by Jacqueline Beach

Created on: August 31, 2009

We've all heard of the ancient, lost Nabitean city of Petra. A world unto its own, carved into the rose red surrounding rock-face, settled 3000 years BC, deep in the southern Jordanian desert. Or maybe from Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom? But what of Jordan as the ultimate relaxation destination?

2009 marks a big year for Jordan, it is the country's 100th year anniversary, as well as being the 10th year in power for its King, Abdullah II and his glamorous wife Queen Rania. Over the past decade, major changes have taken place in Jordan, a country hailing from Bedouin culture but now, you can relax in affordable luxury, and bask in Jordan's natural, and considerable beauty retreats. Explore some of Jordan's world class resorts, be it at the Dead Sea or the lesser known, yet equally beneficial for the beauty conscious, Ma'In Hot Springs.

Driving down through the Jordan Valley at the break of a blistering hot day, the rocky landscape suddenly morphs into fields of banana plantations. The odd Bedouin tent dots the mineral infused fertile surrounds. With our ears popping along the way, we pass a sign marking a point '300 metres below sea level'. Edging further down, the vista merges back into a dusty desert, then almost magically, the Dead Sea appears in the foreground, its still waters part dusty rose in the morning light, part deep navy blue on the shores of Palestine in distance.

Situated slightly under one hour's drive from Amman, the Dead Sea is a natural phenomenon that exists nowhere else on earth. A lake with a salt content so high, that as its name suggests, is completely devoid of plant and animal life. 75 kilometers long, and approximately 6 to 16 kilometers in width, the Dead Sea is fed by the Jordan River. With approximately 350 grams of salt per kilogram of water, compared to 40 grams in the world's oceans, the high concentration is due to a rapid rate of evaporation from a sea that has no outlet.

Yet it is not only the lake of salt which is attracting tourists to this natural epicentre. The curative properties of the Dead Sea have long been recognised since the days of Herod the Great over 2000 years ago. In the Bible, it is referred to it as the Sea of the Araba, the Salt Sea, and the Eastern Sea. While conclusive proof has yet to be found, many believe the Dead Sea's origins lie in the bible's book of Genesis with the story of Sodom and Gomorrah, destroyed by God because of their wickedness .

The Dead Sea mud, infused with minerals, is

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>