
Feynan Ecolodge
Dana Nature Reserve, Jordan
- Mountains
- Rural
- Wildlife
- Culture
- Nature
Experience Bedouin hospitality at this unique stay in rural wilderness
Feynan Ecolodge is an award-winning stay in Jordan's Dana Nature Reserve, offering a unique blend of Bedouin hospitality and eco-conscious practices. The lodge, a striking square building reminiscent of ancient caravanserai, is built in a former copper mining valley. Rooms are centered around a large courtyard, promoting communal living. Each of the 26 unique rooms is spacious and cool, featuring smooth stone walls, solar-heated showers, and local candlelit nights. Hot water bottles and clay jars for mineral water are provided.
The lodge operates entirely on solar power, with water sourced from a local spring. Waste management includes composting food waste and recycling most other materials. A strong emphasis is placed on community integration, with most employees hailing from the local area. The lodge also supports local businesses by purchasing food and handicrafts from the community, and guests can even experience traditional bread-making in a local woman's family tent.
Feynan Ecolodge is an ideal base for exploring the spectacular Dana Nature Reserve. Guests can enjoy hiking, follow a shepherd for the day, or stargaze from the rooftop. The lodge also offers bike rentals, and the Jordan Trail passes through Feynan, making it a perfect spot for adventurous souls. The surrounding landscape is characterized by rocky wadis, vibrant oleander, and acacia bushes, dotted with traditional Bedouin tents.
Sustainability
Climate & conservation
- Solar / renewable energy, The entire lodge is powered by solar energy, with rooms and public areas lit entirely by local, handmade candles after sunset.
- Drinking water served in traditional clay jars
- Manages waste on-site, composting all food waste
- Located within the protected Dana Biosphere Reserve
- Guest access to the long-distance Jordan Trail
Community & culture
- The majority of the lodge's staff are members of the local Bedouin community
- Sources food and handicrafts from the local Bedouin community
- Learn to make bread and sip tea with local Bedouin families
- Protecting the Dana Biosphere Reserve with the RSCN
- Cultural heritage preservation, The building's architecture is inspired by a historic caravanserai, and nighttime is lit by candles in the Bedouin tradition.
Commercial
- A 'Top 25 World Ecolodge' by National Geographic Traveler
- Winner of the 2022 AEN Community Benefit award
- Operated in partnership with EcoHotels and the RSCN
In brief
- Price bracket
- ££
- Type of property
- Lodge
- No. of rooms
- 26 rooms
- Max guests per room
- Rooms sleep 2-4 people
- Facilities
- Restaurant, Wifi, Tours desk, Bicycle hire, Garden
- Activities
- Hiking, Cycling, Stargazing, Bedouin cultural experiences, Wildlife viewing
- Setting
- Desert · Mountains · Remote
Best time to visit
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Best visited during the cooler months from October to May.
Kids
Children of all ages are welcome; the conservation fee is charged at a reduced rate per child
Accessibility
Access is via a rugged track and the remote, mountainous terrain may pose challenges.
Dana Nature Reserve, Jordan
Guide price · £ <£100 · ££ £100–300 · £££ £300–800 · ££££ £800+ pp / night