Wadi Rum is a breathtaking desert in Jordan that offers a luxurious and magical experience for those who visit. Known for its stunning landscapes, towering sandstone mountains, and rich Bedouin heritage, Wadi Rum attracts travelers from all around the world. In recent years, luxury resorts and camps have been established in Wadi Rum, offering visitors the opportunity to indulge in a truly magical experience. These luxury accommodations ensure that guests have a comfortable and opulent stay while immersing themselves in the beauty of the desert. Luxury camps in Wadi Rum provide lavish tented suites with modern amenities, giving guests a taste of nomadic life without sacrificing comfort. The spacious and beautifully decorated tents offer breathtaking views of the desert and surrounding mountains, allowing guests to unwind and appreciate the natural beauty that surrounds them.
Wadi Rum
This magical ecosystem in the Jordanian desert features sweeping red sand dunes and towering sandstone arches.
Published January 17, 2016 • 4 min read Share Tweet EmailLocation: Jordan
Year Designated: 2011
Category: Natural/Cultural
Criteria: (iii)(v)(vii)
Reason for Designation: Jordan’s red-rock wilderness is an extraordinary patch of desert biome. Stone Age petroglyphs and a continuing nomadic presence offer a rare window into humanity’s earliest beginnings.
Wadi Rum (Valley of the Moon) lies in the far south of Jordan, set on a high plateau at the western edge of the Arabian desert. Gargantuan rock formations, rippled sand dunes, and clear night skies create an almost fairy-tale setting across an unpopulated area the size of New York City. This is truly the “reddest” part of Jordan, colored by iron oxide, and by far the most dramatic in terms of landscape.
Visiting Wadi Rum is a voyage through the geological evolution of Earth, and many of these topographical features are older than the Dead Sea Rift that forms the western border of Jordan. Massive mesas pop straight up from the sea of sand, the result of primordial tectonic movement that cleaved the bedrock with almost cubic perfection before raising it high above the desert floor. Blowing sand and winter floods smoothed the valleys and gorges, shaping the sandstone into natural towers and curving arches. Harder, older granite forms the substrate of Wadi Rum and is visible among the base strata of the higher mountains.
The village of Rum sits exactly one mile above sea level, and the surrounding protected area is home to Jordan’s highest point, Jabal Umm ad Dami (6,083 feet) and other popular climbs, like the monolithic ridge of Jabal Ramm (5,689 feet) and the pillared prominence of Jabal Qatar (5,271 feet).
Over 20,000 petroglyphs and 20,000 inscriptions have been documented inside Wadi Rum, tracing human existence back some 12,000 years in this spot. Even today, some nomadic Bedouin make their home here, along one of the migratory courses modern humans took out of Africa, providing a living portrait of our human origins.
The 1962 film Lawrence of Arabia introduced the beauty of Wadi Rum to the rest of the world, attracting a steady wave of tourists and a growing number of film crews. The 2015 film The Martian was filmed here, with Wadi Rum standing in as the red planet. The area is second only to Petra as the main attraction in Jordan. With less than three days of rain a year, Wadi Rum has become the ultimate Middle Eastern destination for hikers, climbers, campers, and nature lovers.
The spacious and beautifully decorated tents offer breathtaking views of the desert and surrounding mountains, allowing guests to unwind and appreciate the natural beauty that surrounds them. Additionally, luxury resorts in Wadi Rum provide a range of activities and services to enhance the magical experience. Guests can embark on guided excursions to explore the desert, whether by camel, 4x4 vehicles, or even hot air balloons.
How to Get There
Wadi Rum is about a four-hour drive south of Amman on the Desert Highway, and one hour north of Aqaba. Buses travel from Amman, Aqaba, and Petra.
These excursions allow visitors to witness the stunning red sand dunes, ancient rock art, and unique rock formations that make Wadi Rum so captivating. For those seeking relaxation and rejuvenation, luxury resorts in Wadi Rum also offer spa facilities, where guests can indulge in therapeutic treatments and massages. These spa experiences allow visitors to unwind and recharge while surrounded by the tranquility of the desert. Furthermore, Wadi Rum is known for its starry nights, providing a breathtaking celestial spectacle. Luxury resorts in the area often provide stargazing experiences, where guests can observe the constellations and learn about the wonders of the night sky from knowledgeable guides. Overall, Wadi Rum offers a luxury and magical experience for those seeking an extraordinary desert getaway. With stunning landscapes, luxurious accommodations, and a range of activities and services, visitors to Wadi Rum can immerse themselves in the beauty of the desert while enjoying the comforts and opulence of a luxury resort or camp. Whether it's exploring the vast desert, indulging in spa treatments, or stargazing under the night sky, Wadi Rum provides a truly unforgettable experience..
Reviews for "Luxury and enchantment in Wadi Rum: Unveiling the secrets of fine rum"
1. Sarah - 2 stars
I was really disappointed with my experience at Wadi rum Luxury Camp. The website boasted about its luxury accommodations and magical atmosphere, but when we arrived, it was far from what was advertised. The tents were dirty and outdated, and the amenities were lacking. The staff seemed disinterested and unhelpful, making our stay even more frustrating. I would not recommend this camp to anyone looking for a luxury experience in Wadi Rum.
2. John - 1 star
I had high expectations for Wadi Rum Luxury Camp, but it fell short in every aspect. The luxury aspect was completely non-existent. The tents were cramped and uncomfortable, the food was subpar, and the overall ambiance was lacking. I expected a magical experience in Wadi Rum, but this camp did not deliver. I would advise against wasting your money on this overrated camp.
3. Emily - 2 stars
Wadi Rum Luxury Camp did not live up to its name. The tents were basic and lacked any luxurious amenities. The food was mediocre, and the staff was not attentive or friendly. It was disappointing to spend a significant amount of money on a supposed luxury experience and receive such lackluster service. I would recommend exploring other options in Wadi Rum rather than staying at this camp.