Dispatch from Jordan: Kempinski Ishtar Dead Sea, the Largest Spa in the Middle East

When we arrived at the Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea, a Saudi Prince and his entourage were taking off in a motorcade of luxury cars. Since we last visited this opulent resort property two years ago, the Kempinski Ishtar opened its expansive Anantara Spa, now the talk of the Middle East. This destination spa attracts its share of VVIPS, sheiks, and princesses, as we witnessed when we toured the facilities with Spa Director Shirley Meerson, the wellness guru who has built spas around the world-- from Canouan Island to Shanghai. It's only fitting that a spa of this size (a whopping 108,000 square feet) should be situated at the Dead Sea, the world's oldest and first natural spa, frequented by historic figures like Cleopatra and King Herod.

We snapped some shots as we soaked up the atmosphere. Facilities in this adults-only playground include 20 treatment rooms facing the Dead Sea, a Moroccan-style hammam (pictured), steam rooms, a private Watsu pool, and various hydro and Dead Sea water pools. We were especially smitten with the outdoor massage tables, where you can get rubbed down while watching the sun set over Jerusalem (also pictured). Almost completed: a large fitness studio where guests can partake in yoga, tai chi, and meditation classes.

The spa treatment menu has a vast selection-- from Dead Sea mud facials to Thai massage. We hear that the Anantara Journeys are especially popular. Guests can indulge in 2-, 3-, or 5-day journeys which combine use of the hydro and leisure facilities with detoxifying massages, healthy snacks, Cleopatra milk baths, scrubs and wraps. Themed-journeys are also available (think detoxifying retreat, slimming experience, anti-cellulite journey).