Containing over 100,000 archaeological sites including the awe-inspiring Rose City of Petra (one of the oldest cities on earth and a modern Wonder of the World), the capital Amman (which itself dates back to the Stone Age) and the UNESCO-listed Wadi Rum (aka the Valley of the Moon), this land is utterly fascinating. It also contains the lowest point on the planet, where the Dead Sea sits 420 metres beneath sea level; here you have the chance for some totally natural flotation therapy, while the minerals soothe your muscles, improve your skin and create a tangible feeling of wellbeing.
Amman
Four Seasons Hotel Amman
In a leafy, hilltop district, the Four Seasons offers guests its signature elegance and a Forbes Five-Star rating. Rooms range from premium deluxes for three to a presidential suite accommodating up to six. After a hot day’s sightseeing, go for a serene dip in the pool or book one of the therapeutic rituals at the spa, which utilise indigenous ingredients from the Dead Sea. Brunch at Olea, lunch al fresco at the Five Grill, take a traditional afternoon tea in the Foyer Lounge, dine on French classics at la Capitale and sip cocktails at Stirr.
St Regis Amman
Found in the district of Abdoun, the St Regis has 258 bedrooms, suites, and serviced apartments, all with the benefit of butler service. While it’s part of an international chain, the property places a strong focus on local culture, showcasing artworks from across the Levant region. The dining options also reflect this, with Middle Eastern as well as Asian fusion and European eateries — whether you stay here or elsewhere, do have a meal at Segreta; set in a secret garden, it’s a beautiful oasis. Once you’ve indulged your sense of taste, cater for your sense of touch and smell, with a custom treatment package at the sleek Iridium Spa.
Hotel Fairmont Amman
Head to the Fifth Circle where you can check into the Fairmont. Here you can recline on a colourful lounger beside the outdoor pool and admire the skyline. The building accommodates 317 spacious hotel rooms and suites, Willow Stream Spa, an indoor dead sea float pool, a kids club and the city’s only day-light ballroom. Jordanian food is served at Nasim, Pan-Asian at Tsuki, buffet breakfasts at Nur and steak at Salt. Champers and fine teas can be enjoyed in Crystal, with late-night drinks and top music at the vibrant Caprice bar and club.
Kempinski Amman
Many visit the city for work and as the Kempinski is situated in Shmeisani, the central business district, and close to the Jordan Gate Towers, it’s an ideal choice. Offering a classic take on luxury, each bedroom provides a seating area, a pillow menu and a marble bathroom, with suites equipped with separate living areas and access to an executive lounge. In addition to eating and drinking options at Via Appia Restaurant, the sports bar and Le Cafe Lounge and Terrace, there’s the Kempi Spa, a billiards room, eight bowling lanes, a heated outdoor pool, parking and a playground.
W Amman
This bold and funky hotel is right next to the Abdali Mall, in trendy downtown Abdali. Guests staying here can laze on muslin-slung daybeds suspended over water (colourfully lit for Insta-worthy photos after dark), soak in panoramic views through floor-to-ceiling bedroom windows, party across three floors at the Aura club, eat sushi at Enso, take yoga classes on the terrace and view pop-art art exhibitions. 280 bedrooms feature W’s signature beds, Bliss amenities, Illy Coffee, board games and a Mix Bar for in-room late-night nibbles. W also has a spa and is a pet-friendly hotel.
Saraya Aqaba
Al Manara, a Luxury Collection Hotel
This Marriott property follows traditional Jordanian architectural lines with curved and pointed archways, glossy, polished white floors, lanterns and paintings depicting desert life. The colour scheme is largely monochrome, with accents of deep red and dark wood creating a modern, yet regal feel. The hotel occupies a section of private beach, with some complimentary watersports and upgraded rooms have balconies overlooking the sea. There are a lot of activities laid on for kids, a DJ beside the pool for those seeking a lively holiday experience, and a spa for a more relaxing vibe, as well as a seafood restaurant and onsite shops.
Kempinski Hotel Aqaba Red Sea
With clean lines and a Scandi-style minimalist design, this hotel will suit those seeking a more Western contemporary aesthetic. It’s surrounded by restaurants, nightclubs and shops, but there’s plenty on-site to keep you occupied. There are two main restaurants; one serving fusion cuisine, the other being alfresco and hosting theme nights with live music to accompany your buffet meal. There are two bars; one with a sports theme, the other beside the pool. Kids have their own club, plus there’s a spa and gym. The Kempinski’s purpose-built crescent shape maximises access to views with all 200 serene rooms overlooking the beachside pool and the sea.
Hyatt Regency Aqaba Ayla
Part of the Ayla complex of amenities (which includes an 18-hole golf course, a wake park, shops and man-made lagoons), the Hyatt Regency is a gleaming white edifice on the horizon. It has four deep blue pools, some built like rivers with bridges over them, complemented by equally blue loungers. At this hotel, you can play pool or ping-pong, sun yourself cocktail in hand at the private beach club, pop to the spa, and dine in its two restaurants (one of which themes food on cuisine from olive oil-producing countries). The kids can hang out in both indoor and outdoor play zones and there’s a rooftop bar for the adults to indulge in a few sundowners.
Wadi Musa
Mövenpick Nabatean Castle
A ten minute taxi ride from Petra, this hotel is a super, five-star base from which to explore the region. The building takes the form of a castle, a fortress elevated to provide supreme Rift Valley views. Each of its 90 rooms and suites has a complimentary minibar, a balcony or terrace and an earthy palette that blends seamlessly with the surrounding terrain. A heated indoor swimming pool is flanked by pillars and the restaurant boasts a terrace with a gorgeous outlook.
Old Village Resort Petra
The Old Village Resort makes much of the stunning Shahara Mountains, with terraces and sitting spots best accompanied by a local beverage. The decor at the hotel is reflective of the area’s culture, with traditional furnishings, authentic features and rugs and the low-rise stone architecture is very much in keeping with its surroundings. Guests can swim at the open outdoor pool, or indoors at the spa. The restaurant, with its alfresco seating area is the perfect spot to try Jordanian dishes while admiring the sunset.
Petra Marriott Hotel
A majestic setting on top of a hill, surrounded by dessert, makes this Marriott somewhere very special indeed. The pool area takes full advantage of the setting, with loungers surrounded by a perimeter of greenery, looking onto the breathtaking arid mountainscape. The hotel’s public rooms have been designed to evoke this atmosphere, not least its traditional Bedouin tent where you can eat BBQ food, a lantern-lit inner courtyard and restaurants serving Arabic specialities. Bedrooms have been decorated in a calm and neutral international style – be sure to request one that looks onto the desert. And there’s a spa for a rejuvenating Turkish Bath.