Follow the Road Less Travelled to Um Qais with Four Seasons Hotel Amman

Steeped in history, Jordan has hosted some of the world’s oldest civilisations. Home to ancient ruins, lush valleys, and dramatic desert landscapes, the country has a character all of its own and is renowned as a land of wonders. Four Seasons Hotel Amman offers a fresh range of individually tailored excursions that provide exclusive access to the many hidden gems this marvelous destination has to offer.

Connect with Jordan’s Hidden Gems

Most visitors will be familiar with the ancient Nabataean site of Petra or the charms of the Dead Sea. But what of the more elusive experiences, known only to those who venture off the beaten track? Four Seasons works closely with local sustainable service provider Baraka Destinations to connect guests to the best and most authentic experiences around the historical town of Um Qais, which sits in close proximity to the ruins of Gadara and overlooks the Lake of Tiberias and the Yarmouk River gorge. The town is around two hours north from Four Seasons Hotel Amman, and the Hotel team can arrange a comfortable vehicle for the party to enjoy a leisurely trip through the scenic countryside.

Take in Breath-Taking Views of the Mountains and Sea

Located in the hills above the Jordan Valley, Um Qais offers an abundance of hiking, cycling and camping activities. Experience the magic of the great outdoors, complete with amazing views of the Lake of Tiberias, the Golan Heights, and Yarmouk Nature Reserve. Expert local guides Ahmad and Ala’a will accompany guests on a variety of hiking and biking trails, which range from leisurely strolls suitable for beginners to challenging routes aimed at more advanced skill levels. For the ultimate return to nature, Four Seasons can arrange a special camping getaway where guests will spend an unforgettable night under the stars.

Harvest Nature’s Bounty

Cultivate a deeper connection to nature in the search for edible plants on the hills surrounding Um Qais. For seven months of the year, the fertile farmland yields olives, almonds, and many other wild ingredients. These include akkoub, a type of tumble thistle that tastes similar to artichoke, and loof, an indigenous plant with large green leaves and a long history for its medicine and food use in the Middle East. Foraging groups will learn more about the area’s biodiversity with the help of Ahmad, a highly knowledgeable local guide. He will reveal how the act of foraging triggers a greater appreciation of one's surroundings, as guests take the time to slow down, pause, and take a look around. Once satisfied with the haul, guests can put the ingredients they have gathered to good use in a cooking class at Galsoum's Kitchen.

Learn the Art of Cooking Regional Dishes

Dine like a true Um Qaisawi with a cooking  class at Galsoum's Kitchen. Galsoum, also known as Um Sulaiman (or “mother of Sulaiman”) invites Four Seasons guests to join her in the charming and informal surroundings of her home. Here, they will learn how to prepare unique local dishes, rich with the full-bodied flavours that only the freshest ingredients can bring. To fully experience a place and culture, it is important to engage all of the senses. In Um Qais, an afternoon spent cooking and sampling local flavours with Um Sulaiman is a perfect place to start. Northern Jordan has rich soil, and experiences more rain than other parts of the country. These environmental differences have led to the use of some unique ingredients. Guests can discover how to get the best out of these at Galsoum's Kitchen, and pick up some Arabic words along the way. Once home, guests can share their new culinary knowledge with friends and family.

Get a Buzz from Apiculture

Discover the true origin of the expression "busy as a bee" with a trip to a beekeeping site in Um Qais. Here, guests will meet Yousef, the local beekeeper, who will treat everyone to an exclusive peek into the world of a working beehive. Watch as the queen lays eggs, while her workers deliver the pollen and nectar necessary to create the honeycomb. To round off the visit, guests can enjoy the taste of all-natural honey, freshly created in this bustling hive of activity.

Crafting Unique Experiences

The Concierge team at Four Seasons Hotel Amman takes great pride in crafting highly personalised itineraries. Nayef Abu Sharkh, Concierge Manager at the Hotel, says “At Four Seasons, we aim to offer our guests unique opportunities to enjoy authentic local experiences. These excursions provide travellers with a fascinating glimpse into daily life in rural Jordan, and capture the special atmosphere of the Um Qais area, where the community still retains a strong connection to their traditions and heritage. It is extremely rewarding to help prepare a guest’s schedule, listening to their interests and anticipating that they’re going to enjoy a truly memorable experience. Time and again we see guests return with smiling faces, and like all the team at the property, I’m delighted to play a small part in making their stay an unforgettable one.”

Offering a True Taste of Local Character

This passion to showcase and preserve the local way of life is at the heart of Baraka Destinations’ packages, according to Muna Haddad, Founder and Managing Director. “Baraka was created to partner with local communities in lesser-known tourism sites and work with them to develop experiences that introduce their hometown to curious visitors. You’ll find us working in areas that are overlooked by most tourists; we aim to give people the opportunity to get to know these secret places, and connect with the people that call them home. We follow a sustainable tourism model, which leaves minimal impact on the environment and offers maximum benefits for local communities, while exceeding the expectations of today’s discerning and adventurous travellers.”

Contact the concierge team at Four Seasons Hotel Amman today to find out more about the exciting experiences that await in Um Qais. Stay tuned for details of more delightful excursions in nearby Pella, one of the ten historic Decapolis cities that were established during the Hellenistic period.

Renovated Rooms and Suites

Guest are invited to rediscover the best of Jordan with enhanced accommodations. The renovated rooms and suites bring a fresh look and heightened guest experience to one of Amman’s best-loved luxury hospitality addresses.

To make a reservation, call +962 (6) 550-5555 or book online.