Umm Qais, Jordan Selected as One of the World's “Best Tourism Villages” in 2022 by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation

Four Seasons Hotel Amman invites guests to discover the real Jordanian life outside the ruins of Petra or the desert of Wadi Rum. The Hotel offers two exclusive and authentic experiences around the marvellous historical town of Umm Qais, located in the North of Jordan, and owned, managed and run by the local communities in that Jordanian village.

In 2022, Umm Qais was selected as one of the world's “Best Tourism Villages” by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). Jordan, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Morocco were the only countries in the region to earn spots on the list.

The UNWTO announced the “Best Tourism Villages 2022,” where 32 villages were selected from 18 countries across the world. The Best Tourism Villages project aims to promote and enhance the role of tourism in safeguarding rural villages, along with their landscapes, natural and cultural diversity, knowledge systems, and local values and activities, including gastronomy.

With picturesque views of the Jordan Valley, Umm Qais is nestled on a hilltop and sits in close proximity to the ruins of ancient Gadara and overlooks the Lake of Tiberias and the Yarmouk River gorge. It 68 miles away from Amman, which takes about two hours by car. Guests can choose from two exclusive experiences.

• With the Active Experience, guests can enjoy cycling or hiking for 3 to 4 hours along the Mediterranean terrain across olive groves and wheat fields with a backdrop of Lake Tiberias and the Golan Heights, a glorious farm-to-table, home-cooked meal at a local home, and a beekeeping experience to learn about the world of bees. The day ends with a tour to the archaeological site followed by a sundowner in the wild. This experience is recommended for adults and children 6 years and above, and can accommodate up to 10 guests.
• The Connections Experience offers guests an exclusive invitation into the homes of the powerful women of Umm Qais to learn their way of life, pick up new skills making local crafts such as basket weaving, hadab making, stone masonry and seed bombs making, in addition to preparing a meal together that has been foraged from the mountain range in the site. The day ends with a sunset site tour and a mini picnic in the wild. This experience is recommended for adults and children 6 years and above, and can accommodate up to 10 guests.

Contact the concierge team at Four Seasons Hotel Amman today to find out more about the exciting experiences that await in the North of Jordan—specially Pella and Umm Qais.

To make a reservation and enjoy a one-of-a-kind journey in Jordan, click here or call +962 (6) 550-5555.