The gate of Eden: In Israel’s Valley of Springs, ancient history offers a new journey of healing

Over 1,700 years ago, the Talmudic sage Reish Lakish gazed upon the Beit She'an valley and proclaimed, "If the Garden of Eden exists within the Land of Israel, its entrance is Beit She'an." We embarked on a family visit, two nights in this valley that appears composed predominantly of water. Emek Hama'ayanot, the Valley of Springs, lies beneath Mount Gilboa, nestled within the extensive scar of the Syrian-African Rift.

Approximately 40 natural springs emerge from underground, maintaining a steady temperature between 24 and 28 degrees Celsius throughout the year. Water is the reason people visited and the reason they remained. During the Greek and Roman eras, Beit She'an evolved into Scythopolis, the premier city of the Decapolis—a league of 10 Greco-Roman cities, with the sole exception to the east of the Jordan River.

Its architects channeled spring water into public fountains, cascading staircases, and elaborate heated baths. This valley was pioneering wellness tourism long before the term gained popularity.

Two millennia later, we discovered a region still dedicated to healing. Fish ponds were restored to wetlands, kitchens were reopened by reservists returning from war, and a holiday village utilizes running water to create a serene atmosphere. Our base for the stay was the Kama Resort, whose founder, Khen Shalem, never intended to become a hotelier.

Initially, he pursued filmmaking and secured the film rights to Meir Shalev's popular novel "A Russian Novel." Realizing that independent cinema in Israel could not sustain itself financially, Kama was intended as a tranquil enterprise to finance the screenplay.

Once completed, Shalem's enthusiasm transformed Kama into a focal point of the valley. Centered around a wide green lawn reminiscent of a kibbutz commons, the property features an avenue of trees and units that face the grass, reflection pools, and shallow wading pool. Shalem kept creative work within the valley, collaborating with architects Hava Pasder and Ami Dvir, interior designer Lilach Lempel, and visual artist Dana Stempler Asael to design the unique suites.

The valley remains farmland, and tractors begin operations early. Instead of constructing walls, Shalem incorporated the memory of his father, an archaeologist who specialized in the Roman water systems of this region. An aqueduct now spans the grounds, cascading into a waterfall at the wading pool, providing a soothing white noise that drowns out farm machinery.

The suites are unlike any other in the valley, with rounded vaults resembling aircraft hangars, created using curved-steel Quonset engineering. Inside, the ceilings curve overhead without any sharp angles, creating a sense of shelter.

Each suite offers 42 square meters of insulated living space and an 18-square-meter private terrace, accommodating up to six guests with a double bed and two to four single beds, a spacious bathroom with a walk-in shower, and a kitchenette equipped with a refrigerator, microwave, and espresso machine. Notably, there are no televisions, encouraging guests to step outside and immerse themselves in the valley's sounds.

Even the safe rooms hold historical significance. Israeli law mandates a fortified room, a mamad, and Shalem designed the Kama Resort's to resemble the 1930s Tower and Stockade (Homa U Migdal) settlements, a tribute to nearby historical sites such as Tel Hashlosha and Migdal George. Kama Resort currently houses 23 units, with zoning approval permitting up to 250.

Its expansive lawn can accommodate corporate retreats of 250 people and gatherings of up to 600. Visitors can book additional stays before departing, with easy access to the valley's springs, nature reserves, ruins, and restaurants, with benefits available at leading local restaurants and attractions.