Jordan reawakens: From ancient wonders to desert secrets and hidden wellness retreats

Home to iconic sites like Petra, the Dead Sea, and Wadi Rum, many will already be acquainted with the land of diverse landscapes — from arid deserts to lush valleys — but Jordan also has off-the-beaten-track offerings that make it a unique wellness destination with stand-out excursions and a rich history that make it appealing to people all over the world.

I recently travelled to the country where I met with government ministers, tourist guides, museum curators and more, who are committed to reopening Jordan to the world.

To that end, government officials have orchestrated a 10-year plan to boost the economy and inject 40 billion Jordanian dinars into private-sector investments.

It makes sense that rebuilding efforts are relying heavily on tourism, given that it contributes 15% to the country's GDP.

Here are some of the things that make the nation a unique and must-visit destination.

A wellness destination

The Dead Sea, a salt lake bordered by Jordan to the east, the West Bank to the west and Israel to the southwest, is the lowest point on earth.

Dubbed the world's largest natural spa, the mineral-rich water and mud are believed to have health benefits, and the area offers unparalleled clean air.

It has been a health resort for thousands of years, attracting visitors such as Cleopatra and now drawing visitors to treat skin conditions such as psoriasis.

Other wellness offerings include mountainside yoga, the Ma'in Hot Springs, and herbal and medical soap making.

Travellers can book these experiences, as well as unique activities meticulously created by more than 800 locals on the website traveljordanian.com, launched earlier this year. 

Jordanian cuisine

I found Jordanian food to be the best among any other destination I've been to of late, boasting the freshest, citrussy tabouleh, to delectable fatoush topped with crispy pita, complete with warm bread and creamy hummus.

And that's just the starters. The main dishes include delectable shawarma – Madjoline restaurant in Amman bought out a 'shawarma cake' that I still think about – to barbecued meats, mixed grills, and more. 

Jordanian cuisine varies from north to south; in the north, you will find dishes such as Musakhan – a beloved Palestinian fish dish – to Zarb, with meats and vegetables slow-cooked in the desert, to the national dish, Mansaf, a rice-and-meat dish that uses all parts of the lamb.

In Aqaba, the House of Roses Women's Association hosts a foodie experience featuring local women's traditional dishes made with love. Truly, you won't be leaving Jordan feeling hungry.

Faith-based tourism

While Jordan is considered a Muslim country – the stars on its flag represent the seven ages of Islam and the significance of the seven verses in Surah Al-Fatiha – it is a treasure trove for other religious pilgrims. 

The Jordan Valley is believed to have been home to five Biblical cities: Sodom, Gomorrah, Adman, Zeboiim and Zoar.

Famously, there is also Bethany Beyond the Jordan, identified as the place where Jesus was thought to be baptised by John the Baptist, making it a focal pilgrimage site for Christians.

There is also Mount Nebo – the sacred mountain believed to be where Moses gazed upon the Holy Land before his death. Among the stunning landscapes, one can look out at the Dead Sea, Bethlehem, and on a clear day, even Jerusalem.

In Madaba, where the mountain is located, you can expect to see the Greek Orthodox Church of St George showcasing Byzantine mosaics, the Archaeological Museum, and the Church of the Apostles.

Muslim travellers staying in Amman can also drive to the Cave of the Seven Sleepers, the site of the story of Al-Kahf in the Quran. The nearby mosque also provides a peaceful prayer space for worshippers. 

Stand-out experiences 

One can't go to Jordan without seeing Petra, of course.

The vast city, carved into the rock face by the Nabateans, an industrious Arab civilisation, was the central trading hub until it was annexed by the Roman Empire.

Now it is a new Wonder of the World, stunning during the day but even more so during a candlelit experience at night.

Just over an hour away is another unmissable attraction, Wadi Rum, a desert wilderness, home to nomadic Bedouin tribes and a breathtaking marriage of stars, sand, and sun.

I recommend booking a package with Sun City Camp, which offers delectable meals in their mammoth tent restaurant and clean, spacious tents and rooms to stay in.

We also booked a stargazing experience where a jeep pick-up will take you to a secluded area where you can witness shooting stars, the North Star and infinite galaxies in the sky. 

During the day, you can book a 4X4 jeep excursion, yoga class, horse or camel riding, bake with Bedouins, go on a hot air balloon and more.

For a historical and adrenaline-packed experience, you can also book the Journey Through 1916 train ride, created by the Jordan Heritage Revival Company, which reenacts a World War I event in which Arab rebels attacked a train on the Hejaz Railway.

The ride combines a scenic train journey through Wadi Rum with an action-packed show featuring actors, horses, camels, and pyrotechnics.

Adventure in Jordan

Adventure tourism is growing in Jordan, where you can go on long hiking trails, trekking, mountaineering, hang gliding, horseback riding, and volleyball.

If you want adventure, coupled with home comforts, then Aqaba is worth visiting in its own right.

Aqaba is Jordan's only coastal city, stretching along 27km of Red Sea coastline, where the warmth of the Mediterranean blends with the vibrancy of the Middle East, connecting the sea to the desert.

Divers and snorkellers might also be interested to know that Aqaba has the only underwater military museum, which is exactly what it sounds like: it exhibits war machines sunk at depths of 15 to 28 metres, stationed along the coral reefs to imitate a tactical battle formation.

International travellers get a free visa if they arrive in Aqaba, or even if they arrive via Amman within 48 hours, and there's also 0% sales tax on most goods and services. 

How to get to Jordan from the UK

National carrier Royal Jordanian has frequent flights from UK airports, including London Heathrow, Stansted and Manchester. You can also fly with Wizz Air to Jordan, while Ryanair plans 18 new routes from Europe to Amman.

Jordan's hospitality, its historical and archaeological sites – from Amman's citadel to Jerash's Hadrian's Arch – its generous food scene, and desert and beachy adventures offer something to all types of travellers. 

The nation is ready to receive guests – you just have to take the plunge.   

Faima Bakar is a freelance journalist writing about race, religion and feminism

Follow her on Instagram: @FaimaBakar