The Middle East is home to some of the most
spectacular landscapes in the world, from jaw-dropping canyons flushed
with rose bushes in Oman, to deep wadis peppered with palm trees and
thermal waterfalls in Jordan. In Lebanon, civilizations have risen and
fallen among the country’s lush cedar forests, and in Turkey entire
cities have been carved beneath Cappadocia’s otherworldly rock kingdoms.
Take
these mystical landscapes and add a dose of luxe interiors and modern
amenities, and you’ve got an irresistible combination: remote resorts
that marry opulence with rugged, soul-stirring beauty, and rustic
retreats where you can float in infinity-edged pools perched on the
curving rims of canyons, paraglide over the peaceful opal waters of
hidden peninsulas, and soak in jacuzzis warmed by underground lava
fissures. Below, discover 11 far-flung Middle Eastern escapes to
consider for your next rugged adventure.
Lebanon
Mir Amin Palace
Intercontinental Mzaar Mountain Resort and Spa
Jordan
Ma’in Hot Springs Resort & Spa
Ma’in
Hot Springs is arguably one of the best spots in the world to soak. The
resort is situated 866 feet below sea level in Wadi Zerqa, a deep gorge
where thermal waterfalls tumble down sandstone-colored hillsides into
the hotel’s breathtaking hot-springs pool. Located just a stone’s throw
away from the Dead Sea, be sure to head to the Six Senses Spa for
treatments that use local ingredients, such as Dead Sea salt scrubs and
mineral-rich mud wraps.
Oman
Alila Jabal Akhdar
This
boutique property features 78 stone-clad suites on the edge of a craggy
bluff 90 miles southwest of Muscat in the Al Hajar mountains. To make
the most of your stay, split your time between traversing and staring
out at the surrounding canyons and floating in the resort’s cliffside
infinity pool. Thrill seekers shouldn’t miss the chance to climb Alila’s
newly opened via ferrata, the highest protected climbing path in the
Middle East.
Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort
Fun
fact: Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar, the highest five-star resort in the
Middle East, was built around “Diana’s Point,” the infamous cliffside
where the princess sat and read while Prince Charles painted during
their visit to Oman in 1986. In addition to providing a royal history
lesson, this rustic property offers plenty of outdoor adventure,
including cultural hikes that lead guests on excursions through
neighboring ancient villages.
Six Senses Zighy Bay
Set
on the shores of the Musandam Peninsula, Six Senses Zighy Bay does a
great job championing nature as its greatest offering. Each of the 82
Omani-style villas features a private plunge pool with a shady outdoor majalis
(seating area) and outdoor shower. There’s also snorkeling, diving,
trekking, sailing, and paragliding available for those looking to truly
explore the local landscapes, which include soaring fjords and isolated
sandy white beaches.
Turkey
Museum Hotel Cappadocia
With
30 rooms restored from thousand-year-old caves, this architectural
marvel located in Uçhisar, the highest point in Cappadocia, is decked
out with Ottoman-style paintings and regional artifacts dating back to
2,000 BC. For an extra dose of whimsy, sit on the hotel’s terrace during
breakfast to watch as hundreds of colorful hot air balloons fill the
morning sky.
Argos in Cappadocia
Superb
food and entertainment are trademarks of this historic hotel. Stare out
to Cappadocia’s moonscapes on Argo’s terrace while enjoying a bottle of
wine carefully selected from the hotel’s wine cellar (the largest in
Turkey). Music lovers shouldn’t miss the chance to visit the on-site
chapel turned concert hall, where weekly jazz concerts reverberate
throughout the 2,000-year-old chapel ruins. What could be more romantic?
The House Hotel Cappadocia
The
historic location and newly minted feel of The House Hotel are what
make this property so unique. Each of the 45 rooms is carved from
5th-century buildings and is decorated in understated color palettes
that add a dash of contemporary chic to the ancient space. Meanwhile at
the spa, exclusive Lokum Istanbul products (Turkey’s favorite cult
beauty brand) are used in rejuvenating hammam rituals.
Cyprus
Casale Panayiotis
Located
in the beautiful Marathasa Valley overlooking S. John Lampadistis
monastery, this adorable village home has been lovingly refurbished
(think handmade crochet curtains) as an eight-bedroom boutique hotel. To
really live out your Little House on the Cyprus Prairie dreams, be sure
to sign up for one of the hotel’s farm-to-fork excursions, which will
have you picking apples at a nearby orchard that you’ll later
incorporate into a cooking lesson.
Apokryfo Hotel
Apokryfo comes from the Greek word meaning kept secret.
This intimate hideaway located in the sleepy village of Lofou
(seriously, there’s three restaurants and one church in Lofou), has
seven luxury suites guaranteed to charm you with their peacefulness. Up
the romance factor by booking dinner on the hotel’s terrace, where you
can enjoy a candlelit dinner of traditional Cypriot cuisine while gazing
out to the foothills of Mount Olympus.
