Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea

"Why we love it: A grand resort with subtle style and top-notch amenities The Highlights: - Stylishly minimal guest rooms with balconies and deep-soaking tubs - An infinity pool overlooking the Dead Sea - Impeccable service from an expert staff The Review: There’s a tendency among high-end hotels in the Middle East to overwhelm guests with bling. The Kempinski Hotel Ishtar, the grandest of all the Dead Sea resorts, does things a little differently, impressing visitors with its architecture instead. The hotel’s Babylonian-style buildings loom large, but inside the decor is dialed back to the point of almost minimal. Walls disappear into expanses of glass, framing dramatic views over the sea, while shady balconies and sunken baths keep ostentatiousness at bay. There are plenty of pools, lagoons, and waterfalls of course, plus a private beach, a luxurious spa, and a handful of restaurants, but your first impression, as someone hands you a glass of cold hibiscus juice at check-in, is that this is a hotel that gets the details right."

"The 345-room Kempinski Hotel Ishtar sits more than 1,400 feet below sea level on the otherwordly shores of the Dead Sea. Built with the pale stone native to the region, the hotel is first experienced via a monumental reception hall. Inside, the hotel cascades down through a series of terraced levels with clusters of split-level villas anchored by free-form pools. Each villa has three master bedrooms, two living rooms, and a dining room, all with direct sea views. Although it is within easy trekking distance of Jordan’s historic sites—from Petra to the Roman ruins at Jerash—the emphasis here is on relaxation. Float on the sea’s salt-rich waters, have a sumptuous meal at Obelisk, or enjoy a mineral-infused scrub at the jewel-like Anantara Spa. The mostly local staff are still ascending a learning curve, but their enthusiasm and pride in the hotel and their country are heartfelt."