Kempinski Hotel Aqaba

Seen from the Red Sea at night, the Kempinski Hotel in Aqaba rises up like a retro monument to 1970s-style modernism. Furthering the effect, a rotating array of neon lights up the concrete, semi-concave shape. Jordan isn’t Nevada, of course, and still less is Aqaba Vegas, but you’ll be forgiven if you see something of a resemblance.

In daylight you’ll see that the sea abuts a beach, which in turn abuts an infinity pool ringed with chaise longues. As the country’s only port, Aqaba works hard, but it’s also becoming the diving, fishing, and all-around seaside resort center for the area. With an eye toward the water it’s easy enough to ignore the tourists, and the Kempinski does its best impression of a secluded oasis. That sea view is easy enough to come by here, whether from your room’s bathtub or balcony or from a table at AM/PM, the enormously fashionable fine-dining restaurant.

Sociable souls will spend time at the hotel’s three bars, including the swim-up one and another that holds a nightly dance party. Aqaba is situated such that you can experience the desert during the day, with hikes in Wadi Rum or tours of Petra, and sleep to the sound of cresting waves at night.