Although the small town of Aqaba in Jordan provides a range of five-star resorts, none really compare to the splendour and luxury of this one. Overlooking the Red Sea with its own 300 metre private beach, you won’t want to leave the boundaries of the InterContinental Resort in Aqaba Jordan.
Aqaba is located in the south of Jordan, a three hour drive or a one hour flight from the capital, Amman. Visitors can explore the Jordanian countryside on this scenic drive to the coast, as well as exploring the many sights along the way.
What the InterContinental Resort in Aqaba Jordan offers
Once at the InterContinental, enjoy views of the gulf from your choice of beautiful guest rooms, or an amazing suite complete with personalized butler service and your own private sun terrace. Guests can also make the most of their visit with the health and fitness centre, which is open 24 hours and includes state-of-the-art equipment, aerobics classes, squash courts, and table tennis. After some fitness, why not indulge with the hotel’s spa which offers a hydrotherapy bath, Jacuzzi, steam room, sauna, and juice bar. The spa also offers a number of beauty treatments and massages, perfect for relaxing.
For those who want to get outside however and enjoy the Jordanian sun, the hotel offers its own water sports centre, where you can enjoy jet skiing, tubing or simply enjoying the warm water in the beautiful Red Sea. More experienced guests can also explore over 500 species of coral in the stunning waters as they snorkel or scuba dive.
Guests will be blown away by the size and beauty of the outdoor pools and spas, which can be enjoyed all year round due to the temperate climate of the area. As you lounge in the pool, why not sip on a fruity cocktail exhibiting some of the best flavours of the region.
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Where to eat
The resort includes five amazing restaurants; all showcasing some of the best dishes, both Jordanian and international, as well as an elegant cocktail bar.
Corniche Restaurant serves a range of local and international buffets with an outdoor terrace and breathtaking views of the Red Sea. For a variety of homemade delicacies, head to Deli Café, which serves mouth-watering pastries. Enjoy Lebanese cuisine at its finest at Burj Al Hamam while enjoying the beautiful sunset and delicious mixed grill.
If you haven’t quite had your fill at these amazing restaurants, Aqaba offers a number of local restaurants just a short distance from the resort. Enjoy some authentic Jordanian cuisine at the tourist-friendly Ali Baba Restaurant, or head to Fish Fish for a menu ranging from seafood, to local cuisines, to international dishes. To top it all off, Al-Qadi Sweets offers the finest range of Arabic desserts in the region, including konafeh, an authentic Arabic dessert made with filo pastry and nuts.
What to see and do
The InterContinental is located within walking distance of the Aqaba city centre, allowing guests to indulge in the local history and culture of the area. Discover authentic souvenirs including colourful, hand-woven Bedouin rugs, water pipes (shisha), antique silver jewelry, Bedouin daggers, beautifully decorated sand bottles, paintings, and sculptures. For a quaint nightlife experience, discover the many restaurants along King Hussein Street and enjoy a horse carriage ride back to the hotel.
To absorb the local history of the area, head to the Aqaba Fort, built near the beach in 1557, and receive a guided tour from the adjoining museum attendant. Visitors can then camp under the stars in the Wadi Desert among the Bedouins and indulge in their culture and traditions for an evening. You can also enjoy touring the desert and mountains in an open Jeep or on camel-back, with stops at various other Bedouin tents for tea.
Enjoy the beauty of the Red Sea with a visit to the Aqaba Marine Park, where the friendly staff will take you on an underwater journey in the Gulf of Aqaba. The Marine Park incorporates a 7km long coast-line, where over 127 species of hard coral can be found. It is truly an incredible experience for both first time and experienced divers.
How to get around
Aqaba is a short distance from the capital, Amman, and there are many flights between the two cities. There are also a number of buses and car rental options available to get you to the coastal town. Renting a car is the recommended option however, as this gives you the freedom to stop along the scenic route, explore the region, and get around once in Aqaba.