The Red Rose City in Jordan beckons you to come and experience authentic Jordanian experiences in the comfort of the Mövenpick Nabatean Castle. Newly reopened after extensive renovation, the Nabatean Castle hotel is exactly what it sounds like; a hotel nestled in an Arabian castle on the rolling hills of the Rift Valley.
The façade of the castle comes straight out of the history books; a flat-roofed, angular complex that fits into the red clay mountain landscape of the Rift Valley surrounding it. One step through the castle doors reveals the spacious earthen-hued lobby courtyard that displays the heritage-inspired decor, while the renovated rooms have a contemporary and modern air, decorated in natural tones that make it not amiss in the desert surroundings.
For an authentic experience of Jordan, step into the Bedouin tent for a taste of traditional Jordanian cuisine and the famous Arabic coffee, brewed over hot coals in a dallah (coffee pot) which is tied to the Bedouin culture of hospitality, generosity and wealth.
And just a short walk away, the heart of Jordan’s tourist hotspot and one of the New 7 Wonders of the World, the ancient city of Petra, where you can visit the famed archaeological sites of the old world or hike a five-day trail to the UNESCO Heritage site of Wadi Rum, also known as The Valley of the Moon, where movie buffs might recognise the beautiful red stone vistas as the backdrop in the classic film, Lawrence of Arabia.
If a stroll down a busy market street is more your speed, the Zara souk in Petra is a must-do on your travel list, where pottery, jewellery, and traditionally designed textiles are available for perusal. For souvenirs with more shine, visit the Wadi Mousa Silver Production Centre, where Bedouin women craft intricate silver jewellery featuring the iconic designs of the region.
At the end of the day, head back to the Nabatean Castle with a hot cup of Arabic coffee for a breath-taking view of the sunset as it goes down behind the mountains of the Rift Valley. The castle is situated at the best spot to catch the dusk in Petra. Then, wind down with a dinner of specialty Jordanian cuisine at Al Madafa within the compounds of the fortress castle, before ending the night at the Nadeem Bar & Terrace.
More information on the Mövenpick Nabatean Castle in Petra is available at their website.
