1 Best places to stay in Jordan

Set on the northern shores of the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth, this gargantuan luxury resort takes the form of a traditional Arab village, with bougainvillea-draped gardens breaking up the traditional cuba-style houses and villas. The stone exterior blends in with the local architecture, and the rooms – there are ten different types – are comfortable, spacious and well equipped.

A stay at this colossal property is all about the Dead Sea. Guests spend their time caking themselves in mud and floating on the surface, or simply sunbathing on the shore and soaking up the views. Once they’ve had their fill of floating, guests work on their tans by the hotel’s many swimming pools.

When the heat gets too much, you can opt to relax in one of the Middle East’s most advanced spa complexes, the Zara Spa, stretching across one and a half acres. The spa’s soothing freshwater al fresco hydrotherapy pools are vast and overlook the Dead Sea’s healing salts in which you’ve just been soaking. There’s a choice of 70 treatments, a health-focused terrace restaurant and even a hairdressing salon to ensure an inner and outer glow.

In spite of its spa focus, this is a great resort for families, with an excellent kids’ club and nine restaurants and bars, offering everything from Arabic pastries to pizza, as well as more upscale dining.