Perfect for the adventurous traveller is the Al Ayoun trail, recently opened to the public for the first time. Found in the little-known Ajloun Nature Reserve, north of Amman, the hiking trail passes through a series of rural villages and spectacular natural landscapes. This pioneering experiment in sustainable tourism incorporates the local community, with hikers being guided through the reserve by locals and invited to eat and even stay in family homes. Entrance to the trail is £7.
What’s more, Jordan's Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (RSCN), which promotes eco-tourism projects, has opened a tented camp at the edge of the reserve – ideal for a night’s stay. Camping facilities are in raised four-man fixed tents with sundecks or in a lodge with roof terrace. From £62 a night. Contact rscn.org.jo or visitjordan.com.
The Mujib Gorge, near the east coast of the Dead Sea, is the lowest elevation nature reserve in the world at 410m below sea level. A dramatic area for hiking, the gorge is surrounded by awe-inspiring, cavernous sandstone walls. The area has an abundance of rare plants, animals and birds, as well as a 20m waterfall and fast-flowing rivers – perfect for abseiling and canyoning. Guided tours are essential as the gorge is prone to flooding in winter. Visit Atlas Tours (atlastours.net) for adventure packages to the area. Tour guides to the Mujib Gorge can also be arranged through rscn.org.jo.
But if time-out is more your thing then visit one of Jordan’s new top-end spas for a pampering treat. New this month is the Kempinski Hotel Aqaba (kempinski-aqaba.com), which has a spa offering treatments using minerals sourced from the Red Sea.
The Evason Ma’In Hot Springs and Six Senses Spa (sixsenses.com), meanwhile, is 30km from the city of Madaba, and has a dramatic mountain location. Treatments will focus on the therapeutic properties of the local waters and there’s a resident geologist who takes guided trips to the nearby mountains and valleys.
British Airways flies to Amman. Book a flight on ba.com now.
