A dip is, for many, a basic element in any trip. And in the countries where Mandala Tours works, you can take it in the most common way: the beach or pool with sun lounger, in popular destinations such as the Moroccan Atlantic coast, the Turkish Aegean coast or the Red Sea resorts in Egypt and Jordan. However, we also give you the option of taking a dip that, for some reason, is different, perhaps more relaxing, but above all: unforgettable. Here are the main ideas
Floating in the Dead Sea
The Dead Sea (which is not really a sea, but an endorheic lake) is the border between Jordan and Israel, and is characterized by its extreme salinity: between 350 and 370 grams, above 30%, that is, about 10 times saltier than the water of the oceans. And that has a consequence: you can float effortlessly, which leads to the now famous photographs of bathers lying on their backs, reading a book without the need for a mat or anything else. Beyond the joke, the truth is that these waters, and the cosmetic products derived from them, are highly appreciated in the world of wellness, which attracts thousands of visitors every day.
Natural hot springs
The thermal waters are those that emanate to the surface at a warmer temperature than the average of the environmental waters of that place (4ºC or more). And this is so because they have been heated in the subsoil for geological reasons, where such temperature is higher than in the surface.
In the countries of our catalog, there are numerous places ‘graced’ with these thermal waters. And luckily for travelers, they are open to bathing, which is a pleasant experience, even in the middle of winter. An example of it is Egypt, concretely its oasis of Siwa: there is located the Pool of Cleopatra, where it is believed that this one bathed to enjoy its warm waters.
Curiously, there is also another “Cleopatra’s pool” in Turkey: that of Hierapolis, where it is more unlikely that the famous queen-pharaoh bathed. What is certain is that its waters are equally warm, at an approximate temperature of 36ºC. In addition, its bottom is littered with the remains of ancient buildings, victims of a past earthquake, which gives the bath an even more evocative touch.
And without leaving this tourist destination, in the adjoining travertine terraces of Pamukkale, water from the same spring also accumulates in small pools: its height is low, but it will be enough to soak your feet in a magical and pleasant scene.
Hammams, throughout the length and breadth of our destinations
A cultural element that all our destinations have in common is the hammam: public baths inspired by the Roman thermal baths, used for centuries for hygiene, purification and even socialization. In the Western world they became popularized under the name of ‘Turkish baths’, and in Turkey they are numerous, but they are actually of Arab origin and are therefore equally widespread in countries such as Morocco, Jordan and Egypt.
In Istanbul you will find some truly historic ones, dating back to the early days of the Ottoman Empire. And in Morocco you will find them with special profusion in Marrakech and other historic cities. But given the popularity of this type of bath that combines hot, warm and cold water, you will find them in practically all tourist destinations in these countries, associated with hotels as a spa service, but not exclusively for their guests.
As you can see, the saline waters of the Dead Sea, the hot springs and the hammams are three options to enjoy a different and unforgettable bath during your trip. If you wish to organize such an experience, leave it in our hands and we will book it in the most special place of your circuit.
