JORDAN: DEAD SEA SPA AT JORDAN VALLEY MARRIOTT
by Judi Lees
If you are repelled by the thought of having your precious face slathered in slimy, dank mud that eventually hardens to the crusty surface of a dried up desert, bear with me. Be soothed by the fragrance of eucalyptus that wafts through the air and be aware that the mineral and salt rich, alluvial deposits of the Dead Sea are believed to cleanse, moisturize, improve circulation and give relief from skin diseases as well as – oh please God – ease wrinkles. It also gives relief to arthritis, rheumatism, and other ailments. Suddenly the muddy aspect seems appealing. After all, Cleopatra was a fan.
The Spa: The Jordan Valley Marriott Resort & Spa
The 3,000 square-metre Spa is located poolside in this luxurious resort. Although enter from an area that hums with activity, you are instantly in a soothing, tranquil space of cool tiles and warm candles. Before or after your treatment, you can laze in the private saltwater pool of the spa.
The Location: The official address of the resort is Sweimeh, Jordan. However, everyone refers to the area as The Dead Sea. Located in the Jordan Rift Valley, where the River Jordan meets the Dead Sea, it is 400 metres below sea level, the lowest point on the earth’s surface.
The Environment:
At first blush, the Dead Sea tourist zone, located about 45 kilometres southwest of Amman, could be mistaken for any high end beach resort. About half a dozen large resorts cluster the eastern shore of the Dead Sea. (Most recently opened is the swishy, 318-room, Kempinski Hotel Ishtar). I enjoyed my stay at the 216-room Marriott with its picturesque pools that stretch down to the beach. However, no matter how grand the hotel, this resort is all about location. While the allure for some may be health and beauty treatments, for others it is the history of Christianity. The Jordan Valley is associated with some of the most important biblical events. Close by is where the apostle John baptized Jesus Christ in the River Jordan and you aren’t far from Mount Nebo where Moses saw the promised land.
The Distinction: Mud-slathering your body and soaking, well, floating as you bob like the proverbial cork, in the curative, mineral-rich sea with the unfortunate name, is what a stay here is all about.
The Experience: I figured, when at the Dead Sea, do what Cleopatra did and utilize this miracle mud. While becoming dirty all over on the beach is fine – each resort has their alluvial area where you glob mud to your heart’s content on the shores of the Dead Sea - I much preferred treating myself to the Purifying Dead Sea Mud Facial at the Marriott’s Spa.
Mihaela Stan, originally from Romania, had a soothing touch as she first cleansed my travel-weary face with a product rich in Dead Sea minerals. (The product line is called Dead Sea.) After a toner, she used an apricot seed scrub to open the pores and remove yucky, dead skin cells. Mihaela said the product also increases the blood circulation and re-mineralizes. Next Mihaela used a replenishing eye cream, rich in Dead Sea minerals. Then she smeared on the mud which felt cool and gel-like and caked onto my face quickly, rather like a reptile-like second skin. It was not uncomfortable, however, because as I baked in mud, Mihaela of the soothing touch, massaged my shoulders and head. After 15 minutes, the mask was removed, toner, eye cream and day cream applied and presto, I’m a new person. Well, I felt like a new person. (The cost of my hour-long facial was 55 Jordanian Dinar which is about $82 Cdn.)
Accommodations: Although you enter this luxurious, 216 room resort through tight security, the lobby instantly welcomes with its cool, sophisticated rich red tones and large plants. It opens to gorgeous views of pools that terrace down to the Dead Sea. Everything about the Marriott worked for me, my room was large, comfortable and overlooked the Sea. The staff was low-key and gracious. I loved the fact that you could get dirty at the Dead Sea – afloat covered in mud – and then up a few stairs to have an invigorating water massage in one of the vast, picturesque pools.
Where to Eat: The cuisine matches the setting at the Dead Sea – it’s incredible. Two experiences are a must and both are in resorts as that’s where the action is here. Dine outdoors at Il Terrazzo in the Marriott, have pasta with fresh fish and bask in the warm evening air as the lights of Jerusalem twinkle across the calm Dead Sea. At the pueblo-style Movenpick Resort & Spa Dead Sea (just beside the Marriott), book a rooftop table at The Grill. Here I had beef tenderloin to die for and the setting – full moon, Dead Sea, across the water, Jerusalem. Magical.
Other Things to Do: Everyone who visits Jordan, goes to Petra. The ancient site, hand-carved in gloriously hued sandstone, was recently named among the world’s top seven wonders. Here’s a hint: after a dusty day exploring Petra, ask a taxi driver to take you up the hill to the Turkish Bath. It’s a small ‘spa’ where you will be oiled, energetically scrubbed and hosed off! It is far from the usual spa experience but you will be exceptionally clean! Take your bathing suit if you are shy.
For more information: www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/qmdjv-jordan-valley-marriott-resort-and-spa
For information on Jordan: www.visitjordan.com
Judi Lees is a travel writer who lives in Halfmoon Bay, BC.
