Travel Guide to the Dead Sea I Hilton Dead Sea Resort and Spa

The Dead Sea had always felt like one of those places that existed more in stories than reality. We’d all heard of it growing up—how salty it is, how you float without effort, how people smear themselves in mud. But nothing really prepares you for what it’s like until you’re actually standing on the shore, looking out at that still, glistening water, with the sun setting over the hills of Israel on the other side.

The Dead Sea sits between Jordan, Israel, and the West Bank. It’s the lowest land point on Earth, and its only major water source is the Jordan River. There’s a real sense of history here—Herod the Great once used this spot as his personal health resort. It’s hard not to feel like you’re stepping into something ancient and powerful.

Here’s the first and probably most important tip I can give you—choose your resort wisely. There’s not much outside the resorts in this area. No shopping streets, local cafes, or places to walk around. You’re basically staying on the property for your entire visit, so comfort, food, beach access, and pools matter.

We stayed at the Hilton Dead Sea Resort & Spa, and honestly, it was the perfect choice. It’s one of the newest and nicest properties along the Jordanian side of the Dead Sea

Since the Dead Sea area isn’t a town in the traditional sense—it’s mostly made up of resorts—we knew picking the right hotel was key. We stayed at the Hilton Dead Sea Resort & Spa, and it had everything we were looking for: direct beach access, pools with a view, solid dining options, and a comfortable room to crash in.

The resort has several pools, including an infinity pool for adults and a family pool. There’s a rooftop bar, and the views from nearly every corner are stunning. Just a heads up: the adult and kid pools are only separated by a rope, so if you’re hoping for a quiet, adults-only vibe, it’s hit or miss depending on the crowd.

Of course, the main reason we were here was to float. And yes, it really is as weird and amazing as it sounds.

We changed into our swimsuits, grabbed our towels, and walked down to the beach. There’s an elevator to take you there quickly, though it wasn’t working during our visit. Luckily, they had golf carts shuttling guests to the sand.

Once on the beach, the salty water glistened under the sun, and we eagerly stepped in. Because of the extreme salinity (about 10 times saltier than the ocean), you don’t really swim here—you float. And floating is effortless. The moment we lay back, our bodies were lifted. It’s a strange, almost magical feeling.

Tip: Don’t shave the day you go in. Even the tiniest cuts sting like crazy. Also, keep your mouth and eyes out of the water—it burns.

Next, we moved on to the classic Dead Sea mud bath. At the beach, there are bowls filled with mineral-rich mud just waiting to be smeared all over your body. We helped each other lather it on—backs, faces, legs. It turned into a hilarious photo session, but it’s actually a pretty beneficial treatment.

You’re supposed to let the mud dry for about 15–20 minutes before rinsing off in the sea. After that, you rinse again in fresh water and jump into the pool. Our skin felt incredibly soft afterward, even if the results weren’t instant miracles. For better effects, some people do it repeatedly over a few days.

There are studies like this one from PubMed that show the Dead Sea mud may help with conditions like osteoarthritis and psoriasis, though results vary.

Once we were cleaned up, we treated ourselves to a meal at Bacchus, the poolside Italian restaurant at the Hilton Dead Sea Resort. We shared bruschetta, wood-fired pizza, and a refreshing lemon tart. Our guide also introduced us to Limonada, a traditional Jordanian drink made of lemon juice and fresh mint leaves blended with ice. Super refreshing on a hot day.

Dinner was at 1312, a Lebanese restaurant with casual vibes and a great selection of wines. The hummus was creamy, the grilled meats flavorful, and the French fries a fun side dish to share.

The next morning, we had breakfast at Spectrum, the hotel’s buffet. It was one of the best hotel breakfasts we’d had on the whole trip. Think grilled meats, cheeses, fresh salads, eggs, and—believe it or not—a whole table of desserts. Yes, dessert for breakfast is totally acceptable here.

One of the highlights of my stay was the massage at the spa of  Hilton Dead Sea Resort. My therapist was incredibly skilled—at one point, she actually climbed on the table to apply deeper pressure. It felt amazing. Afterward, I was offered herbal tea and allowed to rest with no rush at all. If you’re someone who enjoys spa treatments, I can’t recommend it enough.

Here’s what I wish I knew beforehand:

• The Dead Sea resorts are isolated. There aren’t towns, cafes, or shops nearby, so you’ll mostly stay within the hotel premises.
• Choose your resort carefully. We liked the Hilton, but other good options include the Mövenpick Dead Sea and the Kempinski Ishtar.
• If you’re planning to visit other nearby attractions, consider the Wadi Mujib Biosphere Reserve, known for its river canyons and hiking trails. Or check out Ma’in Hot Springs for a relaxing soak in natural waterfalls.

The weather is HOT. Pack accordingly—light clothing, hats, sunscreen, and a reusable water bottle are essential.

How Many Nights?

Personally, I think one to two nights is perfect. It’s just enough time to float, relax, and recharge before heading home or continuing your trip. Any longer and you might get a bit bored unless you’re planning excursions.

Don’t Miss the Sunset

One of the most unforgettable moments from our trip was watching the sun set over Israel from our poolside chairs. The sky turned gold, then pink, then deep purple as the salty sea reflected all the colors. It was silent, peaceful, and the perfect way to end the day.

For a more detailed look at my full Dead Sea experience and other travel adventures, check out my blog here.

The Dead Sea might not be the bustling resort town you imagined, but that’s part of its charm. It forces you to slow down. To float. To breathe. After a whirlwind journey through Jordan, it gave us exactly what we needed—a little stillness, a little salt, and a whole lot of memories.

Whether you’re ending your Jordan trip here like we did or just visiting for a day, don’t skip the Dead Sea. Float, soak in the mud, sip Limonada by the pool, and catch that sunset. You won’t regret it.

 As always, my thoughts and opinions are my own.

Angie xoxo