USP Longevity – this is no express day-spa joint, many people book in for two weeks to treat a particular complaint such as psoriasis or arthritis with a daily treatment. The Daniel (the second most popular Israeli hotel name after David by my reckoning) is an authentic Dead Sea Shizen spa with 22 treatment rooms and a 70-strong, predominantly Russian, army of therapists. Oh, and it’s located at the lowest point on earth.

AMBIENCE Treatment rooms are upstairs above the pools and Turkish hamam, where there is an afterthought of a relaxation room with wicker chairs, piles of fresh fruit (persimone and red pears) and a selection of tea leaves from Hawaiian cocktail to Earl Grey. My treatment room had a multi-coloured lamp like a fortune teller’s crystal ball and no-nonsense incense sticks. Phytomer signs are still up but Dermalogica has taken over.

When the Daniel, formerly the Golden Tulip, changed its name at the beginning of the year it set about feng shui-ing the décor, too. It remains a work in progress. This is the only hotel in the area with a bowling alley and a Scottish pub, the Castle. The spacious suites have an outdoor balcony with a private Jacuzzi overlooking the Dead Sea.

EXPERIENCE I had a robust massage that caused me and the robust masseuse, who wore a Soviet era head band, to sweat (in a good way). The massage must have been good because the music was distorted at the edges but I soon relaxed and forgot all about it. Afterwards I took a stinging bobble in the indoor Dead Sea pool and allowed the oily minerals to invade every pore. Despite being warned I rubbed my eyes and then tried to keep my cool and balance while walking blinded to the shower. I had no consultation, no Russian and Lena spoke no English, but presumably those with chronic conditions have an in-depth medical before starting a course of treatments. The whole experience plus the high oxygen levels in the air puts a decisive spring in your step. The beach is within walking distance.

FOOD Refectory style self-service with plenty of European dishes on offer and waiters serving drinks. Most folk weren’t drinking alcohol but there’s good Israeli wine in the bar. There are hot options and large Israeli salads for breakfast. The Ein Bokek resort has about a dozen hotels, all offering spa facilities, and a shopping mall with a Burger King.

IN CROWD Out of season it’s a bit like a Florida retirement home full of grumpy old men with the shakes (I’ll be grumpy, too, when I get arthritis) and Thai carers. Israelis come here to rejuvenate – fortunately just by being 30 years younger than the average guest I felt youthful again.

WALLET WATCH Some good value one and two week package deals. Spa treatments are very reasonable and start from about £40.

NEED TO KNOW The Daniel Dead Sea Hotel, Ein Bokek, Israel (+972 8 6689999; www.tamareshotels.co.il/e/)

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