Wellness & Spa
For thousands of years, travelers have come to the Dead Sea seeking healing. Its unique combination of minerals, mud, air, and sun remains unmatched anywhere on Earth.
Dead Sea Minerals
The Dead Sea's water contains an extraordinary concentration of minerals that are not found in such abundance anywhere else. These minerals have documented therapeutic benefits for skin, joints, and respiratory health.
- Magnesium
- High
- Anti-inflammatory, promotes skin hydration
- Calcium
- High
- Strengthens skin barrier, cell renewal
- Potassium
- High
- Balances moisture, soothes muscles
- Bromine
- High
- Natural relaxant, eases tension
The Dead Sea contains 21 minerals, 12 of which are found in no other body of water on Earth. The concentration of magnesium chloride, calcium chloride, potassium chloride, and sodium chloride creates the unique therapeutic properties that have attracted visitors since ancient times â Cleopatra famously established cosmetic factories along its shores, and King Herod built private spas at his Dead Sea palaces.
Modern scientific research has confirmed many of these benefits. Studies published in medical journals demonstrate that Dead Sea treatments can significantly improve symptoms of psoriasis, eczema, rheumatoid arthritis, and osteoarthritis. The combination of mineral-rich water, therapeutic mud, reduced UV radiation (filtered by the extra atmospheric layer at the lowest point on Earth), and oxygen-enriched air creates a natural healing environment that cannot be replicated.
Mud Treatments
Dead Sea mud is a rich black mineral clay found along the shores and seabed. Packed with magnesium, calcium, potassium, iron, and zinc, it has been used as a natural beauty and healing treatment for millennia. When applied to the skin and allowed to dry in the sun, it draws out impurities, tightens pores, reduces inflammation, and leaves skin remarkably soft and smooth.
At the beach (free): Barrels of mud are available at the Ein Bokek public beach. Simply scoop it out, cover your body (avoiding eyes and mouth), let it dry for 15-20 minutes in the sun, then rinse off in the Dead Sea or the fresh water showers. This is the authentic Dead Sea mud experience.
At resort spas (professional): Hotel spas offer refined mud treatments â full-body mud wraps, mud facials, and mud-based massages performed by trained therapists. These typically use purified and enriched mud for a more controlled, luxurious experience.
Mud Treatment Tips
- 1.Apply evenly â cover arms, legs, torso, and shoulders with a thin, even layer
- 2.Avoid sensitive areas â keep mud away from eyes, mouth, and any open cuts or wounds
- 3.Let it dry â wait 15-20 minutes in the sun until the mud cracks and tightens
- 4.Rinse gently â wash off in the Dead Sea first, then shower with fresh water
- 5.Moisturize after â your skin will absorb lotion beautifully post-treatment
Resort Spas
Ein Bokek's luxury hotels feature extensive spa facilities â many of the best in Israel. Most include basic spa access with your room rate, with professional treatments available at additional cost.
Lot Spa Hotel â The Spa
Widely considered the best spa at the Dead Sea. Features an indoor sulfur pool, outdoor heated mineral pool, Finnish sauna, Turkish hammam, and a menu of 50+ professional treatments including Dead Sea mud wraps, mineral facials, and hot stone massage.
Isrotel Dead Sea â Spa Complex
Massive spa complex with indoor sulfur pool, outdoor mineral pools, heated jacuzzis, dry sauna, steam room, and a full treatment center. The flagship resort's spa matches its five-star reputation.
David Dead Sea â Wellness Center
Elegant spa with sulfur pool, mineral whirlpool, sauna, and treatment rooms. Offers couple's packages, Ayurvedic treatments, and signature Dead Sea mineral therapies alongside classic spa services.
First-Timer's Floating Guide
Floating in the Dead Sea is unlike anything else. The extreme buoyancy takes some getting used to, but with these tips you'll have an incredible, safe experience.
Before You Go In
- 1 Don't shave for at least 24 hours before â razor burn + salt water = intense stinging
- 2 Wear water shoes â the salt crystal formations on the seabed are sharp
- 3 Remove jewelry â the salt can damage metal and stones
- 4 Apply sunscreen early â SPF 50+ at least 30 minutes before entering
- 5 Bring water to drink â you'll dehydrate faster than you think in the heat
In the Water
- 1 Walk in slowly â ease in backwards and gently recline onto your back
- 2 Float on your back â never put your face in the water or try to swim normally
- 3 Keep hands above water â don't touch your face with wet hands
- 4 If water gets in your eyes â head to a fresh water shower immediately. Don't rub.
- 5 Limit to 20 minutes â the minerals are intense. Exit, shower, rest, then go again if you want
Skincare Benefits
Dead Sea minerals are the foundation of an entire global skincare industry. Here's what the science says about the key benefits.
Deep Hydration
Magnesium improves skin hydration by enhancing the skin's ability to retain moisture. Studies show bathing in Dead Sea water significantly increases skin hydration levels for days afterward.
Anti-Inflammatory
The mineral combination reduces inflammation and redness. Clinical studies demonstrate improvement in psoriasis, eczema, and acne after Dead Sea water immersion â the basis of "climatotherapy" treatments.
Skin Barrier Repair
Calcium and potassium support the skin's natural barrier function, helping to seal in moisture and protect against environmental irritants. Beneficial for sensitive and damaged skin.
Detoxification
Dead Sea mud draws out impurities and toxins from the skin through osmosis. The high mineral content also stimulates blood circulation, promoting cellular renewal and a healthy glow.
Anti-Aging
The minerals stimulate collagen production and cell turnover. Regular use of Dead Sea-based products has been shown to reduce the appearance of fine lines and improve skin elasticity.
UV-Filtered Sunlight
At -430m, the extra atmosphere filters harmful UV rays while allowing therapeutic wavelengths through. This "natural phototherapy" is a key part of Dead Sea dermatological treatments for skin conditions.
Take the Dead Sea Home
The Ahava Factory Visitor Center at Kibbutz Mitzpe Shalem offers factory tours, free samples, and an outlet store with discounts on their full Dead Sea mineral skincare range. It's a popular stop on the way to or from the Dead Sea.
Other Dead Sea mineral brands â including Premier Dead Sea, Seacret, and Mineral Beauty System â are available at shops throughout Ein Bokek and at Ben Gurion Airport. Dead Sea products make excellent, lightweight souvenirs.