Dead Sea hotels in Jordan: soak up the sun and soothe your soul

Located within a traditional Arabic village setting and encircled by 8 hectares of flower-filled gardens, the 5-star Mövenpick Resort & Spa is an oasis of calm. Here, you’re right on the shores of the famous Dead Sea and you can enjoy far-reaching views over the healing waters from most parts of the hotel. Onsite Zara Spa also employs the surrounding natural resources to offer therapeutic treatments, such as a black mud body wrap – follow this with time in the outdoor heated massage pool to truly treat your senses.

Accommodation is every kind of luxurious – earthy-toned Classic Rooms have balconies facing the Jordan Valley, while the decadent Royal Villa features a private swimming pool and direct access to the Dead Sea. If you’re a foodie, the nine restaurants here offer a world of choice. Devour dishes such as lemon-laced fattoush salad in the Mediterranean-inspired Al Saraya Restaurant and prawn-loaded Singapore noodles in Chopsticks Restaurant. Alternatively, settle for the evening at The Splash Bar with temptations like chicken shawarma platters and refreshing hand-crafted cocktails.

You might think you’ve stepped into the garden of Eden when you arrive at the Kempinski Hotel Ishtar. This 5-star beauty has breathtaking views over the Dead Sea, with three deluxe enclaves of accommodation nestled among lush gardens, tumbling waterfalls and a series of sparkling pools.

Stay in an Ishtar Royal Villa for optimum luxury, settling among chic interiors dotted with intricate artwork. Carved wooden furnishings and sparkling chandeliers instil a sense of opulence, while floor-to-ceiling windows frame uninterrupted views of the water.

A private wellness centre encourages total relaxation with a treatment room and sauna; the outdoor pool and hot tub also ensure you’ll never want to leave. If you can tear yourself away, however, a bevvy of facilities await. Swim in the nine uniquely designed pools and hit the fitness centre to work up an appetite for the hotel’s delicious cuisine. With food served in six different bars and restaurants, you can feast on the likes of seared sea bass or inhale bubbling shisha after a hearty mezze platter.

Set in the heart of seaside Sweimah, the Dead Sea Marriott Resort and Spa
lives up to its 5-star rating. Each plush guest room and suite is perfectly positioned to enjoy awe-inspiring views of the water, while an onsite wellness centre will help to further your relaxation. Indulge with signature rituals such as the ‘Arabian Envelopment’ package and linger in the waters of the warming indoor pool before enjoying a purifying facial.

When you want to experience the Dead Sea for yourself, just head to the hotel’s private stretch of beach and recline on the sands. Thatch umbrellas provide shade in the midday heat, while the sea will beckon you in for a cooling float in the mineral-rich waters.

Rooms here are elegant and peaceful – interiors are beautifully finished with mahogany furnishings while luxury bedding ensures a serene night’s sleep. For an extra dose of decadence, bag the Royal Crown Suite and you’ll even get your very own sauna.

An expectation of luxury is attached to the name of some hotels and the Hilton Dead Sea Resort & Spa certainly doesn’t disappoint. At this beachside beauty, you can easily while away the day in sun-soaked seclusion, or perhaps you’ll linger by a tranquil infinity pool – there are two to choose from. A floating sun deck lets you drift on the surface of the Dead Sea, completely effort free.

A slick complex of neutral-toned buildings, this 5-star hotel is beautifully design-led. Rooms feature Arabian-inspired decor and eye-catching works of art complemented by high-end amenities. Begin your days with a walk-in rain shower and end them on your private terrace at sunset, watching the stars come out.

Eager to see more of Jordan? Take a trip to the city of Madaba – less than an hour’s drive away – and marvel at the Byzantine and Umayyad mosaics that this place is famous for. If you’re keen to stay on-site, you might wave younger guests off to the hotel’s fun-packed Kids Club while you slip into the soothing spa – aromatherapy massage, anyone?

Looking for Dead Sea digs that are fabulously family-friendly? This Holiday Inn Resort could be just the thing. Located a 45-minute drive from Queen Alia International Airport, this 5-star hotel is comfortable without compromising on style. And the best bit? Kids under the age of 12 can stay and eat for free.

Food-lovers will be in their element here with a choice of places to feast. Grab a local-style lunch at sun-soaked outdoor eatery Horizon Terrace – grilled sheesh tahouk with garlic sauce, perhaps? Later on, you might veer towards the international, with dishes such as maple-chicken lollipops at 393 Burger & Steak. Then again, maybe you’ll treat the kids to the likes of mini burgers and chocolate brownies in the hotel’s plush Lobby Lounge.

Rooms and suites here are swathed in bright colours, with whirlpool baths providing in-room indulgence for adults. Private balconies offer views over nearby mountains or the vast Dead Sea, while some rooms enjoy direct access to the hotel’s pool – great for getting in an early dip with the little ones.

Holistic wellness is a primary focus at the 5-star Crowne Plaza Jordan. You’ll find that the hotel’s therapy centre, Sohum Spa, is a sanctuary of soothing treatments and facilities. Indulge with massages and reflexology, steaming away any lingering cares in a wood-lined sauna, before seeking out the saltwater Jacuzzi for a soak amid the bubbles.

Treats continue when you check into a luxurious King Suite. A handy private entrance leads you into generous living space where you can use the well-equipped kitchenette to prepare satisfying snacks. Savour treats on the balcony while gazing out over the hotel’s shimmering outdoor pool. Later on, slip into your elegant ensuite for a bit of ‘me time’ with complimentary toiletries.

You’re just an hour’s drive from Amman so you might head off to see Jordan’s ancient capital. Wander the winding souks to pick up handcrafted souvenirs and sample syrupy baklava in one of the many atmospheric cafés that dot this ancient city. Return to the hotel in time for a late dinner at Burj Al Hamam. Expect Lebanese-inspired cuisine such as creamy hummus with crispy pitta and spice-laden seafood specials.