Settings to savour in Jordan

From Dead Sea resorts and desert retreats to camping in reserves where Bedouin traditions still hold fast, Jordan's wild landscapes and ancient sites offer up stays that catch the eye... and imagination

- Sunny Fitzgerald

WADI RUM QUIET VILLAGE CAMP

Wadi Rum's popularity means that it's increasingly difficult to find the desert silence that many are seeking. Thankfully, this camp is tucked behind a towering mountain, so it's sheltered from wind and noise yet still central enough to be within easy reach of the main trekking paths and climbing sites. Like many stays here, it offers basic Bedouin tents with shared facilities, but some of these also have heaters and en-suite bathrooms. However, if you're keen to sleep out under the stars, that's also possible during summer. There are certainly plenty of ways to make the most of your setting, with 4WD tours, camel rides (try a nighttime trek across desert dunes) and stories around the campfire.

Tents from around £30 per night, including breakfast and dinner; wadirumquietvillage.camp

PEACE RESORT, AL HIMMAH

This newly opened hot-springs property on Jordan's northern border is ideal for intrepid travellers seeking an escape from the well-trodden tourist trail. Situated in a rural community on the Yarmouk River in Al Himmah, the only crowds you're likely to encounter are the occasional herd of goats or a flock of sheep crossing the narrow lanes as you approach. Minimal decor allows the natural beauty of the area to shine, and the indoor and outdoor kitchens on-site make it easy for guests to cook and barbecue whenever they wish, or opt for hearty, homecooked Jordanian fare prepared fresh by a local chef. And as well as birdwatching from the riverside hot springs, the resort can also arrange artisan workshops, tours and hikes with local experts.