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It is called the Dead Sea because, as Aristotle observed in 350 Be circa, no fish can live in the world’s saltiest waters. But for the people of Israel, the Dead Sea is the water of life. Since antiquity, the area’s uniquely rich mineral deposits have eased various maladies, making the Dead Sea the world’s oldest health resort.

The area around the Dead Sea boasts waterfalls, hot springs and meadows of wildflowers. But more important are the modern resorts and spas and kibbutzim, that have sprung up near the ruins of ancient ritual baths, in order to help sun worshippers soak up the sun’s rays and bathe in the mud. The strange landscape of the area is dotted by a thousand naked bodies, who are there to benefit from the effects of the Dead Sea’s climatotherapy. It is highly effective for any number of muscle and skin problems, especially psoriasis.

Not only is the salt and mud considered healthy, but the area’s dense oxygen is believed to block out harmful UV rays-hence sunbathers are less likely to burn. So go ahead, if you are not repulsed by the mud, let the child in you come out and frolick.

What’s Cool: At 1,300 ft below sea level, the shores of the Dead Sea are the lowest exposed land on earth.

Where: Ein Bokek, Israel

Cost: No Charge

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