Aqaba, Jordan - Jordon’s very own water heaven, Aqaba is fringed by a breathtaking desert landscape, dramatic mountain peaks and a pristine Gulf setting that is hard to resist. A laidback city that absolutely cannot do without its afternoon siestas, Aqaba is a popular tourist destination for several Middle East revelers who hop here to enjoy the getaway’s free-spirited and lax nature. A treasure trove of coral wonders, the retreat is fantastic for underwater sports like snorkeling (in the midst of the region’s rich reefs) and scuba diving. The ports and the beaches are all good-but it’s the chic Ayla Oasis with its artificially created lagoons, luxury hotels, shopping districts and a sprawling golf course that are designed to play to the tourist gallery. A sultry climate and a tranquil vibe accentuate the leisure holiday feel, although Aqaba is now fast shedding its unruffled approach to compete with other furiously emerging Middle East economies.

Read my review of the Cote d’Or at the InterContinental Hotel, which turned out to be a great dining option with its brilliant continental fare that was savored in the backdrop of some nice pop music being rendered by a live violinist.

Aqaba, Jordan - Jordon’s very own water heaven, Aqaba is fringed by a breathtaking desert landscape, dramatic mountain peaks and a pristine Gulf setting that is hard to resist. A laidback city that absolutely cannot do without its afternoon siestas, Aqaba is a popular tourist destination for several Middle East revelers who hop here to enjoy the getaway’s free-spirited and lax nature. A treasure trove of coral wonders, the retreat is fantastic for underwater sports like snorkeling (in the midst of the region’s rich reefs) and scuba diving. The ports and the beaches are all good-but it’s the chic Ayla Oasis with its artificially created lagoons, luxury hotels, shopping districts and a sprawling golf course that are designed to play to the tourist gallery. A sultry climate and a tranquil vibe accentuate the leisure holiday feel, although Aqaba is now fast shedding its unruffled approach to compete with other furiously emerging Middle East economies.

Read my review of the Cote d’Or at the InterContinental Hotel, which turned out to be a great dining option with its brilliant continental fare that was savored in the backdrop of some nice pop music being rendered by a live violinist.