
In case Jordan is not on your Top 5 Destination List for 2017, I strongly urge you to add it on for a magical, adventurous experience in the Middle-East. Known most famously for one of the world’s favorite wonders, Petra, and the vast desert landscapes of Wadi Rum, there is so much more to Jordan than one can ever imagine. Visit Jordan to walk the footsteps of where Jesus was Baptized, float the Dead Sea, taste the best Middle-Eastern food from local family-owned restaurants, experience fine dining and go yachting in the Red Sea. For the luxury traveler, there are plenty of lavish resorts to splurge and relax at throughout Jordan, like the Kempinski Hotel at Aqaba Red Sea and Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea.
I typically lean towards the lower-budget guesthouses and home stays, but once in awhile, I do enjoy pampering myself at a luxury hotel, as long as it is reasonably priced (as in less than $200/night).
Jordan is mainly all desert land, but there are bodies of water to be found to cool off, with the Dead Sea to the west and Red Sea all the way in the southwest, which are only about a 2.5 hour drive from one another. Aqaba is a coastal port city which lies on the northeastern tip of the Red Sea that is at a crossroads of 3 continents: Asia, Africa and Europe, bordering Egypt, Israel and Saudi Arabia. It was formerly an Egyptian city, and now the most populous city on the Gulf of Aqaba. Today, it is where Jordanians go to relax for the weekend. Because of it’s geography, their friendly neighbors, the Egyptians, Israelis and Saudis love to come vacation as well.
For tourists, it’s close proximity to Petra and Wadi Rum, known as the “Jordanian Golden Triangle” is an ideal place to stop before their next adventure. It is a fun town to relax in: sunbathe on the beach, windsurf, sea kayak while cooling off with the tantalizing sea breeze. The evening night life boasts some delicious restaurants, shopping in Souqs and bars all within walking distance or a cheap taxi ride. Spend an afternoon on the boat by hiring Sea Guard & Yasmena Boat for snorkeling, fishing, diving with gear and lunch included.
Kempinski Hotel Aqaba Red Sea
For a romantic or personal indulgence, I would highly recommend the Kempinski Hotel Aqaba, a 5 star resort that sits on the sandy white beach of the Red Sea. The average price per night starts at $150 with a serene view of the sea. They have 200 rooms & suites, private beach, high-end spa, 6 restaurants/bars and a private beach to relax in peace.

Indulge Your Palate at Kempinski’s 4 Restaurants and 2 Bars
- AM PM has a scrumptious buffet which serves Arabic cuisine with a European Flair.
- Fish In Restaurant for the fresh catch of the day.
- The Walk is a casual restaurant open during the day.
- Aqua Lounge is open all day long that serves specialty cocktails and Shishas (hookahs) upon request.
- Black Pearl Lounge hosts their resident DJ on Black Friday themed nights for a memorable Dance Party.
- Enjoy specialty cocktails, refreshing beverages or a fine wine list by the poolside lounge, Sea Breeze Pool Bar.


Take a Peak at My Stay:
September to February is right before high-season while March to May is high season with more tourists and it gets a bit more expensive. Either time is a recommended time to visit Jordan, otherwise the summer may get too hot for some people.
Kempinski Hotel Aqaba Red Sea
King Hussein Street
P.O Box 1441 77110 Aqaba, Jordan
Phone: +962 3 2090888
https://www.kempinski.com/en/aqaba/hotel-aqaba