting guests from their rooms to the main building.

Guest Quarters: We were in Room Four, which was a pleasant boardwalk away from the main building. The room offered a crater view and an outside patio with a small plunge pool. Desert evenings can become cool, and the property suggests you have a jacket, even in the summer. Our suite included all the amenities one requires when traveling, including a Nespresso coffeemaker, storage for clothing and a small, built-in desk. (With so much relaxation available at the property, who needs a desk?) After passing through the hallway/entrance, we entered the bedroom with a king-sized bed and a small sitting area near the sliding doors to the patio. The design was uniquely Israeli contemporary. Toiletries included the hotel-branded Desert Essence shampoo, shower gel and other accoutrements all displayed nicely on the sink vanity.

Services/Amenities: Although we were warned we were checking in during Shabbat, we saw little effect. The Rosemary Restaurant was wonderful, and I could hardly tell anything was different due to the Sabbath. A large dinner buffet offered many stations (we were told the staff could not cook, just warm things). It was a wonderful experience all around, and we enjoyed a post-dinner drink in the Lobby Lounge listening to live music. Make sure you visit the overhanging balcony off the Lobby Lounge at sunset for a great introduction to the property.

Breakfast was equally enjoyable with breathtaking views of the crater, the resort pool and the extended wing of the property. Activities abound from hiking to cycling and horseback riding through the crater and exploring the geological phenomenon. Our 4×4 ride through the crater was fantastic! The ranger raced the Polaris RZR through the trails for a thrilling and educational morning. We often stopped to discuss the crater, its creation and the animals that inhabit the site. We paused for coffee at one of the higher peaks, where our ranger told us his background and experiences. As we were driving, an ibex darted onto the road in front of our vehicle. I had just commented about the possibility of an animal strike, which the ranger said, “was not possible.” It was a fabulous tour and adventure — truly a high point of our stay.

The Experience: The Beresheet Hotel provides a breathtaking view, amazing architecture and a truly unique experience.

Beresheet Hotel

Derech Beresheet 1
Mitzpe Ramon, 80600
Israel
tel 972 8 6387797
isrotelexclusivecollection.com