The hotel, in a building that functioned as a hospital in the 19th century, is owned by the Church of Scotland and to this day is managed by representatives of the church in Israel.
By MEITAL SHARABIVERED HAGALIL Guest Farm lets you saddle up for horseback tours through the Korazim Valley(photo credit: ROY CATELEN)
Tourism in Israel has surged in the last few years and a number of incredible boutique hotels have popped up around the country.Due to this competition, veteran hotels have jumped on the bandwagon and carried out extensive renovations and improvements as a way to keep up their popularity among both Israeli and foreign visitors.One such veteran institution is the Scots Hotel in Tiberias. The hotel, in a building that functioned as a hospital in the 19th century, is owned by the Church of Scotland and to this day is managed by representatives of the church in Israel.The hotel is a private enclave in the heart of Tiberias, and unlike most hotels in Israel, which are often crowded with families and children who laugh and play loudly in the pool, the Scots is always calm and elegant, and therefore suitable for couples looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. You won’t hear any karaoke emanating from hotel rooms, and guests are even requested to keep cell phone conversations in common areas to a minimum.The hotel was built on the remains of the first hospital in Tiberias, which was constructed by Dr. David Watt Torrance, a formidable figure in the area who cared deeply for local residents. Later, it functioned as a maternity hospital until 1959, at which point it was transformed into an inn. A few decades later, the Church of Scotland decided to transform the building into the luxury boutique hotel it is today.The hotel boasts 66 rooms, 16 of which are suites that recently underwent renovation. The hotel sports a wine cellar stocked with a wide assortment of whiskeys and gins (50 different kinds), a top-rate chef restaurant, and a luxury spa. Guests can also view a photography exhibition displaying pictures of the tools and archeological remains that were discovered in the compound.A stay in the upgraded suites comes with free afternoon cocktails on the hotel’s huge balcony and personal concierge services.Guests will have a view over Lake Kinneret and can choose antique rooms in two buildings, one which was the home of Dr.Torrance, and the other the home of the minister. The rooms have been renovated in a way that preserved the classic style while at the same time offering modern conveniences.One of the best parts of staying at the Scots is the incredible food. The new chef Oren Keisari is a master at both international and Mediterranean cuisine and he succeeds in bringing in his own personal touch and combining his delicacies with top-rate wines. The kitchen is not kosher, but a wide assortment of vegetarian dishes is available.If you would like to travel around the area, you’re in luck, because the weather is perfect this time of year and there’s plenty to do near Tiberias. Because the Kinneret beaches are not yet crowded with vacationers, you can enjoy a quiet visit to the private Bora Bora Beach (there is an entrance fee) on the western edge of the lake (enter from Road 90). You can rent a canopy or lounge chairs and enjoy the sea and sun.Another option that will get you out into nature and away from the hustle and bustle of the daily grind is to go for a hike at the Ein Sheva (Ein Ayub) waterfall located near Kfar Nahum. The descent begins not far St. Peter’s Church in Capernaum, which is easily accessible. Just go down the stone stairs and turn right and walk along the water’s edge. On weekends, it’s very easy to spot, since you’ll see dozens of cars parked along the entrance.If you’re there on a weekday, be on the lookout for the steps that lead down from the side of the road. At the bottom of the stairs, you’ll see an open space and a building. Pass it by and continue descending until you come upon the waterfall that is partially hidden in the vegetation. The waterfall is not a natural phenomenon, rather it is water that flows out of a pipe into the Kinneret. The brackish water source was discovered when workers were drilling on location. This is a great spot for a dip in the water and a picnic.To reach the waterfall, drive along Road 87. About 100 meters after you pass the church, you’ll see the stairs on the right side of the road.If you love looking down on your natural surroundings from a higher vantage point, I suggest going for a romantic horseback ride. Vered Hagalil Guest Farm offers guided tours through the Korazim Valley, from which you’ll have an incredible view of the Kinneret, the Golan Heights and Ginossar Valley. The cost is NIS 145 per person for a 60-minute ride.In addition to these few suggestions, there are dozens of other options for outings in and around Tiberias. You can go to the Jordan Park, go sailing on the Kinneret, kayaking in the Golan Heights or a hike in one of the numerous nature reserves scattered around northern Israel.Or you can just take it easy and enjoy a moment of quiet.Location: TiberiasType: Relaxing trip, perfect for couplesSeason: Winter, fall, springLevel: EasyLength: Two daysTranslated by Hannah Hochner.
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