Bedouin Camping in Wadi Rum
What could be better than spending the night under a brilliant sky full of stars? Doing it as part of an immersive Bedouin experience in a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wadi Rum is Jordan's vast desert wilderness, and staying overnight in this remote area means basking in the great outdoors while partaking in delicious Bedouin dishes, traditional storytelling, and live music performed al fresco. Try the Wadi Rum Night Camp, a cushy outpost that boasts beautiful furniture in lavish tents, high-end bed linens, and elegant (but mostly shared) bathrooms. One attractive option is their "Full of Stars Hotel": a collection of domed bubble tents made partially of transparent plastic, perfect for stargazing. And when you wake up ready for a camel ride or Jeep tour of the dunes, you'll be right in the middle of the action.
Sustainable Stay at the Feynan Ecolodge
The Feynan Ecolodge is located in Jordan's Dana Biosphere Reserve, a large, stunning valley protected and cherished for its incredible biodiversity. Nestled among the area's muted rainbow of rocky hills, the property prides itself on the concepts of sustainability, conservation, community service, and educational programs for the guests staying in the lodge's 26 rooms. Running exclusively on solar power, the ecolodge offers a number of cultural classes and expert-led walks around the area, serves a fantastic vegetarian menu, and works to hire staff from within the local Bedouin community. For those interested in seeing the country on foot, this also serves as a great jumping off point for the classic nine-day Dana to Petra trek, lauded by National Geographic as one of the best hikes in the world.
Natural Tranquility at Ma'In Hot Springs
For off-the-beaten-path pampering, head to Evason Ma'In Hot Springs to mellow out in a variety of natural spring-fed pools. Located about 58 kilometers south of Amman, this small resort makes for a perfect stop on your way to sightseeing in nearby Madaba. The main attractions at Ma'in are the mineral-rich, naturally heated waterfalls flowing into pools that locals swear by for their healing properties - at the very least, you can count on true relaxation and a solid night of sleep in the property's well-appointed rooms (some with balconies facing the waterfalls!). Evason Ma'in also has a spa - try the Olive Grove Scrub, which uses ingredients grown on the grounds - and an excellent restaurant.
Cultural Immersion in a Local Home
Jordanian people are known for their hospitality, evident in the widely available opportunities to participate in local life. Join a family for a lunch of mansaf and hummus, tag along with experts as they show you the ropes in traditional skills like shepherding or soapmaking, and for those looking for an even deeper immersion in local life, stay overnight in a Jordanian home. You might come away from the experience with some recipes for Jordanian cuisine, you'll probably master some greetings in Arabic, and you'll definitely connect with the culture on a personal level. Many tour companies can incorporate authentic homestays into your travel itineraries - take a look at this example from Experience Jordan for inspiration!
Bed & Breakfast in a Charming Villa
Petra is perhaps Jordan's best known attraction, and most visitors plan to spend at least one day exploring the astonishing expanse of ruins. For travelers who value proximity to the grounds and accommodations that surpass the usual tourist area options, the B&B Petra Fig Tree Villa is a perfect choice. Located just a ten-minute stroll from Petra's main entrance, this cozy property offers four guest rooms to choose from, along with an oasis-like garden. Book a relaxing chair massage, reserve your spot on one of the many available day trip excursions, or simply sit under the trees with a cup of tea and plan your day at the (very) nearby archeological park.
Luxury Spas at the Dead Sea
While this lodging option may seem run-of-the-mill compared to some of the others on this list, spending the night in one of the many resorts on the shores of the Dead Sea presents a special opportunity to indulge in the natural spa treatments that make this region famous. With its intensely salty waters and high concentration of minerals, spa facilities in the area utilize the healing properties of the sea in their extensive menus of detoxifying mud wraps, body scrubs, and other therapeutic rituals. Try the Kempinski Hotel Ishtar, which boasts a number of pools and restaurants along with its highly regarded spa; the Movenpick Resort & Spa is similarly luxurious.
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