The Dead Sea, Jordan

On a recent business trip to Jordan, representatives from each company we met asked a few standard questions: 'Is this your first time in Jordan?' (Yes.)

'Are you going to the Dead Sea?' (No, we were not planning to.)

This was typically followed by the exclamation 'Oh you must! It is only 30 minutes/45 minutes (delete as applicable) from here', followed by various eulogies about its beauty.

So, we took them at their word, shuffled meetings around to finish earlier, and gave ourselves the time to head to the Dead Sea.

We were staying in the Crown Plaza in Amman, so asked the receptionist how much a taxi should cost, and used this as a basis for negotiations with drivers. At the time, we agreed JD90 for a round trip, with the driver waiting for a couple of hours in between.

Our initial plan was to head to the Movenpick, where the hotel's Infinity bar overlooks the Dead Sea. Our taxi driver was having none of that though. He took us instead to the Amman Tourist Beach (JD12), insisting we should hire a towel (JD1), buy swimming trunks (approx JD5) and head into the water.

He was right.

No sinking sensation

If you have never been to the Dead Sea it is one of the strangest experiences you are likely to have.

Once in the water, which is in fact a big lake, you are at the lowest point on earth, and floating in the most mineral rich water. And float on your back you will.

Try just about any other manoeuvre and the salty water will flip you over onto your back. And the signs warning you not to float too far are worth heeding - relaxing on your back you don't realise just how far you have drifted from your original position.

Locals said that on a clear day, various points in Palestine and Israel can be seen, such as Jericho and Jerusalem.

Should you feel the need, you can buy Dead Sea mud and spread it all over your body and then head into the water. If not, the shops in the complex offer plenty of Dead Sea beauty and novelty products.

From the Dead Sea, our driver suggested a trip up the mountains to nearby Panorama. Once past the police road blocks, there is a small museum (well worth a quick visit) and restaurant.

There is plenty of outside seating with fantastic views of both the mountains and the Dead Sea. A visit towards the back end of the day is recommended, as this was a great spot from which to watch the sun set.

Ultimately, we paid our driver, who had also acted as tour guide, JD100, and he had been well worth the money, stopping off on the journey to show us different points of the country and making sound suggestions that made the trip more of a pleasure.

So, if you are heading to Amman and it is your first time, plan in an afternoon of relaxation at the Dead Sea. As the locals will tell you, it's a must.


See also:
Review: Business Class lounge, Royal Jordanian
Review: The Four Seasons, Damascus