Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea
Sweimeh corridor, north
Quick Facts
- Location: Sweimeh corridor, north (60km from Amman) Day Spa Access Spa treatment booking required (price varies) Operating
- Hours: 8 AM to sunset (confirm directly) Main
- Facilities: 9 pools, spa, sauna, steam room, salt pools
- Best For: Spa lovers, wellness seekers, luxury experience
Overview
The Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea is Jordan’s most exclusive Dead Sea resort. Nestled in the lush Sweimeh corridor with sweeping views across the water, this five-star property feels like a sanctuary. You’ll find yourself surrounded by nine outdoor pools, a heated indoor pool, and the stunning Ishtar Spa by Resense. The whole place has this gorgeous Babylonian-inspired aesthetic that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into ancient luxury.
Sitting about 60 kilometers north of Amman, it’s positioned at the northern edge of the Sweimeh resort strip. All rooms and suites come with balconies overlooking the Dead Sea, and the grounds are absolutely beautiful with carved stone and thoughtful landscaping throughout.
What's Included in Spa Access
Here’s the important bit: Kempinski doesn’t sell standard day passes like other resorts. Instead, non-guests access the property through the Ishtar Spa by Resense day spa program, and you need to book a spa treatment to get in. This is a bit different from the other beach resorts, so keep that in mind.
When you book a spa treatment, you gain access to the spa’s hydro-facilities:
- Outdoor pools
- Heated indoor pool
- Whirlpool
- Sauna
- Steam room
- Dead Sea salt pools
- Tepidariums
- Experience showers
- Ladies-only spa area
One thing to know: direct beach access through the day spa program isn’t guaranteed. It depends on hotel occupancy and availability. So if floating in the Dead Sea is your main goal, you might want to check availability before booking.
The Dead Sea Experience
The Ishtar Spa is really where this place shines for day visitors. They offer traditional Thai massage, hammam sessions, and treatments using Dead Sea mud and minerals. The hydro-circuit is fantastic if you’re into wellness: it uses multiple water temperatures to stimulate your circulation. It’s the kind of place where you come to slow down and rejuvenate.
If you’re staying overnight, you get the full resort experience. That means access to all nine outdoor pools, the private beach, restaurants, and bars. The dining spans Lebanese cuisine to international dishes and fresh pasta. There’s also a fitness center with personal trainers if you want to balance your spa time with a workout.
What Visitors Love
People rave about the spa experience and the peaceful atmosphere. The Babylonian-inspired design is genuinely beautiful, and the sheer number of pools gives you variety. The Ishtar Spa staff are genuinely professional and attentive. If you’re into wellness and pampering, this place delivers. The grounds are immaculate, and you really feel like you’re getting premium treatment.
pools 
spa 
sauna 
steam room
Whirlpool
salt pools 
restaurants 
Fitness center 
Location and Surroundings
Kempinski sits at the northern end of the Sweimeh corridor, about 60 kilometers from Amman’s city center, roughly an hour drive. The resort is well-positioned in the most upscale section of the Dead Sea resort strip. Nearby attractions include the King Hussein Bin Talal Convention Centre (which you’ll see from some parts of the resort) and the other Sweimeh resorts like the Marriott and Hilton, both within a few kilometers south. For a deeper Dead Sea experience, the public Amman Beach area is about 8 kilometers south, while the nature reserves of the Jordan Valley are within day trip distance.
What to Know
Remember: no standard day pass means you must book a spa treatment to get in as a day visitor. And beach access through the spa program isn’t automatic. If you’re set on floating in the Dead Sea, ask specifically about beach access when you book. The place does cater more to spa-focused visitors and overnight guests than casual swimmers. If you’re arriving by JETT bus (which terminates at Amman Beach about 8km south), you’ll need a taxi to get here.
Tips for Your Visit
Call ahead before visiting to confirm treatment menus, pricing, and beach availability.
Bring an old swimsuit and dark-colored cover-up (Dead Sea minerals can stain)
Limit floating time to 15 to 20 minutes to avoid over-salting your skin
Wear water shoes if you float (the beach floor can be uneven)
Drink plenty of water throughout your stay
FAQs
Does Kempinski offer standard day passes?
No. Kempinski doesn’t sell standard day passes. Non-guests must book a spa treatment through the Ishtar Spa by Resense to access the property. It’s a different model from other Sweimeh resorts.
Is beach access included if I book a spa treatment?
Not automatically. The Kempinski says beach access depends on hotel occupancy and availability. Confirm this specifically when you book your treatment if floating in the Dead Sea is important to you.
How much does a spa treatment cost?
Pricing varies by treatment. Contact the Ishtar Spa directly at [email protected] or +962 6 500 3535 for current menus and prices.
How many pools does Kempinski have?
Nine outdoor freshwater pools, plus a heated indoor pool and a children’s pool for overnight guests. Add in the spa’s salt pools and hydrotherapy features, and you’ve got plenty of water to explore.
Is Kempinski worth the price for day visitors?
If you’re spa-focused and love wellness experiences, absolutely. The spa is top-tier and the grounds are gorgeous. But if your main goal is cheap Dead Sea access, other Sweimeh resorts like the Marriott, Hilton, or Movenpick offer standard day passes at lower overall costs. For the true spa experience, though, Kempinski is hard to beat.
Final Verdict
Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea is the place to come if you want luxury spa and wellness above all else. The Ishtar Spa by Resense is genuinely world-class, the grounds are stunning, and the service reflects the five-star standard. If you’re willing to book a treatment (and maybe stay overnight to guarantee beach access), you’ll get an unforgettable experience. Just know going in that it’s not the same as a standard day pass resort. It’s a spa destination first, a beach resort second.
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