The vibrant country of Jordan has been lauded as a cherished land which relishes telling its stories in sandstone and souks, yet never once shied away from reinvention. The Kingdom’s cultural heart thrives on a medley of contrasts, where Bedouin traditions mingle with a skyline of shimmering glass, resting in neighbouring vistas to the scent of cardamom coffee drifting through bustling souks, as high-powered SUVs purred past.
At its peak essence, Jordan oozes of an ancient soul pulsing with a modern beat, where the whisper of desert winds intertwine with the rhythm of rooftop DJs to showcase a treasured past not simply solely on a timeline preserved, but also reimagined.
Stepping inside this ingenious notion of duality lies the W Hotels brand, which has long perfected the art of distilling a city’s personality into a boujee playground of contemporary luxury. Since opening its trailblazing debut in New York in 1998, the now iconic sleek shiny W has seen its dazzling presence grow into a constellation of over sixty tropical properties across the globe, from the sun-kissed glamour of Miami and the beachfront chic of Barcelona, to the unrestrained energy of Bali, and barefoot elegance of the Maldives, as each slick hotel presents a tribute to its destination by borrowing from its homeland culture, only to remix it with W’s own audacious DNA that is playful and almost never predictable.
The city of Amman demonstrates a natural stage for the W narrative, with the city built on stellar hospitality, having long welcomed a legion of refined travellers with warmth and generosity, where, in turn, the W has reimagined that welcome through the lens of present-day cosmopolitanism. When the W Amman opened in 2018, it became more than a hotel, but also a statement piece in the heart of the Abdali district. Indulging in its stature as a soaring architectural landmark, the hotel has placed the capital firmly on the global map of rogue, shameless luxury.
To be welcomed and hosted by the gracious W team was to step into a story where history and hedonism lived side by side, as I was about to experience first-hand throughout my 48 hour vacation, that the W Amman wasn’t just about a swift check-in and plastic key cards, but an immersive performance brimming with voguish indulgence for guests to embrace, all the while living inside a design manifesto.
An Entrance With Sky High Attitude
A smooth 35 minute drive from Queen Alia International Airport, the gleaming assemble of the W Amman makes its appearance soaring high above the heart of the city’s up and coming new downtown of Abdali, like a gleaming prism with Its angular façade rising with theatrical intent against the twinkling skyline, almost as though to intentionally announce that Jordan’s capital had entered a bold new era.
With the building developed by Eagle Hills and its contemporary architecture inspired by Jordan’s rugged natural landscapes and geometric heritage, it was from the moment of stepping into the terrain of my temporary hotel home that I had discovered the interior aesthetics chose to tell a different tale altogether. A flamboyantly playful design blueprint shouting unapologetically photogenic, the lobby felt less like an entrance hall and more like a gallery of urban à la mode, as giant neon installations flirted around with an assembly of traditional mosaics, while curvaceous sculptural seating and mirrored surfaces invited snapshots from every angle to evoke not just a mundane transit space, but a “Living Room” that had been elevated into a full-blown spectacle.
The check-in formalities had been a painless performance of untainted warmth and ease, as the hosts besuited in a pristine attire of formal casual wear and snow white trainers simply glided forward with impeccable timing, choosing to greet me not with myriad of paperwork, but a cool glass of fresh fruit juice accompanied by delicate cakes as if I were a guest in their own home. It is these signature W gestures that pave a path to a wave of buoyant conversations and evaporating formalities, which made it feel barely minutes before I was being personally escorted to my suite yet again struck with both the efficiency and choreography of their bespoke like gestures of a smile timed precisely with the handover of keys, and a discreet nod before the lift doors opened all setting the tone instantly to make one realise that this was not a hotel that simply welcomed, but also took pride to wholly embrace their visitants.
Living in Technicolour
A colossal cocoon of over 280 unconventional luxury rooms and suites, the W Amman plays host to a kaleidoscope of bold, vibrant experiences, with each space a showing off a meticulous blend of authentic Jordanian identity entwined with the W’s signature modern glamour. The ambience works to a deliberately bold vibe with a playground of textures, colours, and moods designed not merely for rest, but for a sense of exhibit as the Standard room setups open onto generous layouts bathed in warm desert tones, and accented by geometric motifs that echo Petra’s rose-red stone. The cornerstone of the W collection of the Spectacular Room, however, encapsulates the essence of the brand in its most distilled form with king-sized beds dressed in crisp white linens, statement headboards inspired by Amman’s cityscape, and walk-in showers encased in glass to feel unmistakably W.
Chosen to lavish me in a haven less about accommodation and more about a lifestyle infused with a ritzy swagger was the immense, 900 sqft spectacle of the W Suite. A skyward retreat perched high above the city, this ravishing boudoir felt less like a suite and more like a private gallery curated in my honour, with the colourful interiors singing with a collection of contrasts as a palette of stormy greys were offset by bold splashes of crimson and gold, set against sculptural yet playful furnishing adornments all the while a sumptuous chaise longue in deep velvet, was sat stretched languidly by the window.
The space continued to unfurl with an air of deliberate grandeur, unveiling an open-plan living area flowing seamlessly into the sleeping quarters, all to be unified by floor-to-ceiling windows that showcased Amman’s tantalising landscape on a cinematic scale. Then the bedroom, anchored by a king-sized bed with a sleek bench by its foot, appeared to invite a moment of quiet contemplation over a cocktail or three, whilst the bathroom was no less a showstopper of a marble-clad sanctuary fitted with a rain shower cascading like a private waterfall, and a freestanding tub perfectly positioned for a little skyline-gazing.
No arrival was complete without W Amman’s signature flourish, and mine had been nothing short of a sugar fest extravaganza as awaiting yours truly was a one of a kind, visually titillating tableau worthy of its own social feed revealing jewel-toned fruit mocktails glimmering in tall crystal glasses, and an aromatic array of delicate homemade cakes and macarons presented like edible couture in all colours of the rainbow, not to neglect the selection of local Jordanian sweets perfumed with honey and pistachio all of which embraced indulgence staged as art, and each plate curated to surprise and delight as a sensory prologue, to the remaining days ahead.
Culinary Versatility
To arrive with a famished appetite at the W Amman will reward you with not only a fine-dining experience, but a gourmet showcase for the senses, with each and every dining experience created to deliciously blend an international flair, with a streak of wholesome Jordanian nourishment as fusion feasts unfold like artist installations, and lavish seasonal breakfast fares celebrate bountiful abundance.
Offering a confident take on Southeast Pan-Asian cuisine, lies with the hotel’s flagship dining den of Ensō, promises a gourmet voyage across Asia, to be reimagined through the brand’s playful lens. Drawing its title from the Zen circle symbolising perfection and enlightenment, the name Ensō sets the tone for a menu that spans continents and sets their well-heeled guests onto a gastronomical journey that traverses the spice-laden streets of Bangkok, right beside the sushi counters of Tokyo and the fragrant grills of Beijing to create an escapade that proves both creative and intimate. Intimately radiant with a low yet striking golden lighting, the space was punctuated by geometric lanterns that cast kaleidoscopic patterns across polished wooden tables. The walls were varnished in a deep, rich indigo hue, carrying delicate metallic accents, while a subtle haze of incense lingered throughout the air.
The evening began with a chilled bottle of local Jordan River Rosé, its deep salmon hue shimmering under the light as it carried bright notes of pomegranate and rose petals, finishing with a refreshing minerality that paired seamlessly with the spice-tinged evening ahead. No Asian dining affair can be seen successful sans a helping of warm, salted edamame and its rich buttery pods priming up the palate for the opening act of the Bao Bun Trio, as each fluffed pocket had unearthed its own miniature revelation. The dynamite shrimp exploded with a swivel of heat and crunch from the golden batter, all cloaking meaty prawns and topped in a velvet spiced mayonnaise, whereas the crispy chicken balanced juicy morsels of poultry with sharp pickled vegetables, cutting through the richness with a refreshing zing before the the pulled beef, slow-cooked to succulence showcased smoky undertones, layered with a slick of hoisin sauce.
For the main episode, we witnessed the Red Curry Shrimp arrive in a sturdy clay pot, its smooth surface shimmering with silken coconut cream as each bite fused heat with sweetness, together with the tender meaty shrimp soaking in the layers of lemongrass, kaffir lime, and coriander. But it was the concluding exhibit of the Grilled Spiced Lamb Cutlets which had stolen the spotlight; seared to perfection of a blushing medium rare pink and enveloped within their smoked spice rub smoky and aromatic, as they came accompanied by the decadent serving of the Truffled Egg Fried Rice which had elevated a simple comfort dish, into a bowlful of raw indulgence with its earthy truffle notes, weaving luxuriously with the egg’s creaminess for a flair of toothsome boldness and elegance.
The morning breakfast escapades at MESH had proven to be a contrasting kind of performance, with the restaurant space exuding a colourful exuberant aura as interiors were bright and airy, resting next to splashes of bold artwork which embellished the walls designed to steer one’s eyes to the central open-plan kitchen, acting as both stage and heartbeat as the lavish resplendent of the AM buffet lay sprawled like a painter’s palette, laden with gleaming trays of local and international favourites.
My daily morning ritual was spent indulging in the abundant of fresh juices of sweet ruby-red watermelon, tangy invigorating pineapple, and velvet like orange squeezed to order, before indulging my famished appetite at the sizzling section of the egg station while the chef whisked together lashings of creamed steaming scrambled eggs and spiced herbed omelettes, served with golden crusts of soft melted buttered bread together with a handful of earthy crisped falafel; just to add a little Jordanian twist on my otherwise, classic breakfast plate.
Elsewhere in the hotel, lies a further selection of sybaritic dining encounters all unfolding in a layer of yet more guises. It is within the setup of the sophisticated and stylish Living Room where guests can gather over artisanal coffees and small plates in an atmosphere that merges social hub with chic co-working space, whilst on the warmer Summer days, it is the party fuelled extravagance of the WET Deck that takes centre stage as a glamorous poolside retreat, where DJs spin against the skyline and cocktails twinned with light bites arrive on floating trays for an invitation to lounge, linger, and luxuriate.
Wellness Serenity and Twilight Debauchery
Suppose the W Amman is a theatre of luminous colours and vivacious energy. In that case, its wellness offerings are the quiet interlude with moments of calming tranquillity, woven seamlessly inside the hotel’s AWAY Spa utopia.
Unfolding like a sheath of calm hidden within the city’s bustle, soft, dim lighting dances across sleek marble floors while corridors in muted greys and whites lead to treatment rooms that feel both futuristic and comfortable, as guests are offered an array of therapies from deep tissue massages designed to melt the strain of travel, to revitalising facials infused with organic botanicals. Hammam-inspired rituals opt to take cues from Middle Eastern traditions, blending steam, scrubs, and soothing oils in a choreography that celebrates the region’s heritage. As the scent of oud perfumes the airy backdrop, warm herbal teas are served post-treatment for hazy clients to lose themselves to the subtle vibe of the ambient music, humming like a heartbeat and reminds one to pause, and luxuriate in stillness. For those drawn to movement rather than rest, the hotel’s FIT gym offers an adrenaline-fuelled display inside a brightly lit space chosen to embrace energy, as state-of-the-art equipment gleams beneath sculptural lighting and cardio stations are lined up with militant precision for guests to curate their own rhythm of power, right against the infectious music pulsing discreetly to energise without overwhelming.
Yet the jewel in W Amman’s wellness crown is undoubtedly the WET Deck, with a sweeping pool shimmering like liquid sapphire under the sun, all conceived as both a sanctuary and stage, where by day bonny beaus and belles can lounge on chic white cabanas before dipping into the cool of the water.
As the sun steadily makes its descent behind Amman’s skyline, the city’s tempo no sooner shifts into a hedonistic metamorphosis no hotel can capture more vividly than the W Amman, as it transforms into a foot thumping social stage where cocktails concoctions embody forms of couture ensembles, and pulse pounding melodies stitch the spaces together with magnetic glamorous energy for their chiselled jet setters.
A soirée luncheon hub turned decadent seekers hideaway, the poised backdrop of the Living Room rapidly remoulds into an unrestrained terrain radiating in deep neon accents, and spotless mirrors reflecting the amber light like precious jewels as haute-monde locals and far-flung vacations mingle with equal ease over a poet menu of dashing cocktails, whilst the rippling nirvana of the WET Deck steadily revamps into Amman’s most enviable poolside party during the peak season, flaunting vivid-pink and violet shades radiating with gusto under the pool, as the DJs hypnotic tracks shudder against the balmy water’s surface, all epitomising the pinnacle of the W’s brazen take on libertine glitz.
The W Conclusion
The W Amman should not be deemed as a five-star hotel one merely stays in, but a five-star hotel for one to live, breathe, and remember as the years effortlessly fly by. From the very first glimpse of its angular façade rising above the Abdali district to those final moments of gazing out at the glittering city lights from your floating palace suite, every detail had been curated as a Jordanian performance bringing together its valuable chronicled heritage, translated into a modern dialect of design, flavour and rhythm.
The W Amman seeks to not only demonstrate a faithful testament to the W brand’s global vision, but also encapsulate a heart stirring love letter to the capital it calls home which like the city itself, has triumphantly championed an ancient yet audacious repute to stir up those inklings within their glitterati guests, and realise those W moments had been staged not for pretentious vanity, but for heartfelt memories.
