Candlelit evenings
Under desert stars.
Dudley Miles — CC BY-SA 3.0 · jcookfisher — CC BY 2.0 · hikinginjordan — CC BY-SA 3.0 · hikinginjordan — CC BY-SA 3.0 · hikinginjordan — CC BY-SA 3.0
Feynan Ecolodge is a desert lodge on the southwestern edge of Dana Biosphere Reserve, about 215 km south of Amman. It runs almost entirely on renewable energy and is lit by candles after sunset. One of the best known ecolodges in the region, it attracts those seeking quiet, stars and Bedouin life. The Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature built it in 2005 to fund conservation through ecotourism, and EcoHotels has run it since 2009. It aims to create nature-based income for Bedouin communities in the lower reserve. Sources say National Geographic Traveler voted it among the world's top 25 ecolodges. The building has 26 en-suite rooms with earth-toned walls around a courtyard, surrounded by red mountains and a rocky wadi. Solar panels supply the main power, and evenings pass under candlelight and stars. Reserve trails start from here, including the route linking it to Dana village, about six hours on the way down from the village. It is 35 km in a straight line from Petra and 10.5 km from Dana village. You can reach it only on foot or by 4x4, so follow the lodge's directions, and do not follow signs to Dana village unless you plan to hike. Booking is essential, and we could not confirm that day visitors are accepted. Bring warm clothes in winter and a hat in summer, and spring and autumn are kindest.
Under desert stars.
Among red mountains.
Linking lodge and village.
Wadi Feynan, southwest edge of Dana Reserve
Only on foot or by 4x4, so follow the lodge's directions when booking.
It runs mainly on solar power and is lit by candles after sunset.