Bucket List Destinations | A Journey Through Jordan

As part of the 7 Wonders of the World, Petra is truly a sight that will take your breath away. Petra has attracted tourists ever since its discovery more than 200 years ago, by the Swiss explorer, Jean Louis Burckhart. 

Petra wastes no time in impressing tourists as the area is littered with over 800 registered sites. You’ll need at least two days to visit all the highlights of this city, but if you have more time, wandering this ancient city is an experience like no other. 

Immediately after the entrance, travelers can find the Djinn Blocks, imposing stone monuments whose original purpose remains unknown, and following that, the Obelisk Tomb. 

From here, you will make your way through the Siq – the famous snaking canyon pathway that is enclosed by its tall walls. If you look along the wall, you will find the remnants of historic channels that were used to supply Petra with water, as well as niches for sacred carvings known as Baetyls. 

These ancient artifacts hint that Petra may have been considered a holy city at one point in time. Keep an eye out for the weathered relief sculpture of camels being led by two merchants, as well. 

Check out dozens of tombs and houses on the Street of Facades, climb steep stairs for a great view of the High Place of Sacrifice,stand in awe at the Theater and stroll down the impressive Colonnaded Street.

Floating in the Dead Sea is a bucket-list worthy experience when visiting Jordan. Known as the lowest point to access by road, this body of water is located 418 meters below sea level, and glows an intense, vibrant shade of aquamarine. 

The Dead Sea is renowned for its mineral-rich water. Wellness Guru’s believe the waters of the sea contain healing properties and help rejuvenate the skin. 

Because of the sea’s high salt content, you might be disappointed to hear that the Dead Sea is not a great place to swim laps, however, the salt contents do help in keeping you afloat atop the surface. Perfect for kicking back and soaking up the sun while you drift through the still waters. 

The Dead Sea can be accessed from various points, including a walk from Amman Beach. However, if you truly want to experience the wonders of the Dead Sea, we recommend a stay at one of the plush resorts on the Dead Sea’s northeast coast.

This is a location for the traveler with a love for adventure. Situated in the southern region of Jordan, Wadi Rum, also known as the Valley of the Moon, is a natural spectacle made of sandstone and granite, and offers travelers some of the most bespoke and otherworldly experiences that they may come across on their travels. 

This valley offers towering cliffs, massive dunes, swirling archways, and caverns waiting to be explored. The Zalabia Bedouin, a cultural group that lives in the area, have transformed Wadi Rum into an ecotourism playground. 

Choose between riding a camel or a spirited Arabian horse through the area, strap on a harness and climb up the sandstone mountains, or kick up sand along an ATV tour through the desert landscape. 

Travel Tip : When visiting the Wadi Rum area, consider a luxurious glamping experience beneath the stars. With the lack of light pollution, the view is truly amazing! 

Like what you’re reading? Check out our Magellan Odyssey Tour that includes this incredible destination, along with nine other Bucket-list worthy destinations that are said to be life-changing!

Shaped from spiced, ground chickpeas, crisp Falafel balls are a street food staple within the streets of Levant.

Usually served with the Falafel balls stuffed into a pita bread, Falafel is a beloved breakfast snack in Jordan, as well as a late-night snack after a long day of touring the dry, desert landscape. 

Tucked away in a narrow alley, travelers can find Amman’s famous Hashem Restaurant, a food lover’s paradise where falafel is plated with bundles of fresh mint, raw onion and tomatoes, and served alongside piles of flatbread fresh from the oven. 

Fun Fact : This famous restaurant can also expect visits from the royal family of Jordan.

Kunafa is a favorite when it comes to marking special occasions, as the crisp layer of pastry that threads the top of the cheese or cream (you decide), creates an irresistible flavor that spread throughout Jordan during the Ottoman rule. 

Paired with a Thick Turkish coffee, Kunafa can also be served as an afternoon sweet treat. On warm days, travelers can visit downtown Amman, where the crowds fill the alleyways that lead to Habibah Sweets, whose Kunafa is said to be legendary. 

Customers can order a plate, and pull up a chair along the alleyway as the Kunafa is served on disposable plates. Pick and choose from the variety of sweet treats that are filled with oozing syrup, and served in hefty portions, meaning, everyone’s getting a bite!

Maqluba screams ‘comfort food’, but with a twist as Maqluba’s drama is all in its presentation. After a long, slow simmer over a low fire, this dish of rice, chicken, and vegetables is then flipped over onto a plate, and served as a tower waiting to be broken apart. 

Depending on the chef, the result of the dish is a tidy cake that hides rich lumps of meat, along with a jumble of ingredients within the center. And while Maqluba is a dish that is predominantly made at home, travelers can still find it at some restaurants. So just ask around!

Fun Fact : The word maqluba, actually means, “upside down,” and is a dish that dates all the way back to the 13th century. A version of the dish appears in the 13th century Kitāb Al-tabīkh, a collection of recipes from medieval Baghdad.

Situated on the edge of the famous salt lake, 434m below sea level and close to Jordan’s top attractions, Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea is a brilliant ode to the hanging gardens of Babel, featuring a private sandy beach and a 5-star luxury spa that provides luxury experiences infused with Dead Sea rich minerals. 

Kempinski Hotels luxury spa is said to be the largest spa in the region at 10,000 sqm, and Jordan’s best spa in 2018. Every element of the spa has been designed to give guests the most luxurious experience, with adding a touch of surprise. 

If you’re someone who likes to hit the gym, and never like to miss a workout even on vacation, the hotel comes with an elegantly styled gym, fully equipped with all the things you may need, and stays open 24 hours a day. 

Set atop the tallest of Amman’s seven hills, within the leafy streets of the prestigious Abdoun residential area, the hotel’s newly renovated look is a beacon of luxury and elegance in the city center. 

The hotel offers indoor and outdoor pools, as well as a squash court and spa. Enjoy facials, body treatments, massages, and nail treatments for both male and females. 

The Four Seasons offers fine dining, with guests being able to enjoy delicious meals at La Capitale, where Bordeaux born chef de cuisine Arthur Vonderheyden will stir up the excitement in the room and dazzle your senses with his flair for French fare in dishes like spicy steak au poivre vert (with green pepper sauce), garlicky escargots, and cheesy eggplant gratin.  

Experience the city through the eyes of a world-class photographer in an exclusive hotel program. The program sees Zohrab Markarian taking you around town to find the capital’s most stunning sights, and teaching you how to capture pictures of them like a true professional.

The Ma’In hot springs resort and Spa offers many authentic Jordanian life experiences and comforts. Within the most sustainable way, Ma’In offers an opportunity to feel the true pulse of the Middle East.

From its traditional mystical roots to its present day uniqueness, this oasis provides its guests with high quality service, bespoke amenities and a group of caring and knowledgeable hosts who are known for their Arabian hospitality. 

Set like an oasis within the desert terrain, the location is easily accessible and defines the meaning of luxury and spa experiences in the Middle East. This makes it the perfect getaway for those seeking to relax and be pampered whilst enjoying the therapeutic benefits of the Ma’In Hot spring waterfalls. 

Ready to start planning your next escape? Take a look out our Style Curated Journey’s Catalogue