Luxe Experiences in Jordan
You may already know about the archeological wonders and outdoor adventure, but Jordan is also an unexpectedly lovely place for a luxury escape. High-end options aren’t always advertised prominently, but it doesn’t mean they are unavailable—you just have to be in the know.
When planning your trip, don’t be shy about describing your dream vacation in detail. Travel specialists want to provide a memorable and meaningful experience, tailored to your vision. In addition to the ideas listed below, you can book multilingual and specialty guides with a higher level of training, and fabulous celebratory events like engagement proposals (and honeymoons—read more here) can be arranged.
Get Pampered at a Dead Sea Spa
After a long journey to Jordan or an active day of adventuring, you’ll be more than ready for some R&R. On arrival in Amman, indulge in a 5-star spa treatment. Your first stop should be the spa at the Four Seasons Hotel Amman where the Nabatean Treatment will scrub away the travel stress and soothe your skin and scalp with the help of olive seeds and argan oil.
If you are arriving via Aqaba instead, the Zara Spa at Movenpick Resort and Spa Tala Bay is your best bet. Relax in the steam room or try the "experience showers"—a combination of fragrances and colored lighting effects believed to create a sense of calm and increase blood circulation. All of Zara Spa's treatments aim to utilize natural and local ingredients in harmony with Jordan's environment and culture.
The Dead Sea also has your luxury spa needs covered—literally. Slather your body with mineral-rich mud and float in the healing waters, or leave the body treatment to the experts and book a relaxing day at the Resense Spa in the Kempinski Hotel Ishtar—the Middle East's largest spa. Choose from one of the 20 Arabic design-inspired private rooms or one of the stunning outdoor treatment areas. If you're visiting the Dead Sea during the summer, you can also opt for a morning yoga session to get your day off to a peaceful start.
Traveling south to Aqaba for sun, sand, and snorkeling? Add a massage or body treatment to your agenda. Book a couples massage at the Kempinski the Spa - Aqaba and enjoy views of the Red Sea from your private treatment room while the massage therapists melt away your worries.
Uniquely Luxurious Lodging
Whether you prefer to stick strictly to internationally known hotels or you like to experience unique boutique options, you will find what you need in Jordan. Book a Dead Sea view room at one of the many 5-star resorts at the lowest point on earth and enjoy multiple pools, fitness rooms, spa treatments, and (best of all) private beach access to the mineral waters. Staying at the Kempinski Hotel Ishtar? Request a romantic dinner for two prepared by a private chef on the shores of the sea.
Or, surround yourself in Jordan's spectacular scenery while you indulge at Ma’in Hot Springs Resort, located less than 20 minutes from the Dead Sea. Located in a hidden oasis, Ma'in is where you'll soak in healing natural hot springs and take in views of the desert from your private balcony. Newlyweds will adore the honeymoon suite—the rooftop location affords nearly 360-degree views.
And if you're looking to spend a night or two experiencing the desert magic of Wadi Rum without sacrificing creature comforts, go “glamping” under the stars in a temperature controlled bubble tent—you'll wake up to views of the expansive desert from the comfort of a decked-out queen bed. Keep reading about unique lodging options in Wadi Rum and throughout Jordan.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Private Dining and Sunset Sailing
Jordan offers endless opportunities for unique dining experiences in extra special settings. Book a private sailing trip on the Red Sea with Alladin Yacht and sip champagne while the sun sets. Or, if you prefer to keep your toes in the sand, request a candlelit table for two on the beach in Aqaba or in the majestic martian landscape of Wadi Rum. If simply dining on the sea at sunset or under the stars near postcard-perfect pink sandstone formations isn't enough, the food and drink menu can be tailor-made to your tastes.
Keep in mind that the reason these dining experiences are so special is because they are typically unadvertised—inquire ahead with your travel specialist to discuss your vision and preferences.
Helicopter & Hot Air Balloon Excursions
Take flight and level up your Jordan adventure. Hop in a hot air balloon and view the ancient towering rocks of Wadi Rum from above. In all of Jordan, there is only one captain who operates hot air balloons and this experience is only available in Wadi Rum, so it's a truly unique excursion and must be arranged in advance.
Helicopters and ultralight flights—open-air aircraft carrying up to 2 passengers—offer additional options for a VIP bird’s eye view of the diverse terrain of the country. Ultralight flights can take you soaring above Aqaba and Wadi Rum, while helicopters can cruise over most of Jordan with the exception of Petra (due to the fragility of the protected architectural site).
Need an extra touch of luxury treatment for your flight or balloon ride? Request flowers, champagne, or local wine to be delivered after you land. And learn more about Wadi Rum in our Ultimate Guide.
Wine Tasting
Arrange a private food and wine pairing at The Winemaker or JR the Wine Experience in the trendy Abdali area of Amman. Or, if you’ll be in Jordan between April and September, book a tour and tasting at the vineyards of Jordan River Wines or Zumot Wines (both located in Mafraq, about 1.5 hours from Amman). Zumot even has a pool where you can relax in the sun after sampling their organic, award-winning wines.
Keep in mind that Jordan is a Muslim country; alcohol may not always be available in restaurants, and religious holidays can affect availability. However, if you’re booking premium travel services, one of the perks is that you may be able to request that they arrange wine ahead of time in areas where it might not otherwise be available.
Cross the Border like a VIP
Planning to visit Israel or Palestine on the same trip (like in this itinerary)? You can request expedited VIP service at the Allenby Crossing or Sheikh Hussein Bridge. Instead of waiting in line, travelers chill in a lounge and are offered coffee, tea, and water while fees are paid and documents secured. A private shuttle will take you all the way to the parking lot on the other side of the border.
At both border crossing points where the service is available, the fee is $115 USD each way (on top of the entry, exit, and visa fees)—a small price to pay for this level of luxury. (If you'd like to know more about border crossing logistics, read this article.)
Ready to explore Jordan? Find out the best times of year to visit, and start planning your trip.
