Flip through the latest issue of Gulf Weekly.
For tourists, the Hashemite kingdom of Jordan is steeped in history with the majestic sights from its impressive ruins in Petra, soothing mud baths of the Dead Sea and its modern urban city, Amman.
It’s a destination filled with delicious food, friendly people and plenty of places to explore. But to me, Jordan is more than that … it is home.
As a child, I did not have many fond memories living in the green oasis as I moved there during the Gulf War. Jordan was a symbol of refuge for my family but it was also a reminder of the hard times, the pain and the struggle to survive.
When I left as a 12-year-old, I vowed to never look back, and I rarely did. If you ask my family they will tell you it wasn’t my favourite place to go.
However, as an adult, Jordan has found its way back into my heart and I especially love sharing its richness and beauty with my husband Sam.
Sam and I went there to celebrate my brother’s engagement which was fabulous. I believe that you have not properly seen Jordan unless you go there with locals. My auntie, for example, took us to the old Amman souq where we feasted on an authentic breakfast and Sam was introduced to his second love – ice-cold lemonade with mint.
We even made a trek to the Dead Sea where we floated, covered ourselves in mud and soaked up the sun.
When my brother announced that he was getting married in Jordan, Sam and I started planning all the sights we would revisit and the food we were going to enjoy, such as the yoghurt-soaked bread, rice and lamb dish called Mansaf (not for the faint-hearted).
Sam’s goal was to have as much ice-cold lemonade with mint as he could, while I couldn’t wait to gobble up the falafels and kunafa. Nobody makes falafels and kunafas the way the Jordanians do.
What we weren’t looking forward to was the airport. I had warned Sam about Queen Alia International Airport being totally disorganised, its terrible customer service and rude taxi drivers. It was such an embarrassment when Sam tried to get a visitor’s visa last year and my father had to convince immigration that his native Seychelles actually existed.
We were in for a pleasant surprise when we landed at the revamped airport. Design-wise it was stunning and modern. The immigration officers looked happy to be working there for a change and they were helpful and friendly. Unlike our last visit, we breezed through immigration, collected our luggage and braced ourselves for the manic taxi situation outside.
First-timers to Jordan, please do not fret as I am proud to say that not only are they neat and organised at the airport but they have come up with a functional taxi system as well. Within seconds we got a cabbie and were on our way to our hotel.
The drive from the airport is a scenic one boasting Jordan’s lush hillsides and forestry and giving tourists a glimpse of the Bedouins with their goats, sheep and tents before entering the city.
While normally I stay with family, Sam and I opted to experience the Kempinski Hotel Amman in Shmeisani road and we couldn’t have been happier. The hotel oozed luxury and its entire team, from reception to housekeeping, were friendly and welcoming making it an ideal locale for families, couples and bachelors alike.
There is a modern spa and health club, a hair salon, Timeout Sports Bar, H20 Pool Lounge and Bar, Via Appia Italian Restaurant, Le Cafe Lounge, the Kempi Restaurant and a state-of-the-art entertainment centre.
Strikers Entertainment Centre is actually Amman’s number one bowling and entertainment centre with eight bowling lanes, billiards and snooker tables, darts and the ultimate play station experience. There is no chance of ever getting bored at this hotel and it was always buzzing with people.
After taking a tour of the facilities, we couldn’t wait to see our room. There are 278 rooms with a relaxing accommodation and breathtaking city view. Ready to be inspired, we approached the reception to check-in only to be surprised with an upgrade!
We were treated to the most amazing city view thanks to our lavish 80sq/m panoramic suite which can easily accommodate four adults and a child. As we entered we could see a sofa set, coffee table, television and closet. Our initial thoughts were: “Umm…ok”. We had no idea there was much more inside. We felt as though we were on our honeymoon rather than attending a family affair.
There were days we didn’t leave the hotel, making use of the quick room service, the dry-cleaning facilities and the delicious breakfast buffet at the all-day Kempi Restaurant.
My family even raved about the entertainment centre stating that they had attended corporate functions there.
Before heading out for some sightseeing, we met Axel Bethke, the hotel’s general manager, who has lived and worked in Europe, US and China but always wanted to explore the Middle East. He was thrilled when he moved to Amman to take up the post in September last year.
He said: “Amman forms a great base for exploring the country and does, despite popular belief, offer much that is of interest to all travellers. The city is generally well-appointed, reasonably well-organised, enjoys great weather for much of the year and the people are very friendly and helpful.
“In terms of shopping, Amman boasts various shopping malls. Taj Mall is definitely worth a visit, in addition to the souqs in the old part of Amman which display traditional treasures and flavours of Jordan.
“As our European hotel is located in the financial district, we receive business travellers from the region, Egypt, Iraq, the US, South America and Northern Europe.
“During vacation times, especially between June and September, leisure travellers enjoy our facilities combined with our good location that is easy access to the most important sights in Amman.”
He added: “Life in Amman is exciting with fascinating areas like the old town, the Temple of Hercules on the Citadel Mountain and a 40-minute drive that takes you to the Dead Sea where our Kempinski resort hotel can be found.”
There truly is plenty to do in Jordan. A trip to Jafra Restaurant and Café in the old city should not be missed. Its entrance is authentic and rustic as is its interior. The breakfast is a scrumptious mezze of hummus, zattar and cheese pastries among other Jordanian treats. Also, head down to Rainbow Street, which is full of life and a hipper atmosphere, and boasts a number of restaurants and shops.
The trip was short and sweet. We will forever cherish the fond memories of a fantastic wedding, a great time spent with family members, a wonderful hotel stay and nights filled with great food.
* The hotel’s winter promotion is offering a 10 per cent discount on room rates. For details, visit www.kempinski.com/en/amman/
