Al Manara is a Marriott Bonvoy property from its ‘luxury collection’ range. It’s probably the best Marriott Bonvoy hotel we have stayed at in the Hashemite Kingdom so far. As is always with these places it is the usual five star offerings though probably a little less characterful than the Autograph collections (e.g. the one in Granada that was premised on a nunnery from the 1600s).
This little outfit is about four hours drive from Amman, and perched on the Red Sea with a lagoon that also merges into the sea. The deco was Arabian galore which is always a beauty in my eyes. The property is next to the Inter Continental and within the same strip of road as all the other main hotels eg Movenpick and Kempinski. It has a few restaurants two of which serve Middle Eastern fare- Levantine and Taybeh. There is the main pool facing the lagoon, a lagoon beach and also a small private beach. There is also a mainly cardio equipped gym, a Westin Heavenly Spa which has its own ladies spa pool. We spent two nights and three days here and it did its job well as a weekend respite.
Sharing the aesthetics that pleased our gaze during this trip.
Looking for The Higher Self 
A top-of-the-line place, for sure. Really nice.
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Thanks Neil, it was very lovely, shame it was too short and back to the daily grind now 😂 but of course grateful to have had the chance!
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Beautiful post – and this is how I’d like to see Aqaba. I changed my itinerary during my final couple of days in Jordan so I could drive down to Aqaba because I had a desire to see it – granted, the desire came from the movie Lawrence of Arabia 🙂 I enjoyed the afternoon there, but I would have enjoyed a night there before going to my final spot on the Dead Sea (and the Kempinski Hotel there was beautiful). I wish you a lovely Sunday.
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Yes first time trips to Jordan can be a little chaotic in terms of prioitising what to see and for how long. I think you did great by managing Wadi Rum and Petra (the main must see) and also Dead Sea for the unique aspect of the water being so salty and also the warmer (hopefully) weather in winter. If ever you return I would suggest you head to Tala Bay in Aqaba, the Kempinski there is really nice and set in a sweet compound sureounded by the beach, a harbour and local restaurants and holiday residences. Its so lovely knowing you took this trip- Jordan is still so fresh in my memory hope you will share more updates on your travels here with your stunning photography!
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