Wander Women Jordan:
Aqaba Extension
Aqaba + Red Sea
May 30-June 2, 2024
Join us for a four day retreat extension in the Jordanian fortress town of Aqaba to soak up the sea, sand and sun of the Red Sea’s poshest beach town.
Situated four hours south of the capital city of Amman, sandwiched between borders with Israel and Saudi Arabia, and with Egypt just across the water, modern-day Aqaba is pulling out all the stops to establish itself as the best Red Sea holiday spot in the Middle East. With year-round sunshine, luxury hotels, and great diving it is no wonder even the King himself is often spotted at this seaside gem.
This extension follows on from our Jordan: A Yoga + Ancient Adventures Retreat and is for divers and non-divers alike, as we dial back the speed and take an opportunity to bask in the sun and sea before rolling up the towel on what has been an incredible adventure. Certified divers will double dive two amazing sites and those who are curious of the underwater world will finally get to blow bubbles on a discovery dive — no experience required! If you prefer to keep breathing the air above sea level you will be blown away by the beautiful snorkeling in between soaking up the sun on the top deck of our boat.
In addition to our morning out at sea, we’ll take a tour of the town’s mosque, fort, and souk, enjoy a seaglass jewelry workshop at a local women’s cooperative, and soak up tons of sun and beach clubs at our luxurious five star resort’s many oceanfront pools!
The Details
The four day Aqaba Extension will be held from May 30-June 2, 2024 and can be added for $1,350 for a shared room or $1,500 for a private room.
Update — This retreat extension has met the minimum booking number and is now a guaranteed departure!
What’s Included
• Three nights accommodation
• Two meals a day
• Snorkeling, a discovery dive, or two scuba dives in the Red Sea
• Sea glass jewelry workshop
• A sunset cruise
• Day out at an Aqaba beach club
• Professional photos of the trip, above and below the sea!
What’s Not Included
• Flights to and from Jordan
• Motorized water sports not specified in the itinerary
• Additional meals or activities not specified in the itinerary
• Mandatory travel insurance
The Itinerary
Subject to change, and expect surprises, but here’s the general idea.
Day 8: Settle in for the short one hour drive to Aqaba — we’re beach bound! Jordan’s tiny slice of the Red Sea has been intentionally developed as a chic playground for lovers of all things sun, sand and sea. Start out by making your own souvenir with a sustainable seaglass jewelry workshop and lunch led by local women before checking into our modern hotel. Spend the afternoon splashing around the four outdoor pools and walkable marina filled with shops, restaurants, and yes, bars! That night, enjoy dinner at one of the many options on our island oasis.
Day 9: Salute the sun with morning yoga before we head off for a day to dive or snorkel to our heart’s content! There’s nothing like cruising the Red Sea with great music and company together on the top deck. Back on land, head out on an optional afternoon city tour to explore sights like the Aqaba Fort, the Sharif Al Hussein Bin Ali Mosque, and the local markets. At night, we’re in for a treat! It’s the weekly Souk By The Sea Friday night event, a lively pop-up market in downtown Aqaba featuring over 50 local artisans, Jordanian food and drinks, music and more.
Day 10: After a morning yoga practice, it’s time to relax at the end of a week (or two!) of wild Middle Eastern travels! We’re heading to Aqaba’s most hip and colorful beach club for a day as chill or active as you crave. Hop between various hammocks and beach beds, or even tubing or jet skis for a thrill. Close out our beach babe day with the only appropriate sendoff — a cruise with a BBQ onboard, toasting to our final Middle Eastern sunset together.
Day 11: We’re not crying, you’re crying! Head to the airport in Aqaba or Amman to catch your flight home, heart full and a bursting list of new travel besties.
Where We’ll Stay and What We’ll Eat
We will luxuriate at the Hyatt Regency Aqaba Ayla which includes all of the amenities and onsite services necessary to leave you fully recharged.
Private rooms have one bed while shared rooms feature two twin beds in most cases. While you can of course room with a friend, if you’re traveling solo, fear not, so are many of our guests! We’ll do our best to pair you with someone we think you’ll click with — and we’ll all be one big family by the end anyway.
Every day, two meals will be included; breakfast and lunch or dinner. For the non-included meal of the day, we’ll bring you to a favorite spot where you can order at your own expense, or branch off and do your own thing. Jordanian food is generally healthy and delicious, and all special diets can be accommodated!
Getting There and Away
International flights will arrive and depart from Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) in Amman. The extension includes your transfer from Amman to Aqaba on day one. From Aqaba, you can hop a quick flight back up to Amman or cross the border into Eilat, Israel on your own should you wish to extend your adventure solo.
We are happy to help with an hour of free consultation when booking your travel, get in touch!
Join Us
This retreat has limited space — book soon to avoid disappointment! Your deposit will be the first of five total payments for this trip, spread into convenient monthly installments.
This trip requires a minimum number of guests to run. We will notify you when it is a guaranteed departure! Until then, please do not book non-refundable airfare.
Can’t make this one? Don’t sweat — sign up for our newsletter to be the first to know when enrollment opens on future retreats. Don’t hesitate to email us at retreats@alexinwanderland.com with any and all questions or concerns over if this is the right retreat for you. We’d love to chat!