Middle East relaxation: Postcards from some of my favorite spots

After quite a stressful week, it’s nice to be transported to my favorite ‘decompressing’ spots. So today’s post will be short and sweet: Middle East relaxation. A photo essay, describing a few locations that ooze peace and quiet whilst in the middle of the chaotic region.

Smoking shisha on a Bedouin café by the sea in Dahab, Egypt

Is it any surprise that Dahab, Egypt tops my list of relaxing Middle East spots? Most restaurants bordering the sea have Bedouin-style cushions, free Wi-Fi, cheap beer, and shisha (hookah). Can’t think of a most beautiful, calming place to be…

Hookah time in Dahab, Egypt by Tim Hill, Flickr

Me enjoying Turkish coffee break by the Red Sea in Dahab

Stargazing and drinking tea in Wadi Rum, Jordan

The desert is typically associated with harshness, isolation, and struggle. However, it is one of the most peaceful places I have ever visited. Going on a desert safari while visiting Jordan, particularly Wadi Rum, spending a few nights stargazing and drinking Bedouin tea…definitely one of my most relaxing Middle East experiences!

Our spectacular Milky Way, as seen from the Wadi Rum Desert in Jordan, by Lawrence Murray, Flickr

SPA day at the Dead Sea, Jordan or Israel/Palestine

The Dead Sea’s waters and mud are chock-full of calming, healing minerals. So if you’re just looking for a more traditional, low-key day trip in the Middle East, certainly consider heading to one of the spas in Israel/Palestine or even Jordan.

Clearly, we loved taking relaxing mud baths at Ein Gedi’s Dead Sea spa

Scuba diving the Musandam Peninsula, Oman

Most people freak out when the word SCUBA or DIVING is thrown around. Not me, though! I think diving is one of the most relaxing sports out there. I mean, once you make the appropriate checks, you are simply floating around, awestruck at the beauty of the underwater world. One of the best places to partake in this relaxing Middle East activity is not only the Red Sea, but also the Musandam Peninsula in Oman.

PHOTO postcard from Oman by Flickr user spettacolopuro, CC

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What other places ooze Middle East relaxation? Share them in a comment below!