The hotel offering a wellness journey if you want to change eating habits

During the stay, there are lectures, workshops, and practical experiences on nutrition, health, and a balanced lifestyle, alongside a cooking workshop with demonstrations and tastings. The hotel offers high-standard rooms, a pool, a spa with a variety of treatments, and a meticulous and delicious vegan menu. Those interested can also try a “juice fast” as part of the process.

And if this reminds you of Mitzpe Alumot Health Farm, it’s no coincidence; the retreats at Briaa are a continuation and evolution of that same health philosophy (with the same owner), but in a more pampering and luxurious version, also suitable for leisure guests.

Upon arriving at Briaa, the atmosphere immediately shifts. At the reception, I was greeted with cold water, herbal tea, date balls, and fresh fruit. Along with the activity schedule, a branded, reusable water bottle, pre-printed with my name, was waiting for me.

The upper level forms an expansive terrace with pleasant seating areas and blooming potted plants, with the rooms scattered around it, each directly accessible without the need for long corridors. In the center of the lower level, the swimming pool awaits, also embracing a semi-circular shape, completing the magic of the place.

This framework is particularly suitable for individuals dealing with challenges such as obesity, diabetes, and high blood pressure. During their stay, guests benefit from lectures by professionals, led by a clinical dietitian who provides in-depth guidance on proper nutrition for improved health. Guests also participate in a healthy cooking workshop. Concurrently, there are lectures, workshops, excursions, and movement classes.

The Briaa healing space in Gilboa offers 48 charming, rustic rooms, built from natural stone and featuring a warm design. These rooms, which are essentially mini-suites, provide an elegant and spacious experience. In my location on the upper level, I enjoyed a spacious room with a high wooden beam ceiling and an elegant chandelier, a comfortable seating area, a kitchenette, and a well-designed bathroom including a luxurious rain shower.

Immediately after getting into my room, I quickly made my way to the first activity. And honestly, I barely rested during the entire stay because I did not want to miss any of the activities held throughout the day – from early morning until evening. Surprisingly, I was not even tired, despite waking up early, perhaps thanks to the light vegan food.

We started the retreat with an introductory tour of the hotel. The retreat truly begins with a fascinating meeting and lecture by Rachel Antman, the nutritionist. She starts by presenting the food available at the meal and then moves on to how to eat correctly, continuing with a holistic explanation of what is recommended for good nutrition. I was very impressed by her openness and extensive knowledge of various diets, from vegan to paleo.

Now, regarding the food at the hotel, it is entirely vegan and organic, diverse and rich, yet kept low in carbohydrates and sugars. Generally, the focus is on a reduced, healthier eating approach, combined with intermittent fasting and the option for juice fasting.

My mornings began with a wheatgrass shot, followed by a light meal that included chia pudding, a smoothie, and sometimes a fruit salad. For lunch and dinner, the meals were abundant, vibrant, and indulgent, truly on par with a chef’s restaurant.

A typical daily schedule during the retreat began with Tai Chi at seven in the morning by the pool, overlooking the valley. This was followed by a light breakfast, and then either a lecture, a workshop, or a morning excursion. At noon, there was a yoga class (or core strengthening), and at 1, lunch, followed by free time for rest, a spa treatment, or swimming. The afternoon included another lecture or workshop, and evenings offered activities like communal singing and dancing. Workshops included a cooking session and a reflexology session.

Additional content offered at the retreat encompasses Pranayama breathing techniques, mindfulness, sound healing, a writing workshop, cold water therapy, swimming style improvement, and other activities. On some days, there were guided excursions into the surrounding area, including dips in valley springs and trips to scenic viewpoints in the Gilboa. The lifeguard also initiated water meditation sessions.

It seems that spending time at Briaa truly offers a sense of disconnection and calm. From the moment I arrived, I did not turn on the news and felt on a different frequency, calm and detached from all the negativity happening in the country. It was a delight!

Without a doubt, one of the key contributors to the feeling of calm is the spa treatments. The spa at Briaa offers a truly relaxing and peaceful experience. Guests can find a comfortable seating area for rest, complete with a refreshing tea corner and an inviting hammock. The facility features a sauna and beautiful treatment rooms, alongside a dedicated studio for workouts.

Future plans anticipate adding more types of saunas and a Jacuzzi to the complex. One of the spa’s specialties is aromatherapy, where massage oils are custom-blended with medicinal herbs. Various natural spa and bath products are available for purchase. I chose to enjoy a combined massage, which included reflexology along with powerful muscle release, concluding with a soft and calming massage. It is worth noting that spa treatments are not included in the stay price and incur an additional fee.

Briaa in Gilboa was opened by Jerry Mintz, one of the pioneers of retreats in Israel. Jerry founded and operated Mitzpe Alumot Health Farm – the country’s first and largest health farm – over 20 years ago. He departed from that venture approximately three years ago. However, his passion for the field continued to burn, and he recently opened Briaa, creating a similar but upgraded format to Mitzpe Alumot, incorporating the same professionals and experts who accompanied him there. Guests can come to Briaa for a retreat lasting three, four, or seven nights:

Weekend Retreat (Thursday to Sunday) – Three Nights of an Energy Boost. This short yet powerful program aims to provide participants with a renewed burst of energy for the weekend. Through focused workshops and treatments, participants will feel revitalized and experience a rapid healing process. The program includes activities that strengthen both body and mind, enabling guests to return to their daily routines with renewed vigor.

Midweek Retreat (Sunday to Thursday) – Four Nights of Life-Changing Retreat with Processes of Change and Cleansing. This retreat program focuses on deep inner work related to processes of change and cleansing, with an emphasis on personal development. During the retreat, participants will engage in workshops and classes centered on confronting internal blocks, releasing old patterns, and enhancing self-awareness. The program offers a transformative journey.

Weekly Retreat (Sunday to Sunday) – Deep Body Cleansing and Renewal. This program is designed for individuals seeking a profound experience of cleansing and renewal. Over seven days, participants will undergo a deep body cleansing process, which includes close personal guidance and a rich program featuring healthy nutrition methods, empowering workshops, mental and spiritual activities, relaxing treatments, and strengthening techniques. Each day will focus on a different aspect of renewal, providing practical tools for improving both physical and mental well-being.