The Westin Saraya Aqaba Resort and Spa is part of Saraya Aqaba, a newer waterfront development on the city's seafront, and it brings the brand's familiar approach to wellbeing and comfort to the Red Sea. It is presented as a five-star resort with a full-service spa that includes a steam room, sauna and hot tub, plus a pool, and it welcomes dogs and cats, which is unusual for the region. It sits roughly 0.8 miles from Palm Beach and Ayla Marina Village, and close to the Saraya waterpark and Al-Hafayer Beach, so the beach, the marina dining and the family attractions are all within a short ride. The setting is modern and resort-like rather than historic, and it suits travellers who want a spa, polished service and a calmer pace than the city centre can offer.
Location and getting around
The resort is on the waterfront side of Aqaba, a short taxi from the old centre, the fort and the museum, and near the Ayla development with its marina and restaurants. For the reefs, South Beach and the dive centres you will normally take a taxi or a tour with pickup, since they lie to the south. Wadi Rum and Petra day trips can be arranged by the hotel or by independent operators, and the airport is close enough to make arrivals simple, although you should arrange your transfer in advance.
Rooms and who it suits
The hotel suits couples looking for a spa-focused stay, families who value a modern resort environment and travellers who want a brand they know. If you have a pet, the pet-friendly policy may be a deciding factor, but ask about fees, size limits and which areas are open to animals. The spa is a major draw after a day of sightseeing or a night in the desert, so book treatments early, especially at weekends. Ask for a room with a sea view if the outlook matters, since views vary.
Good to know
Confirm whether breakfast, parking and resort charges are included in your rate, and ask about beach access and any shuttle to the beach or the marina village. In summer Aqaba is extremely hot, so a resort pool and spa can be a welcome retreat, while in winter the sea is cooler and the weather is gentler, so check pool and beach hours. School holidays and regional long weekends are busy, so book ahead. Because the development is still evolving, ask whether construction or events nearby could affect your stay.
How it compares
The Westin sits at the upscale end of Aqaba, alongside the Kempinski in the centre, the Hyatt Regency at Ayla and the sister property Al Manara in the same development. Pick it for calm, spa time and modern design, the Kempinski if you want to be central, and the Mövenpick Tala Bay if the reef and a big family resort matter most. Whatever you choose, use the hotel as a base for one or two well-chosen excursions rather than trying to fit everything in.
Why stay here
- ✓Full-service spa
- ✓Steam room, sauna and hot tub
- ✓Swimming pool
- ✓Near Palm Beach and Ayla Marina Village
- ✓Near Saraya waterpark
- ✓Pet-friendly policy
- ✓Modern resort design
- ✓Short ride to Al-Hafayer Beach
Good questions
Is it close to the beach?+
It is near Palm Beach and Al-Hafayer Beach, and confirm the hotel's own beach access when you book.
Are pets allowed?+
Dogs and cats are reported to be welcome, but fees and limits vary, so check with the hotel.
Is it near the old town?+
No, it is a short taxi ride from the fort and old centre, and close to Ayla Marina Village.
