The hype
Reviewers are obsessed with the 'deafening silence' and the unique architecture of the mud/stone cabins.
Midbara
$200-400/ night
Book this if You crave absolute desert silence and want to disconnect in a mud-walled cabin with your own plunge pool.
Why People Love It
- Total isolation in the Arava Desert
- Private plunge pools in most cabins
- Stargazing from your personal hammock or fire pit
Quick Take: It’s high-end glamping where you pay for the silence, not for room service or reliable Wi-Fi.
Reviewed by @RotemMashiach: I stayed at Midbara for a weekend recharge and it was exactly what I needed. The private pool was a lifesaver in the heat, and watching the sunset turn the desert pink was unforgettable. It's super chill, rustic yet comfy, and I loved that I could bring my dog along.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
Some guests feel the price is too high for a 'self-service' experience with basic furniture and no on-site dinner restaurant.
- You want to read a book in a hammock for 3 days straight
- You enjoy cooking your own meals on a BBQ under the stars
- You are okay with a rustic, 'dusty' desert luxury vibe
Cleanliness & Maintenance
8.5
- Housekeeping: Generally reliable, but some guests report missed dust in corners or outdoor furniture being gritty (it is a desert).
- Bathroom hygiene: Bathrooms are spacious and clean, though one guest noted a door that didn't close properly.
- Maintenance: Rustic chic means some wear and tear is part of the charm; don't expect polished marble.
- Linens & towels: Fresh and adequate, but not 5-star hotel plush.
- Odors & scents: Neutral to fresh, with the occasional whiff of bonfire smoke from neighbors.
Sleepability™
8SILENT
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Neighbors in adjacent cabins (if booking a duplex like Mor/Levona)
- Wind howling at night
Before you book
Good to know
- There is no restaurant for dinner on-site; you must cook or drive to nearby options.
- The 'communal area' offers coffee, beer, and light snacks, but not full meals.
- Check-in is strictly at 3:00 PM and check-out is 11:00 AM.
What to pack
- Firewood and charcoal (for the BBQ/fire pit)
- Strong insect repellent (flies are real)
- Flashlight (it gets pitch black at night)
- Groceries (kitchenettes are well-equipped but empty)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Cabin 'Yama' for couples — isolated on a hill with a great sunset view
- Cabin 'Leshem' for families — has a larger plunge pool and good privacy
Rooms to avoid
- Cabins 'Mor' and 'Levona' if you want total privacy — they share a wall and a pool area, better for two families traveling together
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I am looking for maximum privacy and silence. Please assign a standalone cabin like Yama or Rotem, avoiding the semi-detached units near the entrance.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is there a restaurant on site?
No. They serve breakfast to your room (for a fee) and have a snack/coffee tent, but for dinner, you grill on your BBQ or drive to a nearby restaurant.
Are the pools heated?
No. The private plunge pools are 'refreshing' (cold) and best used in spring/autumn. In winter, they are decorative ice baths.
Is it pet friendly?
Yes! Midbara is very dog-friendly and the desert is a great place for them to run (leashed in the complex).
How is the Wi-Fi?
Poor in the rooms. Do not plan on working from your cabin. Reception is better in the main office area.
Is it good for kids?
Yes, families love the 'Holit' and 'Leshem' cabins, but keep in mind there is no 'kids club' — nature is the entertainment.
What is the cancellation policy?
Strict. Usually requires significant notice to avoid fees, typical for small boutique properties in Israel.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Order the breakfast basket at least once; it's huge and can double as lunch.
- ✨
Buy your groceries in Beer Sheva or Eilat before arriving; the local deli is pricey.
- ✨
Walk to the 'Ashosh' reserve directly from your cabin for a sunrise hike.
5 things to know before you go
💡The water in the plunge pools can get full of desert dust/bugs quickly.
💡You might spot an Ibex or white camel wandering near your cabin.
💡The 'mud' walls are actually a sophisticated construction technique that keeps rooms cool.
💡Cellular reception is just as spotty as the Wi-Fi.
💡The 'communal tent' is a great place to meet other travelers if you get lonely.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Midbara is located and what's nearby.