Away Jordan: Come for the History, Stay for the Hospitality

Petra, Jordan

Imagine carving a city into the rose-colored cliffs of a sandstone canyon. That’s Petra, Jordan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Jordan’s greatest tourist attraction. It is a vast and unique city, carved into the sheer rock face by the Nabataeans, an industrious Arab civilization who settled there more than 2000 years ago.

Step back in time as you enter the Siq, a narrow gorge that twists and turns with towering walls adorned with Nabataean carvings, sunlight peeking through cracks overhead. Then marvel as the Treasury explodes into view, Petra’s iconic 130-foot façade with intricate details throughout. Explore carved tombs, temples, and amphitheaters, each whispering stories of a once-thriving civilization. Hike to the Monastery, a 450-step climb rewarded with breathtaking panoramas. Beyond the monuments, Petra’s magic lies in its hidden corners. Climb narrow staircases to discover forgotten chambers, sip sweet tea with local Bedouins, and watch the sun paint the canyons in hues of orange and gold.

Visiting Petra is more than just sightseeing; it’s an immersive experience. To visit Petra during daylight is awe-inspiring; to experience it at night by the light of 1,800 candles is truly out-of-this-world. Walk through the Siq to the Khazneh following a candle-lit path and enjoy the haunting music of the Bedouins at the Treasury. Tours start at 8:30 p.m. and finish at 10 p.m. every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday.

The Dead Sea

Relax in the gently lapping waters and be amazed that you can’t sink as you are in the largest natural spa on earth. The well-known healing powers of minerals from the sea’s muddy floor treat many skin diseases and rejuvenate skin. The warm, soothing water is ten times saltier than normal sea water, and is rich in chloride salts like magnesium, sodium, potassium and bromine, among others. Even the air around the Dead Sea is 8 percent richer in oxygen than at sea level. Seeking a more leisurely stay? Check into any of the Dead Sea’s five-star hotels, including the Hilton Dead Sea Resort & Spa and the Kempinski Hotel Ishtar, both popular for its wellness programs.

Shawbak

Once called “Le Krak de Montreal,” Shawbak refers to the castle as well as to its surrounding group of ten villages. The castle is located less than an hour’s drive north of Petra and was inhabited until the 1950s. It is perched on the side of a mountain, with a grand sweep of fruit trees below. Walk into the ruined parts of the castle and notice some European architectural elements, almost Gothic in style.

Feynan Ecolodge

The award-winning Feynan Ecolodge is considered one of the world’s top 25 eco-lodges and is a blend of sustainability and legendary Jordanian hospitality. The lodge is solar powered, so evenings mean candle-light dinners on outdoor terraces featuring delicious Arabic and Bedouin cuisine prepared from locally sourced ingredients. The 26 guest rooms designed around a series of internal courtyards are reminiscent of the ancient silk route inns.
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Wadi Rum

Also known as “Valley of the Moon,” Wadi Rum is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its otherworldly landscapes and unique overnight pod hotels. Characterized by towering sandstone cliffs, vast expanses of red sand, and dramatic rock formations, Wadi Rum will transport you to another planet. With minimal light pollution, it also offers some of the best stargazing in the world. On a clear night, you can see the Milky Way, countless constellations and shooting stars.