MÖVENPICK Resort and Spa Dead Sea is a luxury spa hotel on the shores of the eponymous Dead Sea. As rich in history as it is in minerals, this salty sea at 420 m below sea level is a haunt for beauty enthusiasts around the world and a great location for a spa.

It has been voted the best spa in the Middle East ‘Spa Retreat, Overseas Category’ for three consecutive years by readers of Condé Nast Traveller magazine. It has been also voted as Jordan’s Best Luxury Resort Spa in the World Luxury Spa Awards 2013.

Zara Spa, part of the Mövenpick property, is one of the most advanced spa complexes in the Middle East, featuring 6,000 sq m dedicated to pampering the senses. The spa features hydro-pools and whirlpools, pools with varying saline concentration, steam rooms, tropical scent showers, 31 treatment rooms, a VIP royal therapy suite and up to 70 treatments and massages. 

“Nowadays, travellers to the Middle East and locals with disposable income tend to be spa educated,” says Michael Simoes, spa operations manager, Zara Spa. “Due to this, treatments must now go a long way from a mere full body Swedish massage.”

The spa industry in the Middle East is slowly moving towards a wellness-based concept, adds Simoes. “In the past year, Zara Spa has tried to bring in wellness treatments such as Tai Chi and has even held group meditation sessions, hence utilising our internal resources to create an atmosphere of wellness.”