Ajloun
For clients looking to escape the daily grind and really get back to nature, a visit to Ajloun Nature Reserve should be added on to every Jordan itinerary.
Located north of Amman in the Ajloun highlands - with its rolling hills, pine forests and olive groves the 13 square kilometre reserve is reminiscent of Mediterranean hill country. The views over the Jordan valley are awe-inspiring, and it’s possible to encounter all sorts of wild animals in the forests, from Roe Deer to birdlife, as well as explore ancient sites, local villages, water mills and forts dotted around the area.
The reserve is managed and protected by The Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (RSCN). Visitors can camp onsite at the reserve or stay in eco-friendly cabins in the middle of the forest.
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The accommodation is fairly basic, but entirely adequate for a few nights. And without phones, TV’s, cars, roads or any real noise except the sounds of nature this is the place to get away from it all and immerse yourself into the utter tranquility of nature.
Activities on offer at the reserve include hiking through the woodland on various nature trails (guides from RSCN are available to take visitors around) and visits to local RSCN community projects such as a calligraphy workshop (where local women will show you how to write your name in Arabic calligraphy) and an organic soap-making house. All the proceeds of these projects go straight back into the local community.
www.rscn.org.jo
Aqaba
The city of Aqaba is situated at the most southern part of Jordan and lies on the most northern tip of the Red Sea - on a clear day you can see Israel, Saudi Arabia and Egypt.
Jordan’s Red Sea coastal resort has long been a favourite weekend destination for holidaying locals (as well as with Saudis who can drive across the border just 30 minutes away). But Aqaba is now transforming itself into an international resort offering sun, sand and some of the best diving and snorkelling in the area.
Millions have been invested into luxury hotels in Aqaba including the impressive, luxury Tala Bay resort where you’ll find a number of five star hotels including the Hilton, Radisson Blu and Movenpick among others; as well as a marina, beach club and diving club.
The temperate climate and gentle water currents in Aqaba have created a perfect environment for the growth of corals and a teeming plethora of marine life.
There are several dive centres in Aqaba offering well-maintained diving equipment, professional instructors, and transport by boat to a variety of dive sites.
One of the major attractions of Aqaba is its climate. The temperature rarely drops below 20°C even in winter, while in summer the cooling sea breezes make the soaring daytime temperatures much more bearable, making it a year-round destination.
Other sites in Aqaba are the Archaeological Museum, Mamlouk Fort, the Aqaba Marine Science Station and Aquarium, and the remains of what archeologists believe is the world’s oldest church.
Aqaba International Airport is just a 20-minute drive from the town centre and has flight links to Sharjah, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Oman and Kuwait.
Where to stay: Tala Bay is a new and exclusive residential community situated 15 minutes outside of the city centre and 20 minutes from King Hussein International Airport. Luxury hotels in this development include Radisson Blu Tala Bay Resort (+962 3 209 0777 / www.radissonblu.com), Movenpick Resort Tala Bay (+962 3 209 0300 / www.moevenpick-hotels.com).
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