Kempinski Hotels has opened a new luxury resort on the banks of the Jordanian Dead Sea.
"For millennia, the high salt and mineral content of the Dead Sea has attracted travellers in search of cures and beauty, which involved floating in the sea, but never swimming," said Reto Wittwer, president and CEO of Kempinski Hotels.
"Cleopatra had caravans of camels deliver Dead Sea water to her palaces in Egypt, and Herod came to Masada to be cured by its minerals.
"We continue this extraordinary tradition for modernday guests amid the conveniences and luxury of contem porary living," said Wittwer.
Kempinksi Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea has 117 rooms and Ishtar-style villas offering views of the famous sea.
The hotel features the longest private beach in Jordan and also has eight outdoor swimming pools.
An extra 201 sea facing rooms will open next year, together with further dining options and an entertainment centre, including sports facilities, a bowling alley and cinema.
The resort is situated 70 kilometres southwest of Queen Alia International Airport and 55kms southwest of the Jordanian capital, Amman.
The most exclusive villa inlcudes three bedrooms, a private pool, outdoor jacuzzi, private butler, chauffeur driven limosuine and private beach.
Guests can also the surrounding countryside, with wadi excursions, mountian biking and horse riding some of the actitivites available.
The hotel is Kempinski's second in Jordan, with a third set to open in 2008.
By Matt Smith
© Emirates Today 2006
