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ARABIAN
NIGHTS
& DAYS
A raft of luxury hotels in recent years have helped build
Jordan’s image way beyond the must-see of Petra. On the
latest ttgluxuryExperience, Charlotte Walsh spent time
with our winning agents in Jordan’s spas, sites and desert
Ask any client can also use as a base to explore the
the main thing they know about Jordan celebrated cultural, biblical and historical
and the chances are most will give the attractions throughout the country.”
same answer: “Petra”.
The 2,000-year-old sandstone city has Aiming high
long been placed as Jordan’s headline act Jordan is increasingly pitching itself to a
and is a central part of any itinerary. But high-end clientele, helped by hotel
as well as experiencing Petra, the aim of openings from the likes of Six Senses,
the six agents on the latest ttgluxury Kempinski and Movenpick, and the
Experience was to see what else Jordan agents were particularly impressed by the
could offer their customers. 201-room Kempinski Hotel Aqaba, which
David Symes, UK and Ireland country opened last summer.
manager for the Jordan Tourism Board, London-based travel counsellor Jack
explained: “Many agents are not aware of Leaf is a Jordan and Israel specialist, having
the range or diversity of the product, sites, previously worked for Red Sea operators
activities and attractions available for several years. He said: “The Kempinski
throughout the country. We wanted to Hotel Aqaba was my favourite hotel in
partner with ttgluxury to highlight how Jordan. From the minute you open your
Jordan is now catering for those looking for bedroom door you just say ‘wow’. It’s not
a beach and spa destination, which they a typically Arabian experience, but it has a sexy Ibiza, Barcelona-type feel. It would
suit customers who want a contemporary,
trendy and five-star experience.”
Located along Jordan’s small stretch of
seafront in the south, Aqaba and the
neighbouring Tala Bay resort are gradually
being developed with the aim of turning
the area into Jordan’s Riviera.
With the watersports and diving
opportunities available in the Red Sea, the
group agreed it would be a relaxing finish
to a tour of Jordan. However, a lack of
direct flight access to the UK would mean a
short flight back to Amman or a five-hour
drive to make this combination work.
Customers could also start or end their
trip with a few days relaxing under the
Above (clockwise from steamy waterfalls at the Evason Ma’In Hot
main): The Seven Pillars Springs & Six Senses Spa, which opened in
of Wisdom at Wadi Rum; Jordan last February. Amit Khadka, Middle
a Dead Sea sunset; Petra East specialist for Wexas in London, was
Left: Movenpick Resort impressed by the newcomer’s focus on
26
& Spa Dead Sea sustainability and the way it taps into the
agent report
spring 2010 ttgluxury.com
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