The Kingdom of Jordan easily captures the imagination. Its hospitality—typically experienced over small cups of strong coffee—is legendary. The country’s landscapes are otherworldly, and there’s a rich food tradition, from fine dining to street falafels. Well-preserved ruins and other architectural wonders like the rose-hued city of Petra add a remarkable depth to any visit.
But Jordan’s appeal extends even further: It has become an ideal destination for luxury lovers, adventurers who value creature comforts, and honeymooners eager to be indulged with thoughtful touches. Whether you’re sleeping under the desert stars in a cozy tent, enjoying the best of Amman’s fine dining and private cooking classes, or being pampered at a five-star hotel, Jordan offers a wide range of luxurious options to complement any itinerary.
Soar at Sunrise… To get a literal overview of Jordan’s varied terrain, take to the skies in a hot-air balloon ride with the Royal Aero Sports Club. You can rise above the remarkable rock formations in Wadi Rum, or watch the sunrise over the warm orange sands from thousands of feet above the desert.
Sleep Under a Starry Sky…. In the middle of spectacular Wadi Rum, under a clear sky dotted with bright stars, visitors can sleep in a luxury tent at places like Sun City Camp, Wadi Rum Night, and Bespoke Hideaways. It’s also a chance to experience Bedouin hospitality: candlelit family-style meals of breads, mezze, and meats, live music, and dancing in traditional living rooms lined with plush cushions. Before you leave, watch the desert awaken from the vantage point of an early morning, slow moving camel ride.
Dine at Amman’s Finest Restaurants… While every region of Jordan makes a culinary contribution, Amman offers the richest array of options. Fakhr El Din’s setting within a gracious former home sets the tone for an elegant evening. Expect fresh fish from the Arabian Gulf, hummus with sticky and savory tahini, fresh salads topped with sumac, and grilled lamb with a hint of citrus.
Brush Up Your Own Cooking Skills… At Beit Sitti, in the old stone home of the Haddad family, you can learn how to char eggplants over an open flame, assemble spiced rice with raisins and slow-cooked chicken, and make chopped salads of tomatoes, cucumbers, and fragrant just-picked parsley. Be sure to bring home some sumac, pomegranate molasses, and zaatar to either stock your pantry or give away as souvenirs.
Sample the Emerging Beer and Wine Scenes… Carakale makes all-natural craft beers in a beautiful new brewery in hilly Fuhays, just outside of Amman. If you’re more partial to wine, plan an outing to Zumot Winery & Vineyards, one of the very few Jordanian producers, to taste a variety of vintages, from jammy reds to crisp whites with a hint of pear or grapefruit.
Be Pampered at Urban Hotels… In Amman, the Four Seasons occupies one of the city’s seven hills, treating its guests to gorgeous views along with modern marble-and-flower-filled interiors. The Fairmont Amman is an oasis with touches of Parisian elegance and a full-service Willow Stream spa with a Dead Sea pool, special mud treatments, and a spacious hammam.
Bask in a Seaside Retreat… The Intercontinental Aqaba enchants with a pristine private beach lined with palm trees right along the Red Sea. Snorkel under the hot sun and then cool down with a cocktail under the shade of a big white umbrella. The Hotel Kempinski Ishtar Dead Sea—located on the iconic salt lake that also happens to be the lowest point on earth—blends sleek interiors with the ultimate in poolside relaxation.
