The Dead Sea is a salt lake bordered by Jordan to the east and Israel and the West Bank to the west. It lies in the Jordan Rift Valley, and its main tributary is the Jordan River. The lake’s surface is 430.5 metres (1,412 ft) below sea level, making its shores the lowest land-based elevation on Earth.
It is 304 m (997 ft) deep, the deepest hyper-saline lake in the world. With a salinity of 342 g/kg, or 34.2% (in 2011), it is one of the world’s saltiest bodies of water – 9.6 times as salty as the ocean – and has a density of 1.24 kg/litre, which makes swimming similar to floating.This salinity makes for a harsh environment in which plants and animals cannot flourish, hence its name. The Dead Sea’s main, northern basin is 50 kilometres (31 mi) long and 15 kilometres (9 mi) wide at its widest point.[
The Dead Sea has attracted visitors from around the Mediterranean Basin for thousands of years. It was one of the world’s first health resorts. Rainfall is scarcely 100 mm (4 in) per year in the northern part of the Dead Sea and barely 50 mm (2 in) in the southern part.The Dead Sea zone’s aridity is due to the rainshadow effect of the Judaean Mountains. The highlands east of the Dead Sea receive more rainfall than the Dead Sea itself.
The Dead Sea has a hot desert climate, with year-round sunny skies and dry air. It has less than 50 millimetres (2 in) mean annual rainfall and a summer average temperature between 32 and 39 °C (90 and 102 °F). Winter average temperatures range between 20 and 23 °C (68 and 73 °F).
To the west of the Dead Sea, the Judaean mountains rise less steeply and are much lower than the mountains to the east. Along the southwestern side of the lake is a 210 m (700 ft) tall halite mineral formation called Mount Sodom. This natural wonder recreates some of the most spectacular sunsets in the world, rivalling any other major destinations in the world such as the Maldives, the Mauritius or the Caribbean.
The region has weaker ultraviolet radiation, particularly the UVB (erythrogenic rays). Given the higher atmospheric pressure, the air has a slightly higher oxygen content (3.3% in summer to 4.8% in winter) as compared to oxygen concentration at sea level. Barometric pressures at the Dead Sea were measured between 1061 and 1065 hPa and clinically compared with health effects at higher altitude.
The Dead Sea affects temperatures nearby because of the moderating effect a large body of water has on climate. During the winter, sea temperatures tend to be higher than land temperatures, and vice versa during the summer months. This is the result of the water’s mass and specific heat capacity. On average, there are 192 days above 30 °C (86 °F) annually.
The Dead Sea area has become a location for health research and potential treatment for several reasons. The mineral content of the water, the low content of pollens and other allergens in the atmosphere, the reduced ultraviolet component of solar radiation, and the higher atmospheric pressure at this great depth each may have specific health effects. For example, persons experiencing reduced respiratory function from diseases such as cystic fibrosis seem to benefit from the increased atmospheric pressure.
Climato-therapy at the Dead Sea may be a therapy for psoriasis by sunbathing for long periods in the area due to its position below sea level and subsequent result that UV rays are partially blocked by the increased thickness of the atmosphere[citation needed] over the Dead Sea. Rhinosinusitis patients receiving Dead Sea saline nasal irrigation exhibited improved symptom relief compared to standard hypertonic saline spray in one study.
Dead Sea mud pack therapy has been suggested to temporarily relieve pain in patients with osteoarthritis of the knees. According to researchers of the Ben Gurion University of the Negev, treatment with mineral-rich mud compresses can be used to augment conventional medical therapy. Despite the curative effects of the Dead Sea waters and land, this is not necessarily a primary attraction.
Initially built as a low rise complex, a village, with villas that house superb suites of various configuration. The intricate village features superbly manicured gardens, which plants and trees that have reached maturity making it a hidden paradise corner. The resort is built vertically so that from every point of the resort the views of the Dead Sea are breathtaking. Later, to meet demand, a main building was constructed comprising of rooms and suites and several floors.
Kempinski Hotels and their partner (owner / developer) understood very early that it is through a unique complex offering that a luxury resort will stand the test of time. Guest do no necessarily focus on the curative aspects of the Dead Sea. The resort boasts two infinity swimming pools, probably the most stunning in the world, with dazzling views not only at sunset but at any time of the day. There is also a third family type swimming pool in the style of a lagoon, a favourite for children and families with children.
There are no less than 4 restaurants (Lebanese, Italian, Mediterranean and International), two bars and two terraces. Offerings fulfil the most wide array of guests – exquisite cocktails by a specialist mixologist at the Shivo Bar next to one of the infinity pools (with a live DJ in the evenings), live belly dancing at the two terraces (Sumerian & Inanna), while DJ Mila entertains youngsters at the Akkad Pool with original live sets. There is also a ‘centre-point’ for all kids (including ”adult kids), which is the Häagen-Dazs ice-cream station.
At any of the dining venues, the quality and variety of food is flawless and so is service. Although challenging, the property is sourcing ingredients from the best suppliers so that produce is also fresh. Do not expect the most ‘elaborate’ dishes but the ones on the menus are impeccably prepared. At least on one occasion during your stay, do try in-room dining. You will be blown away by the experience.
The 10.000 sqm Resense Spa is not only impressive in size but also in the wide array of treatments, not to mention the exceptionally skilled therapists. Besides body and facial treatments, wellness experts have designed treatment menus which are infused with nutritious and precious local ingredients the surrounding nature has to offer, thus making up a 360 degree experience, equally for body and soul.
Rooms and suites have a deep sense of home, making one feel like truly belonging. The use of local materials, a mix of stones of various brown and red shades adds to the sense of place which is genuine. Predominantly understated, the villas contrast with the superb greenery, from blossoming flowers to palm trees. Indulge in the powerful scent of flowers, especially in the mornings.
Rooms and suites are built at the highest luxury standards – not only with top quality marble and furnishing but also individually controlled AC and sprinklers in all rooms and suites. Beds were heavenly, a place where i found myself almost without realising it. Modern day amenities have not been overlooked, with high speed wi-fi internet, SmartTvs, intricate control of the AC and lighting. Bathrooms are large with a separate free-standing massive marble bathtub and a limestone walk in shower.
It is this unique way of how the resort makes you pause and let go. I found myself, opening less my laptop and paying attention to my mobile devices, instead, there were moments where I would just find myself stare and soak in on the scenery and the views. Amman is very well connected, with many scheduled direct flights from Europe (2 to 3 hour direct flights)
Similarly, service is at such high standards, it almost feels effortless – most probably because it comes from the heart. I learned the majority of staff are Jordanian who have a genetic inclination to welcoming and making feel guests truly pampered. At every encounter with any staff, I have felt that they care and I also felt the kindness in their pursuit of fulfilling the desires of the most discerning guests.
Having had a knee surgery I could not really walk down to the beach to experience the waters of the Dead Sea. A pool attendant approached me, almost as a friend, and said ”You must try the experience. It is really special” I told him I could not really walk that much and showed him my knee. His instant reaction – ”But, please we can bring some sand, mud and water here. And if you want together with my colleagues we shall find a car and then we can carry you to the beach”…
Kempinski Ishtar Dead Sea, Jordan
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