Dead Sea Highway - Jordan - page 259

The large, clean, cold-water swimming pool closes around 4pm. A steaming waterfall
downstream makes a striking backdrop for tea on the terrace of the hotel.

Spa Treatments
The exquisite little Six Senses Spa ( 3245500; www.sixsenses.com ; 9am-8pm) of-
fers a range of different treatments and experiences. There are two thermal pools naturally
hovering at 42˚C and a natural sauna cave (65˚C to 70˚C) buried discreetly in the heart of
the wadi. It's a beautiful place to relax with grouse scuttling over the rocks and eagles
wheeling above. In addition, there is a dry sauna and treatment rooms, each with a private
garden. Use of the facilities costs JD38 including towels and green tea. A range of treat-
ments include a one-hour Swedish massage (JD83) and a 90-minute holistic massage
(JD115). If you book in at the spa, the JD15 entry fee to Hammamat Ma'in is waived.

Hiking
It's possible to hike the 8km from the springs through Wadi Zarqa Ma'in to Herodus
Spring on the Dead Sea Highway. The seven-hour, moderate to hard trail involves negoti-
ating deep pools, reed beds and slippery surfaces and is closed after rains. The hike re-
quires a guide (JD130 per person for a minimum of two people), which can be organised
through the resort reception if you book one day ahead. The fee includes the price of
transport to collect you from the end of the trail.
Another small trail leads from the security guard hut, above the main waterfall. It is an
easy hike, taking around 1½ hours. There is no need for a guide but you are requested to
let the resort reception know that you are attempting it. If you prefer a guide to manage
the small steep section it costs JD35 per person for a minimum of two people. For JD65
the price includes breakfast, which is winched across the wadi in a basket to a shaded pic-
nic spot in full view of the main waterfall.

Sleeping & Eating

Evason Ma'In Hot Springs Six Senses Spa $$$
( 3245500; www.sixsenses.com/evason-ma-in ; s/d JD150/170; )
The new management of this excellent resort has magically transformed this hotel into an
elegant, luxurious complex, shaded with mature trees and made characterful with extra-
vagant Arabesque features. There are lots of retreats, either in alcoves of feathery cush-
ions inside or in hidden landscaped arbours in the gardens. Many of the rooms - with
sumptuous bathrooms - share a view of the piping, sulphurous hillsides. Windows onto
the waterfalls from the superb restaurant bring the hot springs to your table. Fine dining

RESORT