The Best of Oman & Jordan

Head to the Kempinski Hotel Ishtar, situated on the edge of the famous Dead Sea salt lake, 434 m below sea level. This luxury five-star hotel has its own private sandy beach as well as beautiful Babylon-style gardens filled with pools and lagoons, creating a tranquil oasis for guests to enjoy. From the hotel, you can float in the therapeutic waters of the Dead Sea or relax in one of the infinity pools overlooking the lake.The hotel’s Resense Spa is renowned for its luxury spa treatments as well as its hydro-pool and steam room, creating the ultimate relaxation experience for its guests. Further afield, you can explore Jordan’s most famous river canyon – the Wadi Mujib Gorge –  as well as visit The Baptism Site.

Stay in the ‘Sunset Area’ of the magical Wadi Rum Desert, in an authentic Bedouin tented camp. Here you can enjoy jeep jours, came rides and hiking in the desert surrounded by soaring mountains. One of our favourite activities is a drive to the Burdah Mountain to walk across one of the biggest arches in the desert, followed by a trip to the White Desert where you can enjoy a spectacular sunset after a 2 hour hike. Alternatively, head to the Khazali Canyon where you can see some ancient Bedouin inscriptions whilst walking through the canyon. Spend the evening under the stars learning about Bedouin Culture, listening to  their stories by a crackling campfire,  before dining on a traditional ‘Zarb’ cooked under the sands.

Located directly at the entrance of the historic Jordanian city of Petra, the Movenpick Resort is the ultimate destination to explore the Rose Red City. Explore the ancient Nabataean Capital City carved out of stone and stand beneath the famous Al Khazina Corinthian Columns. For a truly unique experience, see the rock city light up at night time by thousands of candles, illuminating the siq, its friezes and carved figures. For those up for a bit of shopping, head to the Zara Souk to haggle over traditional Jordanian gifts, before enjoying a traditional hammam or turkish bath at the resort’s luxury spa. Head to the Al Ghadeer Roof Gardens for a sundowner overlooking the valley of Wadi Mousa before enjoying dinner at one of the resort’s seven restaurants.

Head back to Amman for a one night stay at the Four Seasons before your transfer to Oman for the second part of your adventure. Spend your time either relaxing in the Romanesque pool with panoramic city views, or head to the Darat Al Funun in the downtown area. This hillside art gallery is a  cultural haven dedicated to contemporary Arabic art as well as home to an excavated 6-th century Byzantine Church. Dine back in one of the hotel’s restaurants or try some traditional Jordanian cuisine at one of the city’s famous restaurants. We recommend sampling the mansaf in the beautiful gardens of the Sufra Restaurant on Rainbow Street.

Head to the unique Alila Jabal Akhdar Hotel to experience some of Oman’s rich history, culture and rugged mountainous landscape. The hotel’s architecture is inspired by traditional Omani forts and the region’s Mediterraneon Climate means the area is ripe with walnuts, pomegranates and seasonal damask roses. While here, visit the historic town of Jabreen to see the beautiful painted ceilings in Jabreen Castle or visit the UNESCO Bahla Fort. Guests can also embark on some incredible walks in the region, such as a hike around Jebel Shams – Oman’s highest peak – with a stop at the An Nakhr Balcony overlooking the deep ravine below.  In the evenings, taste food inspired by the golden age of Arabic culture at the hotel’s Juniper Restaurant, with stunning views over the region’s mountains, before enjoying a stargazing adventure. 

Head into the heart of Oman’s Wahiba Sands, driving in a 4X4 down towering golden dunes. Arrive at the Magic Camp before setting off to explore the beautiful Wadi Bani Khalid, to take a dip in the cooling river oasis surrounded by shady palms. Alternatively, set off by camel up the desert’s sand dunes to feel like a true Bedouin, before experiencing an incredible Oman sunset over the sandscape. Head back to your secluded luxury tent camp for a festive banquet of mezzes, hummus and saffron scented biryanis whilst relaxing on berber rugs surrounded by glowing lanterns. Being surrounded by nothing but desert, allows for some incredible star gazing away from any light pollution, before waking up to try some dune-surfing in the morning.