Dead Sea & Jordan valley
TRAVEL AGENCY IN JORDAN - AMMAN:
Without doubt, the world’s most amazing place, the Jordan Rift Valley is a dramatic, beautiful landscape, which at the Dead Sea, is over 400 metres (1,312 ft.) below sea level. The lowest point on the face of the earth, this vast, stretch of water receives a number of incoming rivers, including the River Jordan. Once the waters reach the Dead Sea they are land-locked and have nowhere to go, so they evaporate, leaving behind a dense, rich, cocktail of salts and minerals that supply industry, agriculture and medicine with some of its finest products.
The Dead Sea is flanked by mountains to the east and the rolling hills of Jerusalem to the west, giving it an almost other-worldly beauty. Although sparsely populated and serenely quiet now, the area is believed to have been home to five Biblical cities: Sodom, Gomorrah, Adman, Zebouin and Zoar.
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Health & Wellbeing Spa at the Dead Sea. |
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One of the most spectacular natural and spiritual landscapes in the world, the Jordanian east coast of the Dead Sea has evolved into a major hub of both religious and health & wellness tourism in the region. A series of good roads, excellent hotels with spa and fitness facilities, as well as archaeological and spiritual discoveries make this region as enticing to today’s international visitors as it was to kings, emperors, traders, prophets and pilgrims in antiquity.
The leading attraction at the Dead Sea is the warm, soothing, super salty water itself – some ten times saltier than sea water, and rich in chloride salts of magnesium, sodium, potassium, bromine and several others. The unusually warm, incredibly buoyant and mineral-rich waters have attracted visitors since ancient times, including King Herod the Great and the beautiful Egyptian Queen, Cleopatra. All of whom have luxuriated in the Dead Sea’s rich, black, stimulating mud and floated effortlessly on their backs while soaking up the water's healthy minerals along with the gently diffused rays of the Jordanian sun.
Amman Touristic Beach
Situated on the Dead Sea main road, two kilometers after the hotels area . Amman Touristic Beach offers swimming pools, changing rooms for low budget travelers and locals for minimal fees. Amaman Touristic Beach is an ideal location for beach parties and events.
LEISURE & WELLNESS
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The unusual attributes of the Dead Sea have been known for centuries. It is the only place in the world where this particular combination of spa benefits exists. Peculiar sun radiation and climatic conditions, enriched oxygen atmosphere, mineral-rich sea salt, thermo-mineral springs, and mineral-rich mud, all offer effective medical treatment and therapeutic benefits that attract visitors from all over the world. The plants that grow at the lakeside, particularly the balsam tree, produce highly valuable and sought-after cosmetics, perfumes and medical substances.
Two 5-star resorts offer not only excellent leisure facilities and restaurants but also non-medical, well-being spas, which feature an expansive array of treatments.
The therapeutic benefits of the Dead Sea have been known to man for at least two thousand years. At 410 metres below sea level, it has a unique combination of climatic conditions and elements; sun, water, mud and air, which have been proven to offer excellent natural treatments for a range of chronic ailments including dematological problems such as Psoriasis, Atopic Dermatitis, Vitiligo and Psoriatic Arthritis, as well as for respiratory conditions such as Asthma, and for many other ailments, including Arthritis, circulatory problems, hypertension, Parkinson’s Disease and some eye problems.
Today, thousands of people from all over the world come to the Dead Sea to rejuvenate, recover, relax and enjoy its natural benefits. A chain of world class luxury hotel and spa resorts line the coast. These provide superlative accommodation and range of treatments in their spas. The Dead Sea’s clinics specialize in the treatment of skin, joint and eye diseases as well as respiratory and hypertension problems. Each clinic has a team of senior physicians and experts and a fully trained nursing staff.
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Mud treatment. |
The Dead Sea's laboratories produce a range of facial mud masks, bath salts, shampoos, cleansers, nourishing creams, moisturizers, hand creams, make-up removers, skin toners, astringents, face washes, bath and shower gels, soaps and sun protection creams. All are produced from the area's natural products, are of excellent quality and are available in outlets throughout Jordan or can be ordered on-line for delivery anywhere in the world, so that visitors can continue to enjoy the benefits of the Dead Sea, long after they have returned home.
The Dead Sea Medical Centre is certified by the Jordanian Ministry of Health and the Jordanian Chamber of Physicians for the treatment of skin complaints, physical therapy and rehabilitation.
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On the banks of the River Jordan. |
The site of John the Baptist's settlement at Bethany beyond the Jordan, where Jesus was baptised, has long been known from the Bible (John 1:28 and 10:40) and from the Byzantine and medieval texts.
The site has now been identified on the east bank of the Jordan River, in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, and is being systematically surveyed, excavated, restored, and prepared to receive pilgrims and visitors. Bethany Beyond the Jordan is located half an hour by car from the Jordanian capital Amman.
The Bethany area sites formed part of the early Christian pilgrimage route between Jerusalem, the Jordan River, and Mount Nebo.
The area is also associated with the biblical account of how the Prophet Elijah (Mar Elias in Arabic) ascended to heaven in a whirlwind on a chariot of fire.
For more information on Bethany Beyond the Jordan, please click here to visit the "Baptism Site Commission" website.
NATURE
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The Wadi Mujib Gorge. |
The growing demand on water consumption in the region has seen the natural inflow to the Dead Sea diminish rapidly over the past years. So much so, that there is a risk of the sea drying up altogether within the next 50 years. This would be a devastating loss, not only for tourism and the economy, but also for the loss of the Dead Sea’s unique properties, the surrounding environment and its flora and fauna.
To combat this critical situation, plans are being made to transport water from the Red Sea to the Dead Sea. The operation, known as ‘Peace Conduit’ since it involves the cooperation of Jordan, Israel and Palestine, aims at bringing 1.8 billion cubic metres of water annually to the Dead Sea.
The Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (RSCN) is deeply involved in the protection of wildlife and habitats within the area and has received international acclaim for its pioneering work in developing nature-based businesses for local people.
Mujib Nature Reserve
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Sedimentary build-up at the point where Wadi Mujib meets the Dead Sea. |
The Mujib Nature Reserve is the lowest-altitude nature reserve in the world, with its spectacular array of scenery near the East coast of the Dead Sea. The reserve is located within the deep Wadi Mujib gorge which enters the Dead Sea at 410m below sea level. The reserve extends to the Karak and Madaba mountains to the North and South, reaching 900m above sea level in some places. This 1,300m variation in elevation, combined with the valley's year-round water flow from seven tributaries, means that the Wadi Mujib enjoys a magnificent biodiversity that is still being explored and documented today.
Over 420 species of plants, 102 species of permanent and migratory birds and10 species of carnivore including the Red Fox, Blandford Fox, Hyena, Jackal, Wild Cat, Caracal, Badger, Mongoose, Wolf and Arabian Leopard have been recorded to date. Some of the remote mountain and valley areas are difficult to reach, offering a safe haven to various species of cats, goats and other mountain animals.
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The Caracal. |
Mujib's sandstone cliffs are an ideal habitat for one of the most beautiful mountain goats in the world, the Nubian Ibex. The natural Ibex herds have declined over the years due to over hunting, prompting Jordan's Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature to establish a captive-breeding programme for the Ibex within the Mujib Nature Reserve.
Mujib is also home to carnivorous species such as the Caracal; a medium-sized cat distinguished by its black and white ear tufts. An agile and powerful hunter, the Caracal can be spotted in action in the rocky valley of Mujib, using its amazing jumping power to catch airborne prey.
FUN & ADVENTURE
The Jordan Valley is a great place for thrill-seekers of all ages and abilities. The hills, valleys and waterways that lead down to the Dead Sea, provide a natural playground for a multitude of outdoor activities, from leisurely walks to exhilarating horseback rides and challenging climbs. Almost all activities take place under Jordan’s strict code of nature conservation which visitors are expected to respect.
Hiking in Wadi Mujib
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The Wadi Mujib gorge is an adrenaline junkies' paradise. |
The Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (RSCN) offers many different adventures in the Mujib, its most extensive trek is known as the ‘Lost Trail to the Dead Sea’, a full day expedition that descends from the rugged highlands above Mujib, down to the Dead Sea. Not for the fainthearted!
For those who appreciate Mother Nature and the thrill of the outdoors, a hike through the Wadi system may prove to be a challenging exercise rejuvenating the body as well as the mind.
Hammamat Zarqa Ma'in Hot Springs
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Waterfalls at Ma'in. |
Close by are two sites linked by tradition to Herod the Great. One is the palace at Makawer (machaerus), where Salome traditionally danced, and where John the Baptist was beheaded. King Herod was said to have bathed in its medicinal waters of the springs and people have come here for thermal treatments or simply to enjoy a hot soak, since the days of Rome.
Dead Sea Ultra Marathon
An international ‘fun run’ that takes place every April and raises money for The Society for the Care of Neurological Patients. Starts in Amman and runs 42 kilometres (26 miles) to the Dead Sea. Fortunately, mostly downhill!
CONFERENCES
With its reputation as the regional peacemaker, Jordan has hosted many high-level political and corporate meetings and conferences. Its facilities are second to none, with excellent hotels and purpose-built conference centres, all equipped with the very latest amenities needed to hold a successful event.
The Dead Sea is becoming an increasingly popular location for business meetings, conferences and incentives and the main hotels offer some of the best facilities available in Jordan.
All of Jordan's stunning locations provide plenty of scope for unusual, challenging and unforgettable incentive activities – from floating in the buoyant waters of the Dead Sea and exploring the vibrant underwater life of the Red Sea, to the breathtaking desert experience.
The Dead Sea's extreme salinity and location 400 metres below sea level has created one of the world’s most unique environments. Pride of place goes to the incredible experience of floating in the Dead Sea – it is quite literally impossible to sink thanks to the water’s buoyancy, and the water’s properties have been mentioned and chronicled as far back as the Ancient Greek and Roman civilisations.
For incentive groups, the floating experience and treks around the neighbouring landscape offers excellent opportunities for outdoor adventure. However, the Dead Sea also has another huge attraction – the healing nature of the waters and the black Dead Sea mud. For thousands of years the healing powers of the Dead Sea and the local climate have been recognised. In past times, the Egyptians used to make cosmetic products of the minerals and the Romans treat their wounded soldiers there. Today, the Dead Sea attracts over 800,000 visitors every year, with the majority sampling at least one therapeutic spa treatment.
For incentive groups looking for a spa experience, then a trip to the Dead Sea is essential. Two five-star resorts, the Mövenpick Spa Resort and the Jordan Valley Marriott Resort and Spa, offer fully equipped spas (including the internationally award-winning Zara Spa at the Mövenpick) that allow guests to enjoy numerous beauty and relaxation therapies using the mud and waters from the Dead Sea.
The other hotel is the popular four-star Dead Sea Spa Hotel, home to the well-known Dead Sea Medical Center, created in 1989 and headed by a German dermatologist. The Dead Sea Medical Center is certified by the Jordanian Ministry of Health and the Jordanian chamber of Physicians for the treatment of skin complaints, physical therapy and rehabilitation, and offers more medical than purely aesthetic therapies.
King Hussein Bin Talal Convention Center
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The King Hussein Bin Talal Convention Center on The Dead Sea coast. |
Having hosted major conferences for the World Economic Forum, the International Monetary Fund, and the United Nations, the Center can host as many as 3,000 guests yet at the same time cater to workshops and meetings of 50 guests.
With 25 fully equipped conference and meeting halls that vary in size and capacity, the center is able to accommodate numerous events with different requirements simultaneously.
The Center is part Architectural showpiece, part modern art sculpture and all business. Whether your meeting plans involve hundreds of employees or thousands of guests, the Center’s three-story building can give everyone plenty of comfortable space. Located in the lowest point on earth, the centre offers on-site parking and business services, all within easy walking distance of major five star hotels.
