With its ancient ruins, lush valleys, and dramatic desert landscapes, Jordan is a nation steeped in history. Renowned as the birthplace of some of the world’s earliest civilizations, the country remains one of the Middle East’s most remarkable destinations – as reflected by its inclusion on Lonely Planet’s recent list of the Top 10 Countries to Visit in 2019. Jordan placed at #6 on the annual list of ten countries primed to capture travellers’ imaginations, and was the only country in the region to receive this prestigious accolade.
With its central location in Jordan’s capital city close to upmarket residential areas, Four Seasons Hotel Amman offers the ideal base for discerning travellers seeking to explore the Kingdom’s myriad attractions. Enjoying a commanding position on the highest of Amman’s seven hills, the 15-storey Hotel is a beacon of elegance at the heart of one of the region’s most welcoming cities. The historic sites of Petra and Wadi Rum, the spectacular landscape of the Jordan Valley and the storied waters of the Dead Sea are all within easy reach, with the knowledgeable Four Seasons concierge team happy to make arrangements for guests to enjoy an array of exciting excursions.
Carlo Stragiotto, General Manager at Four Seasons Hotel Amman, says, “Jordan’s inclusion on Lonely Planet’s list of Top 10 Countries to Visit in 2019 is a timely recognition of the countless unique experiences this wonderful country has to offer visitors. With its fascinating historical attractions and abundance of outdoor adventures, the Kingdom has taken its place among the region’s most treasured destinations. Four Seasons Hotel Amman is the perfect sanctuary from which to discover this beautiful country. Our dedicated concierge team take great delight in crafting bespoke itineraries as unique as our guests, helping to ensure that every stay creates cherished memories to last a lifetime.”
See Amman in a Fresh Light
Home to almost half of the Kingdom’s population, the Jordanian capital of Amman is a city of fascinating contrasts. The vibrant metropolis occupies a hilly area on the edge of the fertile Jordan Valley, where visitors will find modern buildings, hotels, restaurants, art galleries and boutique stores sitting side-by-side with reminders of the city’s ancient past. Its charming tree-lined streets and avenues are flanked by picturesque rows of white houses clad with Jordanian limestone. The city is perhaps best known for its spectacular Roman ruins, with the famous Amman Citadel attracting visitors from across the globe. This storied enclave features the Temple of Hercules, Umayyad Palace and the ruins of a 6th century Byzantine church, together with the Jordan Archaeological Museum where travellers can view a collection of artefacts that date back to the Bronze Age.
Four Seasons Hotel Amman invites guests to embark on an Extraordinary Experience with a unique opportunity to explore this beguiling city in the company of Zohrab Markarian, a former official palace photographer whose work has been published in prestigious magazines around the world. Markarian will guide budding photographers on a tour of Amman’s top landmarks, including the Old Souk and the 2,000-year-old Roman Theatre. This is followed by a stop at the Citadel in the heart of Old Amman, which offers a perfect opportunity to capture the beauty of the surrounding mountain landscape. The tour concludes with stunning views of Old Amman’s architecture and a traditional Jordanian tea in the artistic heart of the city. Throughout this incredible journey, Markarian will share photography tips and local insights, all while capturing picture-perfect mementoes of the experience.
Embark on an Unforgettable Visit to Historic Petra
Chosen as one of the new Seven Wonders of the World in 2007, a trip to the ancient city of Petra in Jordan transports visitors back in time to the era of the Nabatean Empire. Home to an estimated 20,000 inhabitants, the city prospered thanks to its location on the Spice Road, one of the key trading routes connecting Arabia, Africa and India to the West. The incredible carved rock faces of the ancient city offer a fascinating glimpse of this early civilisation’s prosperity and advanced architectural methods. Must-see attractions include the iconic Treasury, the Street of Facades, the Royal Tombs and the Great Temple.
Explore the Majestic Desert Landscape at Wadi Rum
Discover the allure of the desert at the Wadi Rum protected desert reserve. Also known as the Valley of the Moon, Wadi Rum is famous for its red-pink sands, endless shifting dunes and dramatic mountain landscape. The area has served as a location in countless movies, and is home to many Nabatean temples, inscriptions and rock drawings. Located around four hours from Amman, the Four Seasons team can arrange a captivating day out to this beautiful destination.
Visit Aqaba, the Jewel of the Red Sea
Located in the south of Jordan, Aqaba is the Kingdom’s only coastal city and a highly popular spot among diving enthusiasts. The area off the coast is home to more than 25 dive sites encompassing vibrant coral gardens, pinnacles, deep canyons and shipwrecks, including many unusual vessels. Its warm clear waters and colourful reefs are considered the finest in the Red Sea. A short walk from the bustling waterfront, the city’s old town area captures an authentic taste of old Arabia with its traditional souqs, historic sites and charming cafés.
Travel to the Lowest Point on Earth
One of Jordan’s most famous visitor attractions, the Dead Sea is a salt lake whose banks are more than 400 metres (1,300 feet) below sea level – making it the lowest point on dry land globally. The high concentration of salts in its water offer a unique experience, as the saline waters provide increased buoyancy, making it easy to float on the surface. The mineral-rich mud found in the area is also renowned for its therapeutic qualities and a popular ingredient for high-end cosmetic treatments. The legendary body of water is surrounded by mountains to the east and the rolling hills of Jerusalem to the west, creating a stunning environment in which to enjoy a swim like no other.
Experience Rural Jordan Off the Beaten Track
Connect to authentic local experiences around the historical town of Um Qais, which sits in close proximity to the ruins of ancient Gadara and overlooks the Lake of Tiberias and the Yarmouk River gorge. The town is around two hours north from Four Seasons Hotel Amman, and the Hotel’s concierge team can arrange a comfortable vehicle for guests to enjoy a leisurely trip through the scenic countryside. Located in the hills above the Jordan Valley, Um Qais offers an abundance of hiking, cycling and camping activities. For the ultimate return to nature, Four Seasons Hotel Amman can arrange a special camping getaway where guests can spend an unforgettable night under the stars.