Nestled in the Golan Heights is the Jacob Neve Ativ, a resort resting in the sleepy hills. A-frame cabin chalet suites spread through the property, with some giving the feeling of your bunk at a sleepaway camp, except this time, it’s in luxury.
I visited this gorgeous and comfortable resort, just at the foot of Mount Hermon, in the days following the 12-day operation between Israel and Iran, a trip that was postponed due to the war. What I hoped for was a quiet night of rest and relaxation with a new view for the night, and that is only the start of it.
Our journey to this secluded Golan Heights resort included some pit stops, including a trip to the Recanati Winery Visitor Center and Dalton Industrial Zone, which recently unveiled not only this new location but a new sundeck for visitors to enjoy. Initially planned to open on October 27, 2023, after several years of construction, those plans were delayed by the security situation.
Enjoy a glass of wine
Visible in the distance was the border with Lebanon, leaving their new visitor center at the hot zone for attacks from Hezbollah. Though the visitor center remained closed until recently – so recently that their grand re-opening overlapped with the outbreak of the Iran-Israel War, it fortunately opened back to visitors regularly. Wine production never stopped despite the continued conflict, allowing for their wines to find their way into shops near you.
I am not a drinker, and while I typically don’t make many exceptions, I did sample their sweetest wine, as well as a plethora of salads, dips, and cheeses. I did not expect alternatives to wine beyond water, which is good, because that was not an option. However, the eclectic menu for visitors to the winery was flavorful and was a cheese and vegetable lover’s paradise.
For visitors to the winery, they can select one of two options for tastings. One option includes a tasting of four wines from the winery’s collection, including from the Karmi Galil series, Young Vine Carignan, or Colombard from the Tel Fares vineyard. The Premium Wine Tasting option, Atelier by Recanati, includes wines from the Special Reserve series, Kerem Odem series, or single-vineyard wines.
All produce and food products were locally sourced in the Galilee, with cheeses and breads from local producers, as well as an array of regional dips, made on site from locally sourced farmers and producers.
The wine tasting tours range between NIS 60-90 per person, depending on standard or premium tastings, with food available at an additional cost. Private rooms are available for groups, events, and meetings.
After some time at the winery, I was more than ready for check-in. After being escorted to my room via golf cart, I could finally begin to unwind. This luxury retreat is a great getaway for any type of vacation you are looking for.
Whether a spa trip or adventuring in the mountains, this resort can serve any of your vacation needs.
Recently acquired by the Jacob Hotels chain, this beautiful resort underwent extensive renovations after being temporarily closed due to the outbreak of war in October 2023. After reopening in January 2025, it became a revamped paradise for a peaceful escape within the Golan Heights.
The resort boasts 45 elegant chalets designed in a charming Alpine style, each offering stunning views of the surrounding Naftali Mountains and Golan Heights. Whether you’re seeking a romantic getaway in a cozy chalet, a family retreat in a duplex, or the ultimate luxury in a presidential suite (a previous Golan getaway spot for Benjamin and Sara Netanyahu), this resort provides a range of options tailored to every need. With private pools, Jacuzzis, and an array of amenities including a heated indoor pool, spa treatments, saunas, and fine dining, this resort promises an unforgettable stay.
Beyond its luxurious accommodations, the resort is also an ideal base for exploring the beauty of the Golan Heights.
Whether it’s skiing on Mount Hermon in winter or hiking, rafting, and cherry picking in the warmer months, the resort offers access to a wealth of outdoor activities. I was able to go for a fun ATV ride to the Syrian border with a Druze-owned adventure company in nearby Majdal Shams.
Combining nature, luxury, and adventure, Jacob Neve Ativ Resort Spa is the perfect place to unwind and create lasting memories, whether you are looking at the mountains or adventuring through them.
The resort was a kosher dairy facility, with some fish dishes and a wide array of options for even the pickiest of eaters. The restaurant, Monte, combines rich Italian cuisine with Mediterranean flavors, focusing on fresh and high-quality ingredients, with a special connection to local products. Outside visitors can also come to enjoy the restaurant, either on their own or with guests.
When I wasn’t exploring the grounds of the hotel or hanging out at the pool with my book, I was enjoying the gym and spa facilities. No matter the temperature outside, I love a good session in the sauna. As an occasional fitness enthusiast, I was able to enjoy treadmills and weights in their well-equipped fitness center. This is something I primarily enforce on vacations, though not necessarily in my daily life, and their gym reinforced the importance of making that part of a routine, whether on vacation or in daily life.
The spa was exquisite, and the massage therapist for my hour-long massage was not only skilled but also able to read my body language and cues of comfort. As a person who has run into my fair share of neck and back spasms and discomfort, I am frequently wary of massages, even if people see them as a possible solution.
Through the massage, she was able to combat the fears I had about getting massages and having pressure applied to muscles. She understood that I wasn’t the most comfortable with massages and acted accordingly. I appreciated that much more than she knew.
I went right from the spa to the pool, one of two right next door, starting in the hot tub – perfect for chillier Golan Heights temperatures. I sat out as the sun started to descend, making sure that I would optimize my time in the morning at the pool as well. After dinner, consisting of a sample of salads and pastas galore, I was able to retreat to my room for a hot shower and to curl up in one of the hotel’s bathrobes. It was a relaxing night, a perfect way to recharge after a stressful few weeks.
Prices for a deluxe chalet start at NIS 1,487 per couple per night, including breakfast. Prices increase close to NIS 2,000 per couple per night for the options including Jacuzzis and/or private pools.
The nostalgia for summer camp was also embodied through the kind staff; it is worth noting that these were some of the kindest hospitality workers I have ever experienced in Israel, both as a visitor and now, a resident.
One night certainly was not enough here, and I hope to return sooner rather than later to make the most of what the region has to offer. Whether for a girls’ trip, a romantic getaway, or a personal retreat, this resort has something to offer anyone. Reconnect with yourself at Jacob Neve Ativ Resort, where nature, relaxation, and tranquility come together to offer a rejuvenating escape.
The writer was a guest of the hotel.