A charming resort complex set within a restored traditional Jordanian village, featuring stone-built accommodation around a central garden. Hayat Zaman blends Petra's Nabataean heritage with modern comfort, offering a pool, spa, traditional Jordanian dining, and organised cultural experiences for guests.
Hayat Zaman Hotel & Resort is a luxury property set in the hills above Wadi Musa in Ma'an Governorate, designed to evoke a late nineteenth-century Jordanian village. The resort complex comprises a collection of stone-built structures arranged around landscaped courtyards and terraced gardens, creating an atmosphere that distinguishes it from the larger resort hotels of the Petra region. The property's name translates from Arabic as 'Life of the Past,' reflecting its architectural and cultural philosophy of living heritage tourism.
The accommodation is distributed across a series of interconnected limestone buildings constructed from local stone, with interiors finished in traditional Jordanian textiles, carved woodwork, hand-painted tiles, and arched doorways. Room types include Superior and Deluxe rooms, suites with separate sitting areas, and family-plan options with interconnecting layouts. All rooms feature air conditioning, flat-screen television, minibar, and complimentary Wi-Fi.
Dining at Hayat Zaman centres on the village-style restaurant offering authentic Jordanian cuisine — including mansaf (the national dish of slow-braised lamb over rice and yoghurt sauce), mezze spreads, and freshly baked flatbreads from a traditional oven. Breakfast is a buffet of local specialities alongside continental options. A lounge area serves coffee, tea, and light refreshments throughout the day.
The outdoor swimming pool is a large free-form design set within the terraced gardens, accompanied by a sun deck and shaded seating areas. The spa offers hammam sessions, traditional massage, and beauty treatments. A dedicated cultural programming team organises pottery workshops, Arabic calligraphy sessions, traditional music evenings, and guided tours to Little Petra and the surrounding hills. The resort is particularly well regarded by families, who value the combination of cultural depth, spacious grounds, and child-friendly facilities.
A tour desk provides comprehensive assistance with Petra entrance tickets, licensed Jordanian guides, day trips to Wadi Rum, and four-wheel-drive excursions to Wadi Araba and the Dana Biosphere Reserve.
Amenities
- pool
- spa
- wifi
- restaurant
- gardens
- cultural experiences
- children's area
Location
Wadi Musa, Ma'an Governorate
30.3360, 35.4790 View on map
Highlights
- Authentic late-nineteenth-century Jordanian village architecture built in local limestone
- Cultural programming including pottery, Arabic calligraphy, and traditional music evenings
- Large free-form outdoor pool in landscaped terraced gardens
- Traditional Jordanian dining including mansaf and freshly baked flatbreads from a clay oven
- Spacious family-friendly rooms in a quiet hillside setting above Wadi Musa
Tips for visiting
- Book a cultural experience package in advance — the pottery and calligraphy workshops have limited places
- Order the traditional Jordanian dinner rather than the buffet option for the most authentic experience
- Request a room on the upper terrace level for the best views over the surrounding hills
- The resort is a short drive from the Petra visitor centre — taxis are readily available from the entrance
- Evenings can be cool at this elevation, particularly from October to March; bring a warm layer
Accessibility
The property is built on a hillside with terraced levels connected by staircases and some ramps; full step-free access throughout the resort is limited. Visitors with mobility requirements should contact the hotel in advance to confirm room location and access routes. The ground-floor restaurant and reception areas are accessible without stairs.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
How far is Hayat Zaman from the Petra entrance?
The resort is located in upper Wadi Musa, approximately two kilometres from the Petra visitor centre. Taxis are readily available and the tour desk can arrange hotel transfers.
What cultural activities does the resort offer?
The resort organises pottery workshops, Arabic calligraphy sessions, traditional Jordanian music evenings, and guided heritage walks in the surrounding hillside villages.
Is the resort suitable for families?
Yes, Hayat Zaman is considered one of the most family-friendly properties near Petra, with interconnecting rooms, a children's menu, spacious garden areas, and age-appropriate cultural activities.
Is traditional Jordanian food available at the resort?
Yes, the main restaurant serves authentic Jordanian cuisine including mansaf, mezze, and freshly baked flatbreads prepared in a traditional clay oven.
Does the resort have a spa?
Yes, the spa facility offers hammam treatments, traditional massage, and beauty services.