Jordan—the “Middle East’s oasis of calm”—draws tourists for its Dead Sea resorts, the haunting desert landscapes of Wadi Rum, and the lost city of Petra. But there’s even more to this small, culture-rich country, rife with architectural monuments and natural beauty. Case in point: Jordan’s tiny Red Sea coastline is home to a sunny beach resort called Aqaba, from where you can embark on scuba diving adventures and sailing excursions. Here the Luxury Collection recently unveiled its newest luxury resort, a contemporary waterfront landmark designed with arabesque motifs.
Al Manara is the first Luxury Collection property in the Kingdom of Jordan. There are 207 guestrooms, including 43 suites and two villas, each equipped with the signature Luxury Collection bed, rainforest shower, and a balcony for taking in the views of Aqaba’s rose-red mountains and the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Aqaba. The design aesthetic reflects local traditional craftsmanship (like the woven furnishings and dark wood decor decorated with mother of pearl accents).
Options for R&R are plentiful: Grab some rays on the private beach or by the pool, or head to the spa at Al Manara, which offers a comprehensive treatment menu featuring skincare products by Subtle Energies, Terres d’Afrique and Sodashi. Of the myriad dining options, the terrace overlooking Saraya Aqaba’s lagoon is quite popular because of its charcoal grill, traditional bread oven, and the views.
For thrill-seeking adventurers, excursions can also be arranged farther afield. Petra is only a 90-minute drive from Aqaba, and the magnificent Wadi Rum desert is also accessible.
Part of Marriott International, The Luxury Collection brand now comprises more than 100 hotels and resorts—some of them centuries old—in more than 30 countries and territories.