Discover Aqaba, Jordan: Your Ultimate Guide to Stays, Culinary Delights, and Must-See Attractions
Welcome to Aqaba, Jordan’s captivating coastal jewel, nestled along the pristine shores of the Red Sea’s Gulf of Aqaba. Renowned for its sun-kissed beaches, vibrant marine life, and world-class scuba diving opportunities, Aqaba offers an unparalleled blend of relaxation and adventure. This bustling port city is a gateway to the wonders of the underwater world and a vibrant hub of culture, exquisite dining, and luxurious accommodations. Whether you’re seeking a serene escape, an adventurous dive, or a taste of authentic Jordanian hospitality, our comprehensive guide will lead you through the best places to stay, savor the local cuisine, and explore the must-visit attractions that make Aqaba an unforgettable destination.
Aqaba: Jordan’s Coastal Gem on the Red Sea
Aqaba stands as Jordan’s sole coastal city, making it a unique and vital destination for both locals and international travelers. Strategically positioned on the northern tip of the Red Sea, it’s a haven for those seeking respite and adventure away from the desert landscapes. Its waters are a kaleidoscope of colors, brimming with diverse marine ecosystems, making it a premier spot for aquatic activities. Beyond its oceanic allure, Aqaba pulsates with energy, boasting an array of excellent restaurants, lively disco clubs, pristine private beaches, and a welcoming atmosphere that invites exploration and relaxation.
Prepare to immerse yourself in the splendors of Aqaba – a journey that promises to leave a lasting splash!
Where to Stay in Aqaba: Luxurious Retreats and Convenient Comfort
Choosing the right accommodation is key to an exceptional travel experience, and Aqaba offers a range of options to suit every preference, from opulent resorts to charming guesthouses. Our top recommendation combines luxury with prime location, ensuring your stay is nothing short of spectacular.
Getting to Aqaba: Seamless Travel Options
Aqaba is Jordan’s southernmost point, located approximately 60 miles directly south of the mesmerizing Wadi Rum. Reaching this coastal paradise is relatively straightforward. If you’re traveling from the capital, Amman, the scenic drive typically takes around four hours. While self-driving is an option for the adventurous, we highly recommend hiring a professional driver, especially from a reputable service like Local Trips. This allows you to relax and enjoy the stunning desert landscapes without the stress of navigation, arriving refreshed and ready to explore. For those coming from other parts of Jordan, or even neighboring countries, direct flights into King Hussein International Airport (AQJ) offer a convenient alternative, as do numerous bus services connecting major cities.
The Kempinski Hotel Aqaba Red Sea: A Sanctuary of Luxury
After exhilarating days exploring Jordan’s ancient wonders and desert camps, a luxurious retreat becomes an absolute necessity. The Kempinski Hotel Aqaba Red Sea proved to be the perfect sanctuary for our two-night stay, offering an unparalleled blend of comfort, elegance, and convenience. This five-star luxury hotel boasts an enviable location, placing guests just a stone’s throw away from a diverse array of restaurants, bustling dive shops, and the vibrant marina. Its proximity to these key attractions means you’re always within easy reach of Aqaba’s best, whether you’re planning a culinary adventure, an underwater exploration, or a leisurely stroll along the waterfront.
Unparalleled Comfort: Rooms and Facilities at Kempinski
Each room at the Kempinski Hotel Aqaba Red Sea is designed as a private haven, exuding elegance and offering every conceivable comfort. Our accommodation featured a supremely comfortable king-sized bed, a dedicated office work area for those needing to stay connected, and a luxurious soaking tub, perfect for unwinding after a day of adventure. However, the true highlight of the Kempinski’s rooms are the private balconies, which offer breathtaking, unobstructed views of the shimmering Red Sea – an idyllic setting for morning coffee or sunset cocktails. The panoramic vistas serve as a constant reminder of Aqaba’s stunning natural beauty.
Beyond the lavish rooms, the hotel provides an impressive array of facilities designed to enhance your stay. Indulge in ultimate relaxation at the serene spa, offering a range of treatments to rejuvenate your mind and body. For sun worshippers, a magnificent private beach awaits, providing exclusive access to the Red Sea. Alternatively, lounge by the inviting outdoor pool, complete with a popular swim-up bar where you can enjoy refreshing beverages without leaving the water. For those committed to their fitness routine, a well-equipped gym is also available, ensuring you can maintain your health and wellness while on holiday.
Where to Eat in Aqaba: A Culinary Journey from Fine Dining to Local Flavors
Aqaba’s culinary scene is as diverse as its landscapes, offering everything from sophisticated hotel dining to authentic local eateries. Our gastronomic adventure led us through some truly memorable meals, showcasing the rich flavors of Jordanian cuisine and international favorites.
Exquisite Dining at The Kempinski Hotel Aqaba Red Sea
Staying at the Kempinski Hotel comes with the distinct advantage of exceptional dining experiences available right at your doorstep. From the sumptuous breakfast spread to delightful happy hour treats and elaborate evening buffets, every culinary desire is catered to with effortless grace and impeccable service.
Breakfast Buffet: A Feast to Start Your Day
The breakfast buffet, typically included with your stay, is far from ordinary. It’s a lavish spread designed to energize and delight. Guests can enjoy a custom-made omelet at the live cooking station, choose from an array of fresh juices and expertly brewed coffees at the bar, and indulge in a wide selection of freshly baked pastries. The buffet masterfully blends traditional Jordanian staples, offering a taste of local flavors, with familiar English breakfast items, ensuring there’s something to please every palate.
Sunset Happy Hour at The Beach
For an idyllic end to your day, the Kempinski Hotel beach is the ultimate happy hour destination. Settle into one of the cozy cabanas, feel the gentle sea breeze, and order a few refreshing pints alongside one of their delightfully crispy pizzas. It’s a wonderfully relaxed setting, offering spectacular views as the sun dips below the horizon, painting the Red Sea in hues of orange and pink. This serene experience is truly a perfect way to unwind and reflect on your Aqaba adventures.
Enchanting Dinner by the Ocean
Dinner at the Kempinski Hotel transforms into a grand celebration, a vibrant party atmosphere right by the ocean. Guests dine outdoors, serenaded by the waves and captivated by live entertainment, often featuring a mesmerizing belly dancer. The dinner buffet is an expansive showcase of Jordanian cuisine, arguably the most extensive selection we encountered. Imagine an endless array of succulent shawarma, rich beef stew, flavorful chicken ouzi, and a vibrant meze spread featuring creamy labneh, an assortment of pickled vegetables, fresh salads, and delectable dips. It’s a sensory feast that immerses you in the heart of Jordanian culinary traditions.
Indulge in dishes like tender lamb mansaf, aromatic maqluba, and a variety of grilled meats, all prepared with authentic spices and fresh local ingredients. The sheer diversity ensures that every visit offers new flavors to discover, making dinner at Kempinski a highlight of any stay.
Al-Shami Restaurant: An Authentic Taste of Jordanian BBQ
For an authentic taste of local Aqaba, we ventured out for our final meal at Al-Shami Restaurant, a recommendation from our dive shop known for its delicious Jordanian barbecue. Conveniently located just a few blocks from our hotel, the stroll through the city, enjoying the fresh ocean air, added to the experience. Al-Shami is a hidden gem, tucked away down a charming alley, so keep your eyes peeled for its subtle entrance. Upon arrival, you’ll be guided up a flight of stairs to a lovely outdoor dining area, offering a pleasant ambiance under the Aqaba sky.
The menu at Al-Shami is straightforward yet packed with an abundance of tasty, traditional dishes. Begin your culinary journey with a refreshing glass of lemon with spearmint juice – a non-alcoholic beverage that is both invigorating and perfectly complements the rich flavors of the food. Please note, alcoholic beers are not served here, aligning with local customs. As your palate warms up, explore a few samplings from their appetizer selection: the distinctive Aleppo olives, cool and creamy cucumber with yogurt, and smoky eggplant dishes are highly recommended. However, a visit to Al-Shami would be incomplete without indulging in their renowned meze grill. Seriously, it features some of the best barbecue we have ever tasted, with perfectly grilled meats and flavorful marinades that capture the essence of Jordanian cooking.
What to Visit & Do in Aqaba: Dive into Adventure and Culture
Aqaba is more than just a beautiful coastal city; it’s a hub of adventure, history, and natural beauty. From its world-famous underwater wonders to its rich historical sites, there’s an activity for every type of traveler.
Scuba Diving in the Red Sea: An Underwater Wonderland
The primary reason for including Aqaba in our comprehensive Jordan adventure was the irresistible allure of scuba diving in the Red Sea. Many travelers are surprised to learn that Jordan offers world-class diving, a fact we happily discovered through a bit of research. Indeed, exploring the underwater realm of Aqaba is consistently ranked as one of the top activities in the region, drawing divers from around the globe.
Diving with Dive Aqaba: Professionalism and Comfort
While Aqaba is home to numerous dive shops, we wholeheartedly recommend Dive Aqaba for an exceptional experience. Their professionalism and attention to detail are remarkable, particularly regarding equipment maintenance and safety protocols. As novice divers, we felt incredibly comfortable and supported throughout the entire process. Their spacious boat not only prevents any discomfort during the journey but also offers excellent amenities, including a delicious lunch served onboard and a convenient bathroom, ensuring a pleasant experience from start to finish. This commitment to comfort and safety allows even beginners to fully enjoy the Red Sea’s majestic depths.
Exploring Underwater Treasures: Wrecks and Japanese Gardens
We opted for a two-tank, one-day dive excursion, which proved to be an unforgettable adventure. The dive boat departs from the Aqaba port, conveniently located near our hotel. The scenic boat ride to the dive sites takes about an hour, offering panoramic views where you can spot the distant coastlines of Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Israel – a unique geographical experience in itself!
Our first dive led us to an actual wreck site, an incredible experience to witness such a colossal piece of machinery resting peacefully on the ocean floor. The highlight was undoubtedly navigating through the large, eerie cabins, feeling like an explorer discovering a sunken secret. The second dive transported us to what the locals affectionately call the “Japanese Gardens.” Prior to this, I had believed the Caribbean held the monopoly on vibrant coral colors, but the Red Sea completely shattered that notion! The corals here are astonishingly vivid and diverse, creating an underwater tapestry of unparalleled beauty. I could have easily spent the entire day mesmerized by the intricate details and bustling marine life within these pristine reefs, a true testament to the Red Sea’s ecological richness.
Beyond Diving: Explore Aqaba’s Rich Heritage and Leisure
While scuba diving is a major draw, Aqaba offers a wealth of other attractions that cater to history buffs, culture enthusiasts, and those simply looking to relax by the sea. Delve into the city’s past and present with these enriching activities:
Historical Gems:
- Mamluk Castle (Aqaba Fort): Standing proudly near the port, this historical fortress dates back to the Mamluk Sultanate. Explore its ancient walls and imagine the vibrant trade routes and battles it once witnessed. It offers a tangible connection to Aqaba’s strategic importance through the centuries.
- Aqaba Archaeological Museum: Housed in the historic palace of Sharif Hussein bin Ali, this museum showcases artifacts spanning millennia, from the Copper Age to the early Islamic era. Discover pottery, coins, and tools that tell the story of Aqaba’s long and varied history as a crossroads of civilizations.
Relaxing on the Coast:
- Palm Beach: For those who prefer to stay above water, Palm Beach offers a relaxed atmosphere perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and enjoying the Red Sea’s inviting waters. It’s a popular spot for both tourists and locals to unwind.
- Glass Bottom Boat Tour: An excellent alternative for non-divers or families with young children, a glass bottom boat tour provides a fascinating glimpse into Aqaba’s vibrant underwater world without getting wet. Observe the colorful coral reefs and diverse marine life through the boat’s transparent floor, offering an accessible way to appreciate the Red Sea’s ecological wonders.
Planning Your Aqaba Adventure and Beyond
Aqaba truly is a multifaceted destination, offering a perfect blend of adventure, luxury, and cultural immersion. From the exhilarating depths of the Red Sea to the flavors of authentic Jordanian cuisine and the comfort of world-class resorts, it promises an enriching experience for every traveler.
Stay tuned for more updates on our incredible journey through Jordan! Our next adventure takes us northward to the legendary Dead Sea, where more ocean breezes, unique floating experiences, and breathtaking sunsets await.
In the meantime, make sure to explore our previous posts documenting our unforgettable travels across Jordan:
- Amman, Jordan: What to Eat & Visit!
- Amman, Jordan: Where to Stay!
- Petra, Jordan: Where to Stay, Eat, and Visit!
- Wadi Rum, Jordan: Where to Stay, Eat and Visit!
***This post was sponsored by the Jordanian Tourism Board. As always, all opinions expressed are 100% my own.***
Conclusion: Embark on an extraordinary journey to Aqaba, Jordan, guided by our comprehensive insights on where to stay, what to eat, and the captivating attractions awaiting your discovery. From opulent accommodations and delectable cuisine to thrilling underwater explorations, your adventure into the heart of the Red Sea beckons. Plan your visit to Aqaba, Jordan, with our guide to where to stay, eat, and visit.