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Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea
Dead Sea, Jordan · Kempinski · High Luxury
Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea opened in phases from 2006 to 2007 at 430 metres below sea level, its gardens, lagoons, and cascades modelled on the Hanging Gardens of Babylon. The 10,000-square-metre Resense Spa, with 20 treatment rooms, the Dead Sea's largest hydro-pool, and treatments using local mineral-rich mud, was recognised as Jordan's best hotel spa.
- 345 rooms
- Opened 2006
- Neighborhood: Ishtar
- Rooms from 452 sq ft (42 m²)
- Architect: Inspired by the Hanging Gardens of Babylon
About Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea
- The spa covers 10,000 square metres, making it one of the largest hotel spas in the Middle East; it was named Jordan's best hotel spa in 2018.
- The resort sits at approximately 430 metres below sea level — the lowest point on earth — which affects everything from the air pressure (slightly higher than at sea level) to the concentration of dissolved minerals in the Dead Sea pool fed with actual Dead Sea water.
- The property opened in two phases: the Ishtar Villas in May 2006, followed by the main rooms and suites wing in May 2007, a phased launch unusual for the brand.
- The Hanging Gardens of Babylon — the design inspiration — are one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World whose actual existence remains archaeologically debated, giving the property a reference point that is itself a historical mystery.
- Entry-level rooms start at 452 sq ft (42 m²).
History
Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea is the current Kempinski-branded luxury resort at the Dead Sea in Jordan, with the official site describing it as a 5-star property with 345 rooms and suites. The brand pages emphasize its design inspiration from the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, but they do not provide an official opening year, architect name, or detailed refurbishment timeline. The resort is notable for its large scale, extensive spa facilities, and its setting at the Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth. Official Kempinski materials also highlight the property’s 9 swimming pools and one of the largest spas in the Middle East.
Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea opened in phases from 2006–2007 at 430 metres below sea level, its gardens, lagoons, and cascades modelled on the Hanging Gardens of Babylon.
The setting
The hotel sits at the Dead Sea in Jordan, a location that Kempinski highlights as the lowest point on Earth. The official brand materials frame the setting as a major draw for wellness and leisure, but do not provide a deeper land- or neighborhood-history narrative. 27 km from Memorial Church of Moses. 22 km from "Bethany Beyond the Jordan.
Restaurants and bars
- The Edge Social Lounge — Bar
- Rehan — Restaurant · Lebanese
- Blu — Restaurant · Mediterranean
- Akkad Pool and Grill — Poolside
- Sumerian Bar Lounge — Café
Experiences
- The Ishtar Spa by Resense — Award-winning luxury spa, described as one of the largest spas in the Middle East, with a variety of treatments, facilities and services.
- Dead Sea hydro-pool and spa facilities — Spa has 20 treatment rooms, six outdoor relaxation areas, hydro-facilities, Tepidarium heated lounges, a Dead Sea pool and the largest hydro-pool in the Dead Sea.
- Sumerian Terrace — One of the hotel's five restaurants and bars, listed among its dining venues.
- Blu Mediterranean Flavours — Mediterranean restaurant among the hotel's five restaurants and bars, offering cuisine from Lebanese to Mediterranean.
- Rehan Lebanese Cuisine — Lebanese restaurant among the hotel's five restaurants and bars.
Amenities
- The Ishtar Spa by Resense
- 9 swimming pools
- 20 treatment rooms
- six outdoor relaxation areas
- hydro-facilities
- Tepidarium heated lounges
- Dead Sea pool
- largest hydro-pool in the Dead Sea
- Sauna
- Hot tub
- Fitness center
- Kids' club
- Tennis
Awards
- Jordan's Leading Hotel Suite 2025 (World Travel Awards) (2025)
- Jordan's Leading Resort 2025 (World Travel Awards) (2025)
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