What if we told you there’s a place in Jordan where hot waterfalls tumble down cliffs and land in pools—right in the middle of the desert? That place is Ma’in Hot Springs, and it might be the most unexpected wonder in the country. It’s a natural spa in the middle of nowhere, and it feels like a secret too good to keep. This oasis sits quietly beneath a rugged, sun-scorched mountain and is one of the best side trips off the dusty King’s Highway. But is it worth the trip? In this article, you’ll find everything you need to know to decide if Ma’in Hot Springs is the kind of off-the-beaten-path adventure you want. We’ll tell you what to expect, why it’s unforgettable, and how to know if it belongs on your Jordan bucket list.
Most people visit Jordan for Petra or the Dead Sea, but Ma’in offers something different. If you’re searching for unique experiences, hidden gems, or a place to relax and feel connected to nature, keep reading. This is the side of Jordan most tourists miss.
Why Locals Love Ma’in Hot Springs?
Ma’in Hot Springs isn’t just warm water in the middle of nowhere. This leafy oasis, with thousands of years of history, is famous for its healing powers. Locals have visited this natural spa for generations to ease pain, relax muscles, and treat skin issues using water straight from the Earth. Its thermal water contains therapeutic minerals like magnesium, potassium, and calcium. This rare mix helps blood circulation, joint, back and muscular pain, and calm nerves. Medical tourists and Jordanians come especially in winter when the warm climate makes it the perfect escape. A few tourists now follow their lead and enjoy a unique microclimate while soaking in one of Earth’s lowest hot springs. The region has 63 springs with varying temperatures but a similar chemical composition.
Water temperatures reach up to 60°C, pouring into public pools fed by mineral-rich falls.
Where Is Ma’in Hot Springs?
Ma’in Hot Springs lie approximately 74 km south of Amman, at the end of one of the steepest and most dramatic roads in Jordan. This natural wonder is part of the southeast edge of the Dead Sea basin, which is the lowest spot on Earth. You can find it in Madaba Governorate, in a deep, rocky desert valley that is 264 m (866 ft) below sea level. From the UNESCO-listed city of Madaba, which is about 30 km away, you can reach the hot springs in just 40 minutes. It’s also only a one-hour drive from Queen Alia International Airport (48 km away), making it an excellent trip for anyone heading to the Dead Sea.
It’s one of those rare places where the journey is just as unforgettable as the destination.
History
A Biblical bathhouse beneath the cliffs
Long before tourists found their way to these springs, a king did. Ma’in Hot Springs —once called Baaras, have a biblical connection. King Herod the Great, ruler of Judea, used to visit these same springs to ease his body and mind. From his fortified palace at Mukawir, just 33 km away, he made regular trips here for the healing waters. That same palace, according to tradition, witnessed the execution of John the Baptist. It’s also the villa where Salome danced (Matthew 14: 1-12).
What to Wear at Ma’in Hot Springs – A Female Traveler’s Guide to Feeling Comfortable
As a female traveller, there’s one thing you need to plan carefully: your outfit. Understanding the dress code and etiquette can make or break your experience.
If you plan to visit Ma’in Hot Springs, your first question might be: ‘What should I wear?’ Jordan is rich in culture and hospitality, but it is a predominantly Muslim country where local people value modesty, especially in public places. Ma’in is a public, family-friendly attraction, and the appropriate dress code is essential to ensure comfort and respect for local customs.
COVER-UPS AND ADDITIONAL CLOTHING
When not in the water, cover up with a towel, a long T-shirt, or a long tunic. This is expected and shows cultural respect. In general, women should wear modest swimwear. That means avoiding revealing bikinis, string-style swimwear, or anything too tight, short, or low-cut. You don’t need to wear a full wetsuit—but a more conservative swimming outfit will help you feel comfortable, respected, and relaxed. Many locals swim in leggings and tunic-style swim shirts. Bikinis may attract unwanted attention and could make you feel uncomfortable. A more suitable option is a one-piece swimsuit or a tankini that provides ample coverage. Don’t expect to see many females in bikinis.
OUR EXPERIENCE:
During our visit, we observed varying levels of comfort among female visitors based on their choice of swimwear. One woman wearing a string bikini appeared very uncomfortable due to the attention it attracted. Another in a standard full-coverage swimsuit seemed more at ease and stayed longer in the water.
To blend in and feel comfortable, I opted for conservative swimwear by pairing my bikini with leggings, similar to the attire worn by local women. I also wore a long-sleeved water sports shirt, and I never felt out of place – quite the opposite. This choice allowed me to enjoy the hot springs without feeling self-conscious and showed respect for the local customs. I felt relaxed and respected. Also, avoid gestures like kissing, hugging, or holding hands, as the locals consider it inappropriate in public settings.
Ma’in Hot Springs – What No One Tells You About the Public Pools vs. the Resort
If you’re searching for a natural experience away from polished resorts and over-curated attractions, Ma’in Hot Springs might be your perfect stop. This isn’t your usual spa day or a luxury experience wrapped in five-star gloss. It’s raw. It’s real. And for many travellers, it’s unforgettable. If you’re open to the idea of soaking under a natural waterfall in the middle of the desert, surrounded by steaming pools and arid cliffs, then keep reading.
Before your visit, you must decide: Should you visit the public springs or book into the resort? Let’s break it down.
Once you pass through the main gate—which is open 24/7— you’ll find a winding road leading into the heart of the valley. This fertile oasis surrounded by dry mountains, is home to both the public hot springs and the resort.
1. Public Ma’in Hot Springs
The public Ma’in Hot Springs is ideal for everyone who wants an affordable, raw, and authentic experience. They aren’t fancy, but the view, the sound of rushing water, and the mineral-rich springs are unforgettable. Here, you’ll come across several thermal waterfalls tumbling down the cliffside on one side of the valley. Pools vary in depth, size, and intensity.
MAIN WATERFALL
Most visitors spend their time by the largest main waterfall, where the water cascades into three pools. The water, heated by underground geothermal activity, flows into multiple pools—some shallow and gentle, others deeper and hotter. The main waterfall is where mostly men gather, chatting and relaxing in the therapeutic heat. There is also a natural cave behind the waterfall acting as a steam room. If you’re here for the healing benefits, this is the spot. The cave creates a natural sauna effect, and you’ll find peace and power in the warm mist. The water springs up from the rocks into a shallow pool. You can sit on one of two benches, chat, and soak your worries away. This sauna has been used for thousands of years, and you can feel the history in the air.
This waterfall with a cave makes the visit worth it.
FAMILY WATERFALL
The main waterfall might feel crowded or a little uncomfortable for some female visitors. As a solo female traveller or a family, you might feel more comfortable at the ‘Family Waterfall’. It is located to the right of the main waterfall and is equally hot and explorable. It’s not fancy, but it’s peaceful and gives a different kind of privacy. This designated family area with a separate waterfall and pool is quieter and often visited by women with children. We chose not to photograph this area out of respect for locals and children.
FACILITIES
Everything in the public area looks tired; don’t expect luxury touches. Facilities are functional but very dated: changing rooms (split by gender) are outdated, and showers, toilets, and lockers are basic. A small cafeteria and a supermarket sell souvenirs, towels, soft drinks, and snacks, including crackers and cookies. There is also a small mosque.
If you value authenticity over appearance, this place delivers. It’s not for everyone, but if you’re open-minded and adventurous, it will make you connected to nature.
GOOD TO KNOW:
The public Ma’in Hot Springs are open daily from 9 AM to 9 PM. As of April 2025, entry costs 15 JD (£16.38) for foreign visitors. It’s a budget-friendly experience, but bring your own essentials like a towel, snacks, and water shoes. Be ready for a raw but rewarding soak and local traditions. In case you are in any doubt: the hot waterfalls are all you need, everything else is missable.
2. Ma’in Hot Springs Resort
Now let’s talk about the resort. This is a more exclusive option and the only way to access the private thermal waterfall and the hotel’s pool area. On paper, it’s a 5-star retreat. And yes, the location is stunning. You get a natural hot waterfall flowing directly into the spa pool—a feature that few hotels in the world can boast.
However, during our February 2025 visit, we chose not to stay. Here’s why: while the setting is extraordinary, the resort has clearly aged. Reviews we read before our trip painted a consistent picture—dated rooms desperate for renovation, broken fixtures, and cleanliness concerns. If you’re willing to overlook the lack of upkeep for the chance to bathe in a more private setting, it might be worth it. Just manage your expectations.
GOOD TO KNOW:
- If you’re a resort guest, you can access the Public Ma’in Hot Springs between 6 AM and 9 AM before the gates open to the general public. These quiet hours are a huge bonus, as early access offers privacy and a more peaceful experience (day visitors won’t get). Otherwise, as a hotel guest, you can visit the public springs anytime during the day.
- The main pool area within the resort is reserved only for hotel guests who stay overnight. It has an artificial waterfall with warm water, which is redirected from the big waterfall behind the resort. There is also a smaller ‘Roman Bath’ cave, which serves as a sauna experience.
SPA
According to the recent Tripadvisor reviews, treatments at the spa are considered overpriced compared to their value. If you want that full spa experience, prepare to pay. If not, you may be better off enjoying the public side and saving your money.
HIDDEN COST
Want to try the resort’s spa or private waterfall? The resort has private access to a series of pools and a waterfall, but it comes with a hidden cost. Inside the resort, guests can access additional ‘Private Waterfall’, but it comes at a premium price. The Private Waterfall with a view of the mountains and valley has a capacity of up to 6 people. The access to the fall, with a towel, a locker, and a shower costs approximately USD 150 per hour. Is it worth it? We are not sure.
Verdict
Ma’in Hot Springs isn’t for everyone, but it is worth visiting—especially in winter. But if you love exploring local culture, natural beauty, and places that feel deeply rooted in the land, this experience is priceless. If you’re open-minded, soak in the same waters that have healed people since Roman times.
Come with an open heart—not a checklist—and you’ll leave with something far more valuable than a five-star review. Whether you choose the public pools or the resort, this unique location below sea level offers something few places can: natural healing in a dramatic, desert setting. The public springs offer authenticity and powerful natural healing. The resort? Great for private access, but only if you manage expectations. Either way, you’ll soak in one of the most unique natural spa spots on Earth.
Now you know everything about Ma’in Hot Springs in Jordan!
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