The Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts has announced the opening of its first property -  Al Manara, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Saraya Aqaba - in Jordan.

Developed by Eagle Hills Jordan, the 207-room hotel is located in the heart of Aqaba's newest beachside destination, Saraya Aqaba, offering guests a contemporary luxury experience in a setting that merges Jordan's rich heritage and history through traditional architecture, sumptuous décor and magnificent surroundings.

"The Luxury Collection is thrilled to continue its rapid, global expansion with the opening of Al Manara, the brand's first hotel in Jordan," said Anthony Ingham, global brand leader, The Luxury Collection. "As a culturally rich Jordanian port city, the destination is a perfect gateway for discerning travellers to experience this part of the Middle East through the lens of The Luxury Collection. We are always looking for new and uncharted areas of the world to explore and share with our experienced travellers. The opening of Al Manara is yet another example of the brand's commitment to delivering authentic travel experiences to our guests."

The opening of Al Manara Hotel is the second collaboration between Marriott International and Eagle Hills Jordan, following the debut of W Amman earlier this year. An additional two hotel collaborations will follow with the slated opening of The St. Regis Amman and The Westin Saraya Aqaba in the coming months.

Worldly style meets Middle Eastern welcome
The new Al Manara, A Luxury Collection Hotel is inspired by charming Middle Eastern tales and embodies sophisticated luxury and rich heritage. The hotel's architecture features arabesque motifs, invoking the unique and colossal beauty of the country. Samuel Creations/MMac Associates echoed the strong Arabian influence of the architecture when designing the hotel's interiors, in particular, the manor house. 

Each of the 207 rooms at Al Manara, including 43 suites and two villas, feature inviting balconies and floor to ceiling windows with views of the Red Sea and striking mountain ranges. Vibrant soft furnishings showcase local weaving skills reflecting family traditions that have been handed down through generations. Guest rooms, set with dark wood furniture accented with mother-of-pearl, combine local elements such as a brass-topped coffee table and other decorative items, along with plush Luxury Collection beds and relaxing bathrooms with rainforest showers.

Memorable epicurean experiences
The main dining venue Taybeh Al Manara, serves northern Mediterranean cuisine with an international flair, with talented chefs preparing fresh specialties at live cooking stations, alongside an efficient a la carte service.

Kubba Levantin, a casually elegant Middle Eastern restaurant, offers a journey of flavours from the Levant with an emphasis on local fresh produce and spices. The outer terrace overlooking Saraya Aqaba's lagoon is sure to become a favourite spot for hotel residents and discerning Aqabites alike, drawn by highlights such as the charcoal grill and traditional bread oven and special tasting menus with paired beverages. Al Manara's waterfront bar and restaurant Amwaj will serve the freshest seafood from the Red Sea alongside an international fish selection unrivalled in Aqaba, with a special smoked fish menu with cocktail pairings.

Set against the rugged backdrop of an expansive granite mountain range, guests seek out this opulent seaside escape, taking advantage of year-round sunshine over the hotel's private beach and boutique pool. Being the only coastal city in Jordan, Aqaba offers a variety of water sports discoveries such as scuba diving, snorkelling, fishing, parasailing and paragliding.

For those looking to discover destinations around Aqaba, Petra, the world's wonder is one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world. A 90-minute drive from Aqaba, Petra is where great natural, cultural and geological features merge. It holds more than 800 individual monuments, including buildings, tombs, baths, funerary halls, temples, arched gateways, and colonnaded streets, that were mostly carved from the kaleidoscopic sandstone.

Wadi Rum, a maze of monolithic rockscapes rise up from the desert floor to heights of 1,750m creating a natural challenge for serious mountaineers. Hikers can enjoy the tranquillity of the boundless empty spaces and explore the canyons and water holes to discover 4,000-year-old rock drawings and the many other spectacular treasures this vast wilderness holds in store.

Overlooking the picturesque and serene Saraya Aqaba Lagoon, the spa at Al Manara is a hidden sanctuary of discovery and transformation for body, mind and spirit. The spa offers an extensive sensory experience, a diverse range of treatments and a comprehensive array of alluring facilities. Inspired by local traditions and enhanced with the latest techniques, the spa presents the world's finest skincare products by Subtle Energies, Terres d'Afrique and Sodashi.

Opening rates start from $254 per night, plus tax and service. - TradeArabia News Service