THE DEAD SEA RESORTS AREA
The Dead Sea Resorts Area in Jordan is a natural wonder, the lowest point on Earth, famed for its therapeutic, hyper-saline waters and mineral-rich muds. It offers an unparalleled wellness and relaxation experience.
This unique region combines luxury spa resorts with profound historical and religious sites, providing a perfect blend of modern comfort and ancient significance right on the shores of this remarkable sea.
Most Popular Attractions
Natural Wonders & Wellness:
The Dead Sea: Experience floating effortlessly in the world’s saltiest and lowest body of water, known for its therapeutic minerals.
Dead Sea Beaches and Shores: Access to public and private beaches, often featuring facilities for mineral-rich mud baths and relaxation.
Wadi Mujib: Often called the “Grand Canyon of Jordan,” this dramatic canyon (a nature reserve) flows into the Dead Sea and is famous for its exhilarating water-based hikes (canyoning).
Dead Sea Salt Formations: Beautiful, crystalline salt pillars and structures that naturally form along the shoreline, creating a unique photographic landscape.
Thermal Hot Springs (Ma’in Hot Springs): A short drive from the resorts, these stunning hot waterfalls and springs offer natural, warm-water therapeutic soaking experiences.
Religious & Historical Sites:
Bethany Beyond the Jordan (Al-Maghtas): A UNESCO World Heritage site traditionally identified as the location of Jesus’s baptism by John the Baptist.
Mount Nebo: The site where Moses is said to have viewed the Promised Land. It offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Jordan Valley, the Dead Sea, and, on a clear day, the West Bank and Jerusalem.
Lot’s Cave: A cave near the town of Safi, traditionally identified as the place where Lot and his daughters took refuge after the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. Remains of a Byzantine church surround the cave.
Machaerus (Mukawir): The hill fortress where Herod the Great’s son, Herod Antipas, imprisoned and beheaded John the Baptist. It offers spectacular views of the Dead Sea.
Resort & Luxury Experiences:
Dead Sea Spas and Wellness Centers: Resorts along the coast offer world-class spa treatments utilizing the famous Dead Sea mud and salts.
Dead Sea Panoramic Complex: A multi-level cultural and leisure complex that includes a museum dedicated to the Dead Sea’s geology and ecology, as well as a popular restaurant with spectacular clifftop views.
Local Culture & Agriculture:
The Jordan Valley (Ghor): The fertile area surrounding the Dead Sea, known as the food basket of Jordan, where you can see extensive agriculture and local farming communities.
Dead Sea Museum: Located at the Panoramic Complex, this small museum provides insight into the Dead Sea’s ecological importance and history.
Activities & Experiences
Float Effortlessly in the Dead Sea: Experience the unique sensation of floating in the world’s lowest point, where the water is approximately 9.6 times saltier than the ocean.
Indulge in a Mineral-Rich Mud Bath: Apply the famous black Dead Sea mud, renowned for its therapeutic and cosmetic properties, and then rinse off in the sea.
Relax at a Five-Star Resort Spa: Take advantage of the area’s many luxury hotels and their specialized spa treatments, often featuring Dead Sea minerals and health packages.
Visit the Panorama Dead Sea Complex: Enjoy breathtaking, sweeping views of the Dead Sea, the Israeli and Palestinian coasts, and the surrounding mountains from this elevated lookout point.
Explore the Baptism Site (Bethany Beyond the Jordan): Travel to the nearby UNESCO World Heritage Site believed to be the location of Jesus’s baptism by John the Baptist.
Hike to the Ma’in Hot Springs: Take a day trip south to these natural thermal waterfalls, which cascade over a cliff face into warm, mineral-rich pools.
Go Bird Watching at the Mujib Nature Reserve: Explore the dramatic canyon landscapes of the reserve, particularly the lower trails, which are home to diverse bird species.
Canyoning in Wadi Mujib (Siq Trail): For the adventurous, traverse the famous Siq Trail (seasonal access is crucial), an exhilarating water-filled canyon experience (guided tour recommended).
Shop for Dead Sea Products: Browse local shops and resort boutiques for cosmetic and health products made from the unique mud and salts of the sea.
Take a Sunset Camel or Horse Ride: Enjoy a guided ride along the edges of the desert landscape, timing it to catch the spectacular sunset over the water.
Day Trip to Mount Nebo: Drive north to this important biblical site, which offers stunning panoramic views of the Jordan Valley, the Dead Sea, and on a clear day, the lights of Jerusalem.
Local Tips & Transport
Taxis are the Primary Option: The resort area is spread out, and walking between hotels and distant attractions is not feasible. Taxis (private or hotel-arranged) are the main way to get around. Agree on the fare before starting the journey, or insist on the meter.
Rental Car for Wider Exploration: For flexibility in visiting nearby sites like Mount Nebo, Bethany Beyond the Jordan, Ma’in Hot Springs, and Wadi Mujib, renting a car is highly recommended. The roads are generally well-maintained.
Hotel Shuttles: Many of the resorts offer scheduled shuttle services to and from Amman’s Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) and occasionally to major tourist sites, which can be more reliable than flagging down a taxi.
JETT Bus from Amman: JETT buses offer a direct and affordable public option between Amman and the Dead Sea hotel strip, though they run on a fixed schedule. This is a good choice if you are not planning extensive day trips.
Parking: Resorts and major attractions like the Panorama Complex have ample parking.
The Dead Sea Rules: Due to the extremely high salt and mineral content, there are crucial rules to follow:
- Do Not Splashing: The water can severely sting the eyes. If it gets in, wash immediately with fresh water.
- Limit Your Time: Do not stay in the water for more than 10-15 minutes at a time to avoid dehydration and skin irritation.
- No Diving/Jumping: Enter the water slowly and avoid submerged sharp salt crystals.
Dress Code: While resorts are accustomed to Western swimwear, covering up is respectful when you leave the hotel property and travel to sites like Mount Nebo or Bethany Beyond the Jordan. Carry a cover-up (like a scarf or light shirt) for transition areas.
Hydration is Critical: The Dead Sea area is extremely dry and hot. You will be losing water faster than you think, especially after floating in the saline water. Drink water constantly throughout the day.
Dining: Hotel restaurants are the primary dining option in the resort zone. For a more local, authentic, and often more affordable experience, you may need to drive into nearby towns or book a tour that includes a local meal outside the resort area.
Bargaining: Bargaining is common and expected in local shops outside the resorts, but less so in the hotel gift shops or resort-run boutiques.
Hidden Gems:
- Amman Beach: A more rustic, locally-focused public beach option compared to the resort pools, offering a no-frills Dead Sea experience for a fee.
- King Hussein Bin Talal Convention Center: A marvel of architecture often hosting events; while usually closed to the public, the design and views from the surrounding area are impressive.
- The Lowest Bakery on Earth: A small, local bakery near the resort area that proudly advertises its record-breaking elevation.
Top Restaurants
Oak Tree Kitchen [$30-$50] – An excellent hotel restaurant at the Dead Sea Marriott Resort & Spa that focuses on authentic Jordanian and Arabic dishes rooted in time-honored recipes, often featuring a modern twist and locally sourced ingredients.
Burj Al Hamam Dead Sea [$50-$80] – Perched within the Crowne Plaza Dead Sea, this restaurant is highly-regarded for its exquisite Lebanese and Middle Eastern cuisine, which you can enjoy with stunning panoramic views of the Dead Sea.
Mezza Restaurant [$30-$50] – Located at the Dead Sea Spa Resort, this restaurant offers authentic Lebanese cuisine and traditional gastronomic rituals in an elegantly decorated dining room.
1312 [$40-$70] – Found within the Hilton Dead Sea Resort & Spa, this venue offers a contemporary menu of refined Middle Eastern cuisine, including Lebanese wines and shisha, in a relaxed oriental setting.
Al Deera Restaurant [$25-$45] – Known for offering authentic Jordanian flavors near the Dead Sea, this is one of the spots praised for a true taste of local cuisine.
Beit Sweimeh (بيت سويمة) [$30-$50] – A restaurant in Swemeh that is known to offer authentic Jordanian flavors alongside breathtaking views.
Ocean Dead Sea (مطعم المحيط) [$30-$50] – A Lebanese restaurant with a view of the Dead Sea, famous for bringing masses of mezze (appetizers) to the table, including classic dips, salads, and mixed grills.
Dead Sea Restaurant and Grills (مطعم ومشاوي البحر الميت) [$25-$45] – Located in Gawr al-Mazraah, this spot is known for serving authentic Jordanian cuisine, particularly its grilled meats, with stunning Dead Sea views.
Al Rawnaq Restaurant [$20-$40] – Located in Samarah Mall, this restaurant provides an authentic taste of Jordan, blending tradition with a modern dining atmosphere.
The Grill Restaurant [$50-$90] – Located in the Village Square of the Mövenpick Dead Sea, this fine oriental restaurant offers tender fresh meats grilled to perfection and a wide selection of seafood, enjoyed under stone arches or on a terrace.
Panorama Restaurant [$35-$60] – Located at the Panorama Dead Sea Complex, this venue offers a full, diverse menu of Jordanian, Arab, and international culinary choices, utilizing locally sourced ingredients and paired with an extraordinary, matchless view of the Dead Sea.
Al Saraya Restaurant [$30-$50] – The all-day dining option at Mövenpick Dead Sea, it evokes a Mediterranean country kitchen ambiance, featuring extensive all-day à la carte dishes and buffet dining with Oriental carved market carts and live cooking stations.
El Grito Latino Americano [$30-$50] – Offering a unique dining experience, this restaurant and pool bar provides Latin American flavors with breathtaking views of the Dead Sea.
Elements Restaurant [$40-$70] – Located in Swemeh, this restaurant offers diverse culinary offerings and exquisite dining with breathtaking views, often featuring a more international and contemporary menu.
Ambrosia Restaurant [$30-$50] – The main all-day dining at the Crowne Plaza Jordan Dead Sea Resort, providing a great variety of high-quality food, often in a buffet setting, with an international and local selection.
Spectrum [$30-$50] – The all-day dining experience at the Hilton Dead Sea Resort & Spa, serving an impressive buffet spread of Jordanian and international cuisine with live cooking stations and a terrace overlooking the Dead Sea.
Mosaico Restaurant [$30-$50] – The all-day dining venue at the Dead Sea Marriott Resort & Spa, offering a diverse international buffet with an extensive selection of local dishes and cuisine from around the world.
Dead Sea Museum Café [$15-$30] – Although primarily a museum, the on-site café is mentioned as a place for a decent quick lunch with amazing views, offering a mix of local and international light fare.
The Pub Bar [$20-$40] – Located at the Dead Sea Spa Resort, this sports bar provides an entertaining setting for classic pub fare and drinks, serving as a lively, non-traditional dining option in the area.
Champions Tavern [$20-$40] – The sports bar at the Dead Sea Marriott Resort & Spa, offering classic American fare like juicy burgers and crispy wings in a relaxed atmosphere to catch up on sports.
Buffalo Wings & Rings – Dead Sea [$20-$40] – A modern sports bar known for its extensive selection of wing flavors and classic pub fare in a vibrant atmosphere, perfect for families and teens.
Dubliners Irish Pub & Restaurant [$20-$40] – Located in Swemeh, this spot offers a delightful fusion of authentic Irish cuisine and vibrant pub culture, providing a different international option.
Cattleya Restaurant and Cafe [$25-$45] – Offers culinary delights near the Dead Sea with exquisite dishes in a charming atmosphere that leans toward international and Mediterranean flavors.
Brick Lane Restaurant Dead Sea [$25-$45] – A restaurant by the Dead Sea mentioned for offering authentic Jordanian cuisine complemented by breathtaking views.
Almira Restaurant (مطعم الميرا البحر الميت) [$30-$50] – A dining experience by the Dead Sea where local flavors are combined with a stunning view in a welcoming setting.
Happiness Park Restaurant [$20-$40] – Highly recommended for its excellent service and focus on authentic barbecue delights in the Dead Sea area.
393 Burgers & Steaks [$30-$50] – A popular spot on Dead Sea Road specializing in gourmet burgers and juicy steaks, offering a more focused American-style menu.
Java U [$15-$30] – A coffee house/casual eatery that offers a blend of local and global cuisine in a warm, inviting atmosphere, good for lighter meals or coffee.
Bacchus [$50-$80] – The casual trattoria at the Hilton Dead Sea Resort & Spa, specializing in Italian cooking. It offers fresh, hand-made pastas and a more refined, romantic menu with over 20 Italian wines for dinner.
Il Terrazzo Restaurant [$40-$70] – Located at the Dead Sea Marriott Resort & Spa, this restaurant showcases panoramic views and authentic Italian cuisine, including homemade pasta, wood-fired pizzas, and delectable desserts.
Luigi’s Restaurant [$40-$70] – An Italian restaurant in Swemeh that offers authentic Italian cuisine with stunning Dead Sea views.
The Grill [$60-$100] – A luxurious dining option in the Dead Sea area, specializing in succulent steaks and high-end grilling, complemented by beautiful views.
Moringa Seafood Restaurant (مطعم مورنجا للمأكولات البحرية) [$40-$70] – A good option for fresh seafood delights near the Dead Sea.
Crystal Restaurant [$30-$50] – The all-day dining restaurant at Dead Sea Spa Resort, offering a buffet breakfast, lunch, and dinner with an array of Middle Eastern and International dishes overlooking the Dead Sea.
Aqua Blu Restaurant [$20-$40] – A lively restaurant and terrace at the Dead Sea Spa Resort, serving snacks and cold drinks throughout the day, perfect for a casual poolside meal.
Jo’s Midi [$10-$20] – A coffee house at the Dead Sea Marriott Resort & Spa, specializing in extensive selection of coffees, teas, homemade cakes, fresh pastries, and cookies, ideal for a light treat.
The Coffee Bar [$10-$20] – Located at the Dead Sea Spa Resort, this bar offers a wide selection of freshly brewed coffees, teas, and refreshing drinks with beautiful views of the beach and pool.
VUE [$15-$30] – Found at the Hilton Dead Sea Resort & Spa, this venue offers specialty coffee, loose-leaf teas, boutique patisserie, and light meals, including a chocolate-themed afternoon tea.
Promenade Bar [$15-$30] – Located at the Crowne Plaza, this spot offers drinks and light refreshments, perfect for a casual stop during the day.
Rabbel Lobby Lounge [$15-$30] – The lobby lounge at the Crowne Plaza, offering a relaxing atmosphere for drinks and light snacks.
Acacia Lounge & Bar [$20-$40] – Located at the Dead Sea Marriott Resort & Spa, it’s a spot to savor a specialty drink and enjoy a diverse menu with stunning scenery.
Oasis Lounge [$15-$30] – A poolside spot at the Dead Sea Marriott Resort & Spa for a refreshing drink without leaving the pool area.
Infinity [$15-$30] – The pool bar at the Hilton Dead Sea Resort & Spa, featuring a swim-up facility for refreshing beverages and long drinks.
Sky Bar & Lounge [$20-$40] – The outdoor rooftop lounge at the Hilton (seasonal), offering innovative cocktails and a DJ set after sunset with views of the Dead Sea.
Top Cocktail Bars and Clubs
Skyline Lounge (Kempinski Hotel Ishtar): Perched high on one of the resort’s structures in the central Dead Sea area, this rooftop lounge offers unparalleled, panoramic views of the Dead Sea, making it the premier spot for a sunset cocktail.
The Codes (Crowne Plaza Jordan Dead Sea Resort & Spa): Located within the resort, this sleek, contemporary indoor lounge is a perfect retreat for an evening drink, often featuring comfortable seating and a quieter, more intimate setting.
Juice Bar (Mövenpick Resort & Spa Dead Sea): While serving healthy drinks by day, this central resort spot transitions into a casual, pool-adjacent bar in the evening, perfect for classic cocktails in a relaxed setting.
B Bar (Dead Sea Spa Hotel): Situated within the Dead Sea Spa Hotel complex, this bar offers a lively yet casual environment, known for its friendly service and a good selection of spirits and mixed drinks.
Kempinski Ishtar Poolside Bar (Kempinski Hotel Ishtar): A beautiful spot located right next to the infinity pools, offering a sophisticated daytime and early evening environment to enjoy creative cocktails with stunning views of the salty water.
Oryx Bar (Hilton Dead Sea Resort & Spa): Found inside the Hilton, this stylish bar is ideal for pre- or post-dinner drinks, offering a modern ambiance and a comprehensive menu of international beverages.
Shisha Lounge (Multiple Resorts): Nearly every major resort (e.g., Marriott, Mövenpick) features an outdoor shisha area, which provides a relaxing, authentically Levantine evening experience under the stars, often serving tea, juices, and non-alcoholic cocktails alongside shisha.
Aqua Bar (Holiday Inn Resort Dead Sea): Located near the main pool, this casual, open-air spot at the Holiday Inn is great for enjoying a refreshing cocktail or a cold beer after a day of floating.
Infinity Bar (Crowne Plaza Jordan Dead Sea Resort & Spa): Located near the edge of the resort, this spot offers a relaxed setting with an amazing backdrop of the Dead Sea, specializing in refreshing long drinks and international beers.
Burj Al Hamam Terrace Bar (Mövenpick Resort & Spa Dead Sea): Attached to the Lebanese restaurant, this terrace bar provides a lovely setting for an a la carte drink, overlooking the resort gardens and the Dead Sea.
Il Terrazzo Lounge (Dead Sea Marriott Resort & Spa): Connected to the Italian restaurant, this semi-outdoor terrace lounge at the Marriott provides a quiet, elegant atmosphere for an evening aperitivo.
The Valley Cafe (Dead Sea Marriott Resort & Spa): A more relaxed, open-area cafe and lounge, the Valley Cafe is a great central spot within the Marriott for enjoying a simple drink and people-watching.
Dive In Bar (Ramada Resort by Wyndham Dead Sea): Offering a more casual vibe in the northern part of the resort area, this bar is known for its unpretentious atmosphere and simple, well-made drinks.
The Oasis (Grand East Resort & Spa – Dead Sea): This resort spot offers a relaxed outdoor setting, popular for winding down after a day of activities with a selection of classic cocktails and local spirits.
Vista Terrace (Multiple Locations): Several resorts feature an unnamed or temporary ‘Vista Terrace’ during the high season, offering pop-up bars with spectacular high-ground views, like those found at the upper areas of the Mövenpick.
The Chill Zone (Kempinski Hotel Ishtar): This venue often transforms into a lively late-night spot, hosting DJ sets and live music on weekends, making it one of the few places in the area focused on dancing and a party atmosphere.
Black Iris Bar (Dead Sea Marriott Resort & Spa): Functioning as the main late-night gathering spot at the Marriott, this bar frequently hosts themed nights or a resident DJ, offering a sophisticated club-like atmosphere without a formal dance floor.
Ishtar Theatre & Nightlife (Kempinski Hotel Ishtar): The resort occasionally hosts special events and performances in their dedicated event space that transforms into a club-like venue for special occasions and holidays, attracting a high-energy crowd.
Sports Bar (Crowne Plaza Jordan Dead Sea Resort & Spa): While primarily a bar, this venue is one of the more active indoor spots after 10 PM, often showing major sporting events and having a more communal, high-spirited club-like feel.
The Village Square Nightlife (Mövenpick Resort & Spa Dead Sea): The central area of the resort often features live entertainment, including musicians and sometimes dancers, offering a lively, open-air entertainment experience perfect for dancing under the stars.
Holiday Inn Live Music (Holiday Inn Resort Dead Sea): On certain nights, the main lounge or pool deck at the Holiday Inn features a live band or singer, creating an engaging, club-adjacent environment for guests to enjoy and dance.
Ballroom Afterparty (Various Resorts): During major conferences or holiday weekends, large resorts like the Marriott or Hilton will convert their main ballroom into a temporary nightclub for guests, which are the closest experience to a traditional city club.
Havana Club (South Beach Area, occasionally): Though technically outside the main resort cluster, certain smaller beachside venues south of the main resorts sometimes host dedicated outdoor parties or “beach clubs” during the summer season.
Sunset Deck DJ Sets (Hilton Dead Sea Resort & Spa): The hotel’s expansive pool and deck areas are often utilized for evening events, with a DJ playing house music, creating a vibrant, outdoor club feel overlooking the sea.