Sunrise Camel Trek in the Wadi Rum Desert

Jordan’s Riches

By on May 13, 2018

Who would have thought I would be wandering on the same grains of sand as past kings that once ruled over an Arabian oasis. There I was, on camelback, slowly passing majestic canyons in the Jordan desert all the while making my way towards an epic sunrise. A tapestry of jewel gold, fall-like orange, and vibrant red adorned the morning sky. Seeing such splendour was purely breathtaking. And to say, this is just a glimpse into my ‘Arabian Journey’!

Waking up early to enjoy the sunrise by camel trek was a true bucket list item!! Sunrise in the Wadi Rum desert.

Bordered by Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Syria, and Israel, Jordan is considered one of the safest countries to visit in the Middle East; thus, it is becoming more and more of a tourist hotspot. As I observed, Jordan’s many regions cater to all personalities…from the quintessential historian to the adrenaline thrill seeker to my favourite, the lover of all things decadent and luxurious.

One of the regions is the spectacular UNESCO World Heritage site of Petra; also known as the jewel of the Middle East. Although the carved rose-red rock city was built by the Nabataeans more than 2000 years ago, time has been kind to her.

Petra’s Treasury in all its glory!

Familiar to most is the celebrated sandstone temple the “Treasury”. Naturally, one cannot forgo a visit to such an iconic architectural masterpiece. So, as I walked through the rose-red valley bounded by towering sandstone walls towards the narrow cleft where the Treasury lies, I was passed by horse-drawn carriages and soldiers dressed in armoured gear. And then there it was in all its majestic beauty; and to think, this was all created by human ingenuity in a valley of rocks. The history and timeless allure it possesses is unmistakeably irrefutable. And, for a truly unique experience, immerse yourself in the magic of the Treasury at night. As you sit in the glow of a thousand candles while sipping Arabic tea, you are seduced by the sounds of live traditional music.

Seeing Petra’s Treasury at night was not only magical but also a once in a lifetime experience.

Another of Petra’s awe-inspiring monuments is the “Monastery”. This hidden gem sits way up in the hills which makes it the most challenging to reach. Not one to be easily discouraged, the adventurer in me set out on an exhilarating donkey ride up the mountain. With adrenaline coursing through my veins, I couldn’t stop looking down the steep slope as my four-legged escort and I ascended to the largest of Petra’s temples. The Monastery, with its immense stone-carved façade, clearly doesn’t disappoint. Yet, the site’s best feature could very well be the spectacular views of the Petra valley. Enthralled by its magnificent grandeur, I gained a true appreciation for Petra’s historical significance.

The heart-pounding donkey trek to see the Monastery way up in Petra’s mountains was an adventure and the results were phenomenal.

Jordan’s largest desert landscape, Wadi Rum, also known as The Valley of the Moon, is a popular region for all things adventurous. There is a host of activities to be enjoyed in this sandstone wilderness, from simple thrills like rock climbing and camel trekking to the more sophisticated escapades of glamping in a desert retreat. In Wadi Rum, not only did I have the opportunity to show my audacious side by jumping on the back of a 4X4 truck to traverse the hot desert sand dunes, I also had the pleasure of allowing my desert princess persona to shine in a lavish Bedouin-style tent at the Rahayeb Desert Camp.

Luxury ‘glamping’ at the Rahayeb Desert Camp in Wadi Rum made me feel like an Arabian princess. Photo credit: Rahayeb Desert Camp

The ‘Mini Deluxe Suite’ I was allotted was well equipped with all of the modern amenities complete with a private
en-suite. I felt like royalty as I casually relaxed in a desert oasis surrounded by reddish canyons and sandy mountains without ever having to lift a finger for anything. As a fervent food enthusiast, I was salivating at the site of Wadi Rum’s Zarb, which is a traditional meal consisting of lamb, chicken, and vegetables cooked over charcoal stones placed several feet underground. After such a delightful meal, I sat around the campfire mesmerized by the intensity of the thousands of stars illuminating the dark canvas. I felt as though I was witnessing an exceptional work of art.

Experiencing authentic local Bedouin cuisine: Wadi Rum’s Zarb, a traditional meal consisting of lamb, chicken, and vegetables cooked over charcoal stones placed several feet underground.

The next day, dressed for the cool morning air, I rode off into the desert with my camel and its herder to catch a glimpse of the Arabian sunrise. As the sun rose above the horizon, I recognized that this was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Riding back to camp, I noticed our tracks in the sand and I couldn’t help but reflect on this lands rich history of which I was a part of for a brief moment.

Picture perfect camel trek to catch the rising sunrise in the Wadi Rum desert.

Aqaba, a short 45-minute ride from Wadi Rum, is Jordan’s Red Sea resort town. Known for its abundant marine life, Aqaba is a snorkeling and scuba diving wonderland. While snorkeling, I was amazed by the sheer beauty of the Red Sea’s untouched coral reefs and its pristine waters. Another way to appreciate Aqaba, is to partake in a yacht luncheon where one can savour some local barbecued fish and marvel at the view of the pink mountains.

Enjoying a yacht luncheon in Aqaba where I had the pleasure of snorkeling in the Red Sea to see their colorful coral reef.

It was only fitting that during my Arabian Journey, I stayed at the exquisite and opulent Kempinski Hotel Aqaba Red Sea. Being the only luxury hotel to offer European services and full views of the Red Sea in every room, the Kempinski Hotel and its personalized services ensure that your stay in Aqaba is nothing short of memorable. There’s something to be said about basking in the glow of the sun poolside while sipping swanky cocktails and taking in the full sight of the Red Sea.

The view and endless pampering services that the Kempinski Hotel Aqaba Red Sea provides is something that every traveler wishes to experience. Photo credit: Kempinski Hotel Aqaba Red Sea

It would almost be sinful to travel around Jordan and not visit the infamous Dead Sea. To add to my already splendid Arabian Journey, I stayed at the posh Dead Sea Marriott Resort & Spa. Everything from the deluxe accommodations, first-class hospitality, and outstanding cuisine to their premier wellness spa validates its outstanding reputation. To rightly experience the beneficial properties of the Dead Sea, you must first relax your body and mind by floating in its hypersaline waters. Then, generously coat your whole body in its mineral-rich black mud and surrender yourself to the healing powers of the world’s largest natural spa. And, bid farewell to all of your stresses.

Being so close to the Dead Sea where you enjoy the magical powers of its mud and its top-notch hospitality & services, the Dead Sea Marriott Resort & Spa is a true example of a high-class hotel.

With a blend of traditional experiences and sophisticated modern luxuries, Jordan pampered me with its exotic culture and mysterious beauty. My Arabian Journey was nothing short of fabulous!

How to get there
Royal Jordanian Airlines offers non-stop flights to Amman, Jordan from several Canadian cities. For more information about Jordan and its experiences, visit www.myjordanjourney.com.

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

"Cook with love always, and people will feel it" - Chef @antonyannick70

It was a pleasure and honour to witness Chef Yannick Anton from @lecordonbleuottawa receive the Chevalier de L'Ordre du Mérite Agricole. 

This award, bestowed by the French Ministry of Agriculture, recognizes his contribution to promoting French culture in Ottawa and across Canada through his work as a chef and culinary instructor. 
🇨🇵 🇨🇦🧑‍🍳

Read about his extraordinary career in my article published in the Fall issue of @luxeottawamagazine 

A lifelong passion for his craft - Congratulations again, Chef!!🏅🤩

#travelblogger #foodblogger #travelwriter #foodwriter #chef #cheflife #chevalier #meriteagricole #prestigious #accolades #frenchculture #promoting #published #luxelife #tmac #tmacontario #ifwtwa1 #frenchchef
The @brookstreetott hotel is a dreamy setting for couples embarking on their marital journey, especially with their all-in-one location. 🤩🤩

Discover their exclusive curated services in my recently published article featured in the Fall/Winter issue of the @ottawawedding magazine.

● Premiere wedding venue 💍✅️
● 18-hole championship golf course ⛳️✅️
● Exceptional cuisine 🍽 ✅️

Make your next stay a memorable one with the Brookstreet Hotel! 

#foodblogger #travelblogger #traveldestination #weddingvenue #ottawa #championshipgolfcourse #golfcourse #curated #awardwinning #getaway #ottawawedding #ottawaweddings #travelwriter #ottawaweddingmagazine #published #lovemyjob #ifwtwa1 #tmactravel #tmac #tmacontario
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

Follow Us On Instagram