Feynan Eco Lodge: A Chic Retreat In The Jordanian Desert
Before or after a trek to UNESCO’s Petra, slip in to Feynan’s Eco Lodge, another one of Jordan’s many Arabian gems, set in the heart of Wadi Feynan.
If the dusty rugged ride in a bumpy off road vehicle to the 26-room rustic chic eco lodge doesn’t slow the urban pace, the sunset walk through the pristine quiet canyons capped off with herbaceous sage tea, served over an open fire by local Bedouins is sure to beckon a new rhythm, soothe your soul and immediately fill you with that otherworldly feeling.
The level of integrity at this arabesque lodge set on the western edge of the Dana biosphere reserve, a 300 km of land and Jordan’s largest reserve, is unprecedented.
Designed by renowned architect Ammar Khammash and developed by the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (RSCN), Feynan’s recycling, composting and solar powered panels are but a few of the initiatives that have been put in to place to create an idyllic space with as little impact to the surrounding serene environment as possible. Electricity is not an option at this property. So keep those iPads, pods and all your super savvy smartphones buried deep down in that duffle.
Now one doesn’t have to be eco-savvy or even aware to simply enjoy the seductive immersion in to this soul-sating place lit on the inside solely by a stream of goatskin covered candles and outside by an endless blanket of shooting stars. Aside from the vibrant stars there isn’t another light in site. It’s one of nature’s greatest cinemas.
Make a night of it or carve out a few adventurous days at this completely solar powered property, fully staffed by nearby local Bedouins. In the evening enjoy an organic dinner on the outside terrace with the candlelit hill before you. The staff perfectly places a sea of candlelit bags throughout the hills to create the look of a quintessentially twinkly city in the desert, a very evocative image.
Opt for a sweet sleep in your cavernous candlelit room or in the open breezy Jordanian air on the lodge’s expansive rooftop, which can be arranged by the attentive staff. Sweet dreaming is a guarantee with a blanket of stars and that soul sating silence.
Be sure to take advantage of the Dana biosphere reserves elevations that range anywhere from 1500 m to near sea level in the dunes of Wadi Araba. The local Bedouins employed by Feynan can accompany you by day for long or leisurely hikes, extensive and more challenging multi-day treks and or rigorous mountain biking tours.
If looking for a slightly slower and less rugged pace, perhaps a cross cultural exchange within their community will do. Partake in traditional coffee making, goat hair tent making, bread making, herding sheep with a local shepherd or bread making with a family.
National Geographic, Travel & Leisure, The Guardian and several other prominent media peeps have awarded Feynan for their many eco initiatives. We award them for their rustic chic elegance.
Feynan’s Managing Director and consummate host Nabil Tarazi left a high tech company and the fast lane of London to take over this idyllic property. Who knows what you will leave behind once you experience this desert oasis?
Regardless, you are sure to leave Nabil and the Bedouin crew clicking those dusty desert heels saying, There is no place like Feynan. There is no place like Feynan.
