Local Bedouin and daughter making Arabic Coffee

Disconnecting at Jordan’s Feynan Ecolodge

By on March 3, 2018

Disconnecting from the hustle and bustle of everyday life almost seems foreign these days. Why would someone want to say goodbye to modern day conveniences and live momentarily off the grid? This was exactly my experience at the Feynan Ecolodge, hailed as one of the best 25 ecolodges in the world by National Geographic Traveler Magazine. The Feynan Ecolodge is about minimizing environmental footprints, operating in harmony with its habitat and providing guests with extraordinary unique life experiences that will forever be engrained in them for a very long time.

Feynan entrance at night © Feynan EcolodgePhoto by Brian Scannell

Also lauded as ‘Jordan’s great escape’, the 26 room environmentally friendly lodge proved to be a game changer in regards to how I now value time and life. This solar-powered lodge offers the most developed eco-experience in Jordan, producing most of its energy needs from the sun while being lit by candles and stars at night. Furthermore, the revenue generated by the lodge not only helps with conservation efforts and the protection of endangered species around the reserve but also benefits the surrounding local communities as all of the employees working at the lodge live in nearby communities.

Learning the traditions and significance of serving coffee in a local Bedouin tent at the Feynan Ecolodge

As brief as my stay was, this adventure gave me the opportunity to embrace life’s fundamentals. It all started with an interesting ride through the rugged terrain of the South-Western edge of the Dana Biosphere Reserve. As we made our way to the lodge I could see nothing but a vast landscape of endless rose coloured canyons and local herdsmen walking the trails tending to their goats.

Feynan Ecolodge at sunrise © Feynan Ecolodge

After an afternoon of traveling, we finally reached the lodge and were greeted with the warmest of hospitality. The lodging, with its rustic-chic ambiance, gave me the impression of living in a past life. My room was charmingly adorned with candles, a suspended bed decorated with beautiful lace mosquito netting, a private ensuite and an impressive view of the canyons.

Feynan Ecolodge deluxe family room © Feynan Ecolodge Photo by Bashar Alaeddin

Once settled in, we enjoyed a tasty lunch followed by a guided sunset hike. The food offerings at Feynan are nothing short of delicious. Even though there are plenty of goats nearby, the eco-lodge, in line with its conservationist philosophy, only serves vegetarian meals. During the beautiful hike, I was mesmerized by the most colourful of sunsets while enjoying a local tea brewed over an open fire all the while listening to one of the lodge’s very knowledgeable and friendly guides talk about Bedouin traditions and culture.

Beautiful sunset during the sunset hike at the Feynan Ecolodge

The lodge offers a plethora of activities for their guests. Everything from hikes to historic copper mines, archaeological treasures and lush canyons to spending a day with a local Bedouin shepherd. One particularly fascinating activity is a local Bedouin community cross-cultural exchange where guests learn about Bedouin traditions including coffee making, goat-hair tent making, Kohl (i.e. eyeliner) and the preparation of traditional Arabic dishes with local chefs. I participated in a version of a cultural exchange in which Jordan’s reputation of warm hospitality was exemplified as I was invited to a local Bedouin home to witness rituals of historical richness. Sitting in the goat-haired tent being offered coffee and learning of its significance with the Bedouin culture was not only very humbling but spiritually gratifying. I learned that the act of serving coffee amongst Bedouins is integral and bears much significance regarding communication, tribal negotiations and respect for the Bedouin culture.

A local Bedouin woman making bread outside her tent at the Feynan Ecolodge

And if that wasn’t enough for me to be in awe, we were presented with some of the best stargazing in Jordan. In order to ensure guests have the best views, you are taken up to the lodge’s rooftop where mattresses are laid out so that you can lie down and get lost in the wonderment of the Jordan night sky. It’s all in the details!

Feynan Ecolodge outdoor dining area © Feynan Ecolodge Photo by Bashar Alaeddin

If your modern technology is an integral part of your everyday life, yet you’d like to experience a life where one is in touch with nature as well as their mind and soul, I invite you to disconnect at the Feynan Ecolodge. In fact, guests visit the lodge from all over the world to experience adventure, romance, tranquility, history, and nature.

For more information about the Feynan Ecolodge, please visit The Jordan Tourism Board (www.myjordanjourney.com) as it provides travelers with an abundance of information regarding Jordan’s captivating culture and exceptional experiences.

**This article was first published in the lifestyle magazine Modern Mississauga and was given permission to post on the author’s site.

Those who know me know I'm weak for tasty popcorn and @fromfarmtotablecanada
 spoiled me with theirs!! 🍿 😋

Proudly Ontario-made and woman-owned, From Farm to Table Canada has debuted their limited-edition CNE Kettle Corn in collaboration with the Canadian National Exhibition @letsgototheex for the 2024 season.Their beautiful package illustrations captures the fun that we have, when at the CNE 🎢.

It's the perfect blend of sweet and salty - my favourite!! 😍

They are available in two sizes: Family Bag and Grab & Go. Sold online as well as in retail chains and many independent stores.

This must-have snack for the summer is available until Labour Day. 

Get yours today and enjoy!!🍿🍿
A couple of evenings ago, I had the pleasure and honour of being invited by my alma mater, @lecordonbleuottawa to witness Chef @antonyannick70 be awarded France's L'Ordre du mérite agricole, the highest civilian honour from the embassy @franceaucanada 😃

This distinction recognizes the contributions of Chef Yannick to promote French culture in Canada and Ottawa specifically - through his work as a chef and instructor at Le Cordon Bleu Institute in Ottawa. 

Special moments of the evening included Ambassador of France to Canada, Michel Miraillet sharing with guests the numerous accomplishments that Chef Yannick Anton has accomplished over the years. Simply remarkable!!👏👏
A very touching and inspiring moment came when Chef Yannick Anton gave praise and gratitude to his mentors, who helped him attain his dream in the culinary industry. He also reminded the graduating class of chefs to always have a vision and to never let it go.👨‍🍳👩🏼‍🍳😍

And it wouldn't be a celebration without some tasty treats that exude French flare! They even had chocolate graduation hats - very cute and apropo 🎓🎓

Bravo Chef!!😊
Muy Caliente!!🔥🔥🌞🌞

With the insanely hot weather, nothing is more refreshing than this tasty Brazilian lemonade with some @bacardi Gold
Rum for the win!!🤩😋

And let me tell you, a pitcher was made...as it's THAT delicious!!

At this rate, I will finally start to enjoy the summer heat...providing I have my 'special' lemonade!😉

Cheers!

#foodblogger #travelblogger #cocktails #cocktailporn #brazilianlemonade #braziliandrink #summerdrinks #bacardi #rum #summerheat #summerheatwave #lemonadeforadults #thefoodteasedrinks #ifwtwa1 #tmac #enjoylife #enjoythemoment
After a long day, a rich and tasty avocado, egg and bacon salad was the way to go!!🥑🥚🥓😍😋

And the pièce de résistance, triple-cream Brie with @artisinbakery baguette - the perfect match for such a meal. 

At this rate, indulgence should be my nickname 😉

#foodblogger #foodporn #travelblogger #foodphotography #indulgence #longday #avocado #triplecream #baguette #frenchcuisine #enjoylife #luxelife #thefoodteaseeats #thefoodtease #ifwtwa1 #fwt #tmac
Sophistication, opulent decor, and beautiful luxury desserts - this is @delyseesottawa 🍰🍮
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Read The Food Tease column in the Spring/Summer issue of @luxeottawamagazine on how Delysees's Creative Director, Fred Naggar, successfully left awe-inspiring footprints in the fashion world to embark on a new adventure with his wife - the world of high-end desserts.😋🍰😍
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Sweets for the sweets... Enjoy!
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Happy Easter, everyone!!🐣 🐰
Enjoying my family's Easter tradition of our colourful egg fight...I didn't win, but there's always next year 😉
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Friday night, I had the privilege of attending the 2024 Canadian Culinary Championships - Mystery Wine Challenge - People's Choice Award🥇🥇@greatkitchenparty
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Congratulations to all the chefs involved in this intense competition. The chefs needed to create a dish to pair with the mystery wine. Each chef was given a tricky budget of $550 for the 250 guests. I was witnessing creativity at its best!!😋
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The winning dish🥇 (centered in the middle of the photo) was created by JP Dublado: Red Deer Resort and Casino, Red Deer AB
Dish: beet & soy cured albacore tuna - ponzu gel - tomato water - puffed wild rice - beet green oil
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Amazing talent from all the chefs as they paired with the mystery wine (a 2021 Lailey Vineyard Zweigelt)🍷🍷
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#foodblogger ##foodgram #foodcompetition #travelblogger #CCC2024 #greatkitchenparty #peopleschoice #peopleschoiceawards #underpressure #foodandwine #underbudget #onbudget #culinarycompetition #thefoodteasedrinks #thefoodteaseeats #ifwtwa1 #tmac
Planning for your BIG wedding day💍 and looking for something different than the traditional bachelorette party? 🎉🎉
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Then you need to read my solo Montreal getaway article featured in the latest issue of @ottawawedding magazine.
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Special thanks to @montreal for the beautiful experiences.
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Amongst the amazing activities:
● High Tea at the Ritz-Carlton 🍾🥂
● Pampering at the Scandinave Spa 💆🏼‍♀️and at Le Germain Hotel 
● Visiting the beautiful light show at the Botanical Gardens ⚘️✨️
● Culinary experiences at the Foxy restaurant and discovering local restaurants during a food tour😋😋
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Solo getaway or with a friend or two, any reason to visit and experience Montréal is a good one!! 😍🤗
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With its countless cultural activities and experiences, one can easily enjoy this beautiful city! And let's not forget their food scene... that alone is reason enough to visit!!😍😋
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I think it's time for you to discover, and for some, REDISCOVER Montreal! 🤩🤩
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