Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea
jordan, jordan · ★★★★★
The Verdict
Worth it for your honeymoon?
Kempinski Ishtar is the Dead Sea's grande dame, a series of terraced gardens and seven infinity pools cascading toward the lowest beach on earth. Honeymooners float in the hyper-saline water at sunset with views across to the lights of Jerusalem and Bethlehem — an unforgettable geographic backdrop.
- ✓Trust couples-verified reviews
- ✓Prioritise spa & wellness
- ✓Want direct beach access
- →Need a strictly adults-only resort
- →Prefer boutique & intimate properties
Score Breakdown
88/100
At a Glance
Room Recommendation
Which room to book
The Panoramic Suite Ishtar faces the Dead Sea with a private plunge pool and outdoor daybed — unbeatable at dusk when the Judean hills glow pink. For couples wanting the absolute top, the villa-style Issis suites come with butler service and a private garden leading to the beach.
No Surprises
True cost breakdown — 7 nights for two
Based on mid-range rooms, premium-economy flights from Europe, full dining and signature experiences. Adjust for your actual travel profile.
| Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Room (7 nights avg $625/nt) | $4,375 |
| Flights (2 pax, economy/premium) | $1,800 |
| Airport transfers / seaplane | $200 |
| Dining & drinks (beyond room) | $6,563 |
| Excursions & experiences | $700 |
| Spa / signature treatments | $600 |
| Tips & service (8%) | $875 |
| Total estimated | $15,113 |
Book Your Stay
Check availability
We compare Kempinski Hotel across partners and redirect to the cheapest option.
Day by Day
Your 7-night honeymoon itinerary
Descent to the lowest place on earth
Arrive via the 430-metre descent from Amman. Settle into your suite, stroll the cascade of pools to the private beach and watch the sunset float with complimentary champagne as the sea turns pink.
Ishtar Spa ritual day
Spend the morning in the 9,000 square metre Anantara-run Ishtar Spa with couples mud-wrap, hammam scrub and a 90-minute massage. Long lunch at Luigi's Italian restaurant by the pools.
Baptism Site and Mount Nebo
Short drive to Bethany-Beyond-the-Jordan where Jesus was baptised, followed by Mount Nebo for Moses's view of the Holy Land and mosaic-rich Madaba for lunch before returning for a sunset float.
Wadi Mujib adventure
Drive 20 minutes south to Mujib Biosphere Reserve for the Siq Trail — wading upstream through a canyon to a hidden waterfall. Back to the hotel for rest, drinks at Al Nafoura and dinner at Ishtar.
Float day and beach picnic
A slow day of floating, mud application, freshwater pool swims and a beach-side picnic arranged by the kitchen. Evening reflexology treatment and late dinner on the terrace.
Jerash day trip
Two-hour drive north to Jerash's Roman colonnades and back via Amman for late lunch at Sufra before returning to the Dead Sea for a final stargazing session on your private pool deck.
Farewell
Final sunrise float, late breakfast and a slow transfer up to Amman airport or onward south to Petra and Wadi Rum via the scenic King's Highway route.
Honest Assessment
What to know before you book
The Dead Sea is receding about one metre per year, so the walk from the hotel's sea-level terrace down to the waterline is longer each season — request a beach buggy if mobility is a concern.
Summer temperatures can exceed 42C and the humidity around the sea is high, making June to August challenging for honeymoon outings outside the air-conditioned zones and shaded pools.
Dead Sea water is extremely salty and stings any small cut or shaved skin, so plan shaving and waxing for after the float and do not submerge your face or splash water near your eyes.
Pre-Arrival
Email to send the hotel
Subject: Honeymoon booking inquiry — Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea Dear Kempinski Ishtar team, My partner and I are planning our honeymoon and are interested in staying from [DATE] to [DATE] ([X] nights). Could you advise on availability of a Panoramic Suite with plunge pool, honeymoon packages, Ishtar Spa couples mud rituals and a private beach sunset service? Thank you, [Your names]
Send 2 weeks before arrival. Fill in names, dates, and preferences. Hotels respond to personalised requests.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Is this hotel good for honeymooners?
Yes — the private beach, seven pools, Ishtar Spa and plunge-pool suites make it one of the Middle East's most romantic wellness resorts. Book a sea-facing suite and honeymoon package for the full effect.
What is the best time to visit?
March to May and September to November offer comfortable 25-30C days at the Dead Sea. Winter is mild and perfect for floating; summer is punishingly hot but compensated by pools and strong air conditioning.
What should we book in advance?
Reserve a sea-facing Panoramic Suite or Issis villa, a couples mud-wrap at Ishtar Spa, the Wadi Mujib Siq Trail through a guide and sunset champagne float service on the private beach.
Is it adults-only?
No, the resort welcomes families and has a strong kids club, so for maximum honeymoon calm book a suite with a private plunge pool and reserve the adults-preferred upper pools for your day-to-day.
What's the best room type for a honeymoon?
The Panoramic Suite Ishtar with private plunge pool is the honeymoon sweet spot, pairing full Dead Sea view with the privacy of your own terrace. Issis villa suites go a step further with a butler and garden.
How do we get there?
Fly into Queen Alia International Airport (AMM). The Dead Sea is 65 kilometres west, a 55-minute drive down a steep road. The hotel arranges private transfers and Allenby Bridge crossings from Israel as well.
Same Vibe, Different Destination
