While technically at the Dead Sea (55 minutes from Amman city center), the Kempinski Ishtar is the ultimate Amman-area luxury escape, with its magnificent tiered pools flowing toward the lowest point on Earth, extensive private beach, and world-class spa treatments using Dead Sea minerals.
Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea is the flagship luxury resort on Jordan's Dead Sea shore, set along the Dead Sea Highway at Sowayma, approximately 55 kilometres southwest of Amman city center — a 45-minute drive on the descent into the Jordan Rift Valley. Despite its address outside Amman proper, the Ishtar is widely treated as the definitive Amman-area resort escape, and most visitors organize their stay as a combination with time in the capital.
The hotel's design concept draws inspiration from the ancient Ishtar Gate of Babylon, with tiered landscaping, reflecting pools, and bold ochre and terracotta stonework descending from the main building toward the Dead Sea shore. The property spans extensive grounds containing nine swimming pools arranged as a terraced cascade toward a 275-metre private beachfront. Pool villas and 345 rooms and suites are distributed across the resort footprint; villa guests enjoy private plunge pools and direct garden access.
The Dead Sea location gives the resort its defining natural feature: the hypersaline water at the lowest point on Earth (approximately 430 metres below sea level) provides extraordinary natural buoyancy and the mineral-rich environment for which the region is globally renowned. The Kempinski Ishtar Spa uses Dead Sea black mud, mineral salts, and regional botanical extracts across an extensive treatment menu that includes signature four-hand massages, thalassotherapy circuits, and the full Kempinski range of facial programs.
Dining across the resort spans Al Saraya (Lebanese and regional Arabic cuisine with oud music evenings), Bahr (beachfront casual dining), and an all-day dining restaurant serving a broad international buffet. A dedicated beach bar operates through the warmer months.
The resort suits families with a dedicated children's pool and supervised activity program. Tennis courts, water sports on the Dead Sea, and horse riding are offered through the activities desk, and the resort's events team manages corporate retreats and destination weddings.
Amenities
- multiple pools
- private beach
- Dead Sea spa
- multiple restaurants
- bar
- tennis
- water sports
Location
Dead Sea Road, Sowayma, Jordan
31.7207, 35.5793 View on map
Highlights
- Nine swimming pools in a tiered cascade to a 275-metre Dead Sea private beachfront
- Kempinski Ishtar Spa with Dead Sea mineral mud wraps and thalassotherapy circuit
- Natural Dead Sea floating experience at the world's lowest elevation (approx. 430m below sea level)
- Pool villas with private plunge pools and direct garden access
- Al Saraya restaurant serving Lebanese cuisine with live oud music evenings
Tips for visiting
- Rinse in fresh water immediately after leaving the Dead Sea — the high salinity is harsh on eyes and irritates any open skin
- Morning is the best time to float in the Dead Sea before wind picks up and salinity crystallizes on surfaces by midday
- The drive from Amman descends dramatically from 770m elevation to 430m below sea level — reserve at least an hour for the trip including the scenic descent
- Dead Sea black mud is available freely on the beach shoreline; the spa's premium treatments use higher-grade processed minerals
- Book Al Saraya restaurant on the evening of arrival — oud music evenings fill quickly, especially Thursday through Saturday
Accessibility
Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea provides accessible pathways throughout the resort grounds and pool areas, with ramp access to the main beach boardwalk. Mobility-accessible rooms and villas with roll-in showers are available on request. The gentle grade of the beach approach accommodates guests using mobility aids, though direct entry into the Dead Sea may require assistance for guests with limited mobility.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
How far is the Kempinski Ishtar from Amman city center?
The resort is approximately 55 kilometres from central Amman, a drive of 45 to 60 minutes via the Dead Sea Highway. The route descends through dramatic Rift Valley scenery from Amman's highlands to the lowest point on Earth. Private transfers can be arranged through the hotel.
Is it safe to float in the Dead Sea at the resort's beach?
Yes. The Kempinski Ishtar has a supervised private beach with lifeguards present during all beach-open hours. Fresh water showers are positioned at the waterline for post-float rinsing. The beach team can brief first-time Dead Sea visitors on safe entry and exit technique.
What spa treatments use Dead Sea ingredients?
The Kempinski Ishtar Spa offers an extensive menu built on Dead Sea black mud, mineral salt scrubs, and brine immersion therapies. Signature treatments include the Dead Sea mineral wrap, the four-hand massage, and a full thalassotherapy circuit. Advance booking is strongly recommended for peak dates.
Can the resort accommodate families with young children?
Yes, the resort is designed with families in mind. There are dedicated children's pools, a supervised kids' club with activity programming, children's menus at all restaurants, and cot availability on request. The private beach is calm with no breaking waves due to the enclosed nature of the Dead Sea.