Taly’s Travel
Netanya’s West Lagoon Resort is a lot closer than Eilat
West Lagoon Resort is situated on the southern part of the beautiful coastline of Netanya facing the Mediterranean Sea. The contemporary hotel features a stunning seasonal swimming pool, full spa and gym, and easy access to the beach, its promenade and sports facilities, as well as all the services that a hotel can offer in terms of dining, entertainment and pastime activities.
There’s a legend about a 7th century Phoenician boat headed to Carthage carrying hundreds of crimson and azure shells that hit a shoal and was split to half and drowned near the seacoast of Netanya where the West Lagoon hotel now stands. The shells’ exposure to the sun created a bright ray of blue light. Whoever watched it described it as a divine sign and was awash with a sense of tranquility for many days.
This is what West Lagoon Resort is trying to recreate. Its architecture features high ceilings and large glass windows, letting the blue sea penetrate inside. West Lagoon is an all-sea view hotel; the view of the coastline, beach and sea is visible everywhere in the hotel – from the lobby, dining room, spa and even the rooms.
The decoration and furnishing reflect the sea motif with shades of blue and pure white that radiate tranquility and calmness. Sea-related artifacts complement the atmosphere: waves, anchors, sailboats, shells, etc.
Rooms
The hotel has 273 rooms and suites, all with a sea view. We stayed at a Club Premium room on the 11th floor. Our room was spacious and furnished with two beige armchairs with colorful cushions on a turquoise rug. The large balcony with a wooden deck caught our eyes immediately; the view from it was mind blowing. The room had refreshing décor and colors, the bathroom had white marble design, with full bathtub, wide rain shower and an oval porcelain vessel basin. The room is modern and equipped with an espresso machine, mini bar, safe deposit box, flat screen TV and plenty of USB charging ports.
Pool and Spa
During the summer, hotel guests enjoy the infinite pool located on terrace of the third floor of the hotel, and it is fabulous. As I was standing near the pool my breath was taken away – it was so beautiful there. However, since it is the coldest time of the year now, instead of swimming, I had to settle with other joys, such as the beautiful beach and promenade, great in all weather. I also took advantage of the remarkable spa of the hotel. West Lagoon’s spa is also located on the fifth floor and spans over the fourth as well. Like the hotel, the spa is sea-themed: boats, shells, fish and other sea creatures, etc.
The upper floor of the spa is where most of the spa facilities are located – the gym, dry saunas, Turkish bath (Hamam) and showers. The floor is divided to three areas – womens’ showers and dry sauna, mens’ showers and dry sauna; each having a private entrance to the shared Hamam, and the gym. The gym is small but very well equipped with the newest sports equipment and has a beautiful sea view. My partner enjoyed his workout very much, commenting that running on the treadmill facing the sea view enhances the fun.
The spa offers all the standard treatments but also a very unique treatment called lava shell massage, a specialty of the spa, which I tried. The lava shell massage uses tigerstriped clams harvested in the Philippines. A hole is made at the back of the shell and an activator of minerals is inserted into it, which heats it. The shell is smooth and slides on the body and has pointed edges that can be used to pressure muscles, which together can warm and relax the muscles.
When it was time for my treatment, I was offered a selection of aromas – there are four unique scented oils to choose from: vanilla patchouli, passion fruit, ocean, and almonds. I picked the passion fruit, which was new to me and it turned out to be an excellent choice. I was invited downstairs, where the treatment rooms and the rest area are located. The spa rooms are also high-end – the beds are warmed, candles are lit, and every amenity I could think of was waiting for me there for the ultimate comfort.
The shell massage was soothing and relaxing – one of the best spa treatments I ever had. My massage therapist was exceptional; she used a combination of techniques to relax stiff muscles, reaching every muscle, including ones that are difficult to reach such as behind the shoulder. I basked in each moment and felt so relaxed afterwards.
After the treatment, I rested at the spa’s lounge facing the beach, having herbal tea and dried fruits. It just does not get any better than this, I thought.
The spa offers hotel guests a variety of treatments, but there are also spa and dining packages for drop-ins. If you choose to come to the spa here (which I highly recommend) – don’t settle for the regular massage. Try the lava shell massage – you won’t regret it.
Dining
Meals are served at the hotel’s dining room, facing the beach. Breakfast was a lavish Israeli buffet-style meal. I found the variety and quality of breads and pastry outstanding; they were especially tasty and excellent. Nothing compares to having a good croissant and cappuccino while looking at the sea in the morning.
In the evening, we had a light dairy meal at the lobby restaurant. We ate a delicious salad, pasta and a good apple pie. They also have a selection of fine Israeli wines. During the summer season, a number of restaurants are open for the hotel guests.
Facilities
West Lagoon Resort guests can enjoy seasonal activities such as fishing, building castles in the sand, surfing, snorkeling, etc. The hotel has ballroom and conference facilities as well. With the emergence of hotels like West Lagoon Resort on the Mediterranean coastline, one should think twice before driving half a day to Eilat. The writer was a guest of the hotel Information: West Lagoon Resort, www. tamareshotels.com, Tel: *5411