Wadi Rum, Jordan, often called the Valley of the Moon, offers an unparalleled desert experience where luxury blends seamlessly with the raw beauty of the landscape. Towering red sandstone cliffs, expansive sand dunes, and narrow
Dining at Memories Aicha Luxury Camp
canyons create a dramatic backdrop for travelers seeking both adventure and tranquility. The region is home to some of Jordan’s most exclusive accommodations, including Hayat Rum Camp, a boutique camp with safari-style lodges and tented suites that feature private bathrooms, air conditioning, and a spa-like ambiance; Mazayen Luxury Rum Camp, nestled near the old village of Wadi Rum, where guests can watch sunsets and sunrises over stunning sandstone formations while enjoying spacious, stylish tents; and Memories Aicha Luxury Camp, which offers dome-style and canvas tents with modern amenities and panoramic roofs for stargazing from the comfort of your bed.
The desert itself is a playground for extraordinary experiences. At dawn, travelers can soar over Wadi Rum in a hot air balloon, taking in sweeping views of towering rock formations, deep canyons, and endless dunes. Camel rides allow visitors to traverse the desert in the traditional Bedouin way, while guided jeep tours reveal hidden valleys and ancient rock inscriptions. As night falls, Wadi Rum’s designation as a Dark Sky Reserve comes alive, offering an unparalleled stargazing experience. Without light pollution, the Milky Way and countless constellations stretch across the sky, and luxury camps often offer guided astronomy talks to deepen the celestial experience.
Petra by Candlelight
A short journey from Wadi Rum lies Petra, Jordan’s legendary “Rose City,” which provides a mesmerizing complement to desert adventures. Carved into pink-hued sandstone cliffs, Petra was the capital of the Nabataean Kingdom around the 4th century BCE. Renowned for its rock-cut architecture, the most famous of which is Al-Khazneh (The Treasury), Petra showcases the ingenuity of the Nabataeans, who built intricate water channels and structures to thrive in the desert. Visitors enter the city through the dramatic Siq, a narrow gorge that opens suddenly onto the Treasury, revealing the city’s grandeur. Beyond the Treasury, Petra encompasses tombs, temples, theaters, and monasteries carved into cliffs. Experiencing Petra by candlelight—walking the Siq and seeing the Treasury illuminated by flickering candles—offers a magical, almost spiritual glimpse into history that transports visitors back thousands of years.
Dining in Wadi Rum’s luxury camps is equally memorable, featuring local Jordanian and Mediterranean cuisine prepared from fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Guests can enjoy traditional dishes like mansaf, mezze spreads, and fresh breads in settings ranging from Bedouin-style seating under the stars to elegantly set dining tables. The best times to visit Wadi Rum are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), when temperatures are mild and skies are clear for all outdoor adventures. Reservations for luxury camps should be made well in advance, as these exclusive properties fill quickly, particularly during peak travel months.
A stay in Wadi Rum offers travelers a seamless combination of luxury, adventure, and history. From hot air balloon rides over endless dunes to camel treks, stargazing under pristine skies, and candlelit explorations of Petra, the desert and its surroundings provide an unforgettable journey into the heart of Jordan’s rich natural and cultural heritage.