Spa of the Month: Evason Ma'In Hot Springs, Jordan

The therapeutic properties of the Dead Sea have long been recognised, but it’s not the remedial benefits of the famous salty waters that form the focal point for the Evason Ma’in Hot Springs in Jordan. As its name suggests, it is the steaming waters of the Ma’in Spring.

Not far from the dusty alleyways of Amman on the outskirts of Madaba, the ‘City of Mosaics’, at 264 metres below sea level is the Evason Ma’in Hot Springs and Six Senses Spa. It is an oasis of calm off the tourist track, the perfect digestif to the gladiator fights in Jerash and crumbling facades of Petra.

Like all Six Senses resorts, the general décor is simple but stylish with gentle muted tones that blend with their environment, along with some splashes of colour to awaken the senses. The spa itself is at the foot of a natural hot spring waterfall and the sound of the cascading water helps to intensify the sense of retreat. Treatments are inspirationally creative, and its ‘SLOW’ concept harnesses everything local from date stones to goat’s milk, olives and honey. Try the Zeytoun (olive) Massage administered in the shadows of the falling water, the combination of the quenching olive oil and the warming spray will leave you glowing. The list of treatments available is extensive and a session of scrubbing, smoothing and rubbing can be tailored to ease away any aches, pains or ailments you might have.

In between treatments, guests can enjoy the pool, library, DVD selection, gallery and some sensational dining experiences that include a clifftop restaurant on the edge of the Dead Sea. The food can be as healthy or indulgent as you want. Discover some of the unusual wines in the extensive cellar, tantalise your taste buds with the Arabic tapas, and see how many of the poolside bar’s 40 flavours of homemade ice cream you can try. Everything is made using the finest ingredients, most of which are grown in the resorts own organic vegetable and herb garden.

The Evason Ma’in is not just a spa. It offers the perfect base for anyone, including families (there are even some treatments specifically created for teenagers) who want to just explore the area. Trips to the Dead Sea, Petra, Jerash, treks with the resident geologist and tours to Madaba to see its ancient mosaics can all be arranged.

The experience at the Evason Ma'in Springs and Six Senses Spa is as much about feeding the soul through its unbelievable setting as it is about the ‘science’ of enrichment, and it has become a 'must visit' on any trip to Jordan.

Book a stay at the Evason Ma’In with Scott Dunn, starting from £1,270 per person for seven nights, including flights and transfers. Call 020 8682 5000 or visit www.scottdunn.com.