Hammamat Ma’in
Hammamat Ma’in (also called Zarqa Ma’in) is a series of natural hot springs and waterfalls with biblical connections, located between Madaba and the Dead Sea in Jordan.
King Herod frequented the healing springs at Ma’in (when these waters were known as Baaras) and built a villa at nearby Mukawer. According to tradition, it was at that villa that Salome danced and John the Baptist was beheaded.
The springs still run hot today and the site is now home to a modern spa resort, which provides a full range of spa services. The main waterfall, which gushes over a cliff beneath the resort, ranges in temperature from 40° to 60° C (104-140° F). This is the most popular spot and is often full of families and young people enjoying the waters, in attire ranging from fully-veiled robes to modern western swimsuits. Visitors should respect the more traditional bathers and leave the stringiest bikinis at home. There are hot pools and several smaller falls nearby as well.
About 6km after the turnoff for Hammamat Ma’in is the impressive Al Megheirat dolmen field, with hundreds of dolmens (prehistoric chamber tombs) scattered across several hillsides.
The main public attraction is a large spring-fed waterfall, while a number of smaller ones spurt forth within the private resort area (08-545-500). Shower facilities and a swimming pool are also available for public use. Within the spa complex, one of the most popular attractions is the body mud pack treatment, followed by showering and a hot bath. Other spa and health facilities are also available in Hammamat Ma’een, as are accommodations.
