FIVE STARS
Four Seasons Hotel Amman (pictured) and Grand Hyatt Amman are my two favourites, especially in the summer. They both have great outdoor terraces where you can hang out and smoke an argeeleh. Being a singer, I don’t smoke it myself but I love to be around it because of the distinctly local atmosphere it creates. The Four Seasons is located on the 5th Circle and the Hyatt is just off the 3rd Circle, which means they’re both very central and it’s easy to get to most places in town from there.

Four Seasons Hotel Amman
+962 6 550 5555
www.fourseasons.com/amman

Grand Hyatt Amman
+962 6 456 1234
www.amman.grand.hyatt.com

DINE ABOUT TOWN
Fakhr El-Din is my top choice for dining in town. You can sample the best of local cuisine from Bilad Al-Sham [a region that today includes Lebanon, Syria and Palestine, and parts of Jordan, Iraq and Turkey] in a charming part of town by the 2nd Circle. My favourite dishes are the kubbeh nayeh (fresh raw minced lamb, cracked wheat and onions) and the chicken balls with pistachio.

Fakhr El-Din
2nd Circle, Jabal Amman
+962 6 456 2399
www.fakhreldin.com

LUXURY SHOPPING
If it’s luxury shops and European designer brands you’re into, then you should visit TAJ Lifestyle Center in Abdoun. But you can find all that in most metropolitan cities nowadays, so I recommend checking out the local souks. Perhaps you’ll find something more unique to Jordan there.

TAJ Lifestyle Center
+962 6 592 1122 ext.108
www.tajlifestyle.com

Amman Bazaar
Downtown Amman, near King Hussein Grand Mosque

HAPPY HOUR
You should check out the local haunts on and just off Rainbow Street or in Jabal Al-Weibdeh, both areas that are frequented by a young, hip crowd – I’ve spent many good nights there. I don’t drink myself though, so I can’t help you with a drink recommendation!

LOCAL CULTURE
I’m hoping to play a live concert in Amman later this year, after my album Folktales of Spring is released, so look for that announcement on my website. Interesting concert series also usually take place over the summer, where you can experience great music and performances in historical theatres around the city. Check who’s playing at the Roman Theater and neighbouring Odeon, both built in the 2nd century AD.

REGAL OCTANE
Within the city, I recommend heading to The Royal Automobile Museum that was built in tribute to His Majesty the late King Hussein. The incredibly well-thought-out museum houses a collection of automobiles and motorcycles from Jordanian history. Numerous cars there have been driven by the kings of Jordan going back to the turn of the 20th century. Whether you’re a car nut or not, I strongly advise this visit as it is rich not only in actual automobiles but also in history.

King Hussein Park
West Amman
+962 6 541 1392
www.royalautomuseum.jo

DAY TRIPPING
If you’re looking to get out of the city without going too far, definitely visit the Dead Sea. Only a 30-minute drive from Amman, it’s the lowest point on Earth and home to arguably the most intriguing body of water in the world – due to its high salt content, you can literally float on the surface of the sea without effort. While there, I recommend either spending the day, or the night if you can, at the incredible Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea, which is unparalleled in terms of luxury.

Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea
Dead Sea Rd., Swaimah
+962 5 356 8888
www.kempinski.com

MAGNIFICENT MUD
While you’re in the Dead Sea, get a mud treatment. The mud there is famous for its healing properties and aesthetic benefits. People often travel to Jordan primarily for this reason, so try carving out some time to try it for yourself. Luxury-hotel spas lining the sea offer a wide range of related treatments, with Dead  Sea pools, Dead Sea salt scrubs and Dead Sea mud wraps being just a few options that allow you take advantage of the body of water’s benefits.