Review - Wadi Musa Guesthouse and Resort ⭐️
(January 2022 - Unfortunately it looks as if Wadi Musa has shut again. The owners of Wadi Musa are still running the safari themed Kidaka Resort)
Summary
This is a new Jordan-desert themed place from the owners of the Kidaka Resort and the (now closed) Lotus Palace.
They've once again done a phenomenal job, and I have no hesitation in encouraging you to visit - and stay.
Especially if going as a couple, I rate this as quite a romantic and special experience, in particular at night.
Introduction
One of the best preserved classical antiquity structures is the Lost City of Petra.
Surrounded by the Jordanian desert and mountains, you reach it either on horseback or foot, through a narrow ravine.
Beric and Nea, the owners of the safari-themed Safari themed Kidaka Resort, have attempted to recreate it here, complete with a guesthouse, five luxury tents and a 'Royal Suite', which Ulrika Ferraris and myself stayed in for several days.
Overall look and feel
As mentioned, the owners of Wadi Musa (and the Kidaka) used to own an Indian resort called the Lotus Palace. This is the best SL Hotel I have ever seen, the level of detail was incredible.
Though it's sadly no more, I recognise elements of the Lotus Palace in Wadi Musa.
The Royal Suite for example is a modified version of the old Lotus Palace Maharajah Suite. I also saw a few little design features that had made it across.
Wadi Musa is much smaller than the Lotus Palace used to be, so there's of course less here, but suffice to say that in terms of overall resort design the owners have still done an amazing job.
Looking at the resort itself, everything from the chosen windlight, meaning the resort looks stunning at night, to the murals on the walls has been beautifully done.
The desert surrounding the guest house is much emptier (obviously - as it is a desert), and includes some tents and camels. However, this seems to be built on a homestead so I appreciate there are prim restrictions when it comes to adding more.
The Lost City of Petra itself however is an excellent recreation of the real thing (I've been there in RL), right down to the narrow passage you go down to reach it.
Overall - 4.5 / 5
The rooms
There are five luxury tents at 250L a night and a Royal Suite at 1000L a night, which we've been staying in.
The luxury tents include a sectioned-off bathroom, a sitting area and a bed. The size is excellent and for what you get, the price is very good.
The Royal Suite is in a Skybox, you reach it via a private entrance by reception.
The centre-piece of this is a courtyard with your own plunge pool and dining area. You then have a living room, a jacuzzi room with TV, a massage room, bedroom and a study.
As I mentioned, this suite is a modified version of a suite that used to exist in the Lotus Palace. I really loved it then, and I do now as well.
Overall - 5 / 5
The facilities
This is a relatively small resort, but the owners have managed to do quite a lot with the space they have.
The guesthouse itself includes a small pool (access for guests only), a restaurant and a bar. There is also a small Bedouin market out back.
Within the wider resort, you can rez horses to explore, or you can take an automated buggy ride (with cuddle animations) to Petra.
Look out as well for the puzzle the owners have created, which involves the resorts cats and a free night's stay if you get it right. I won't spoil it, more details when you check in.
Overall - 4 / 5
The animations
The Royal Suite has a Ruckus Do the Things bed, I admit I'm not a fan (I prefer other beds), but I recognise plenty of people are.
The suite and tents also have a selection of other adult enabled furniture including Backbone Patio loungers and Backbone Adult Jacuzzi.
The small pool is a reBourne CasaBlanca pool, the anims here worked well, as did the PG anims in the restaurant.
Overall - 4 / 5
Other considerations
This is an open resort, anyone can visit, a few areas are reserved for guests
Rent and add guests / tenants at the rental panels at reception, prices range from 250-1000. Renting does of course give you rez rights for photo props and so on
Lag was not an issue, however we were among the first guests and the resort was empty
Overall
Things we liked
Beautiful design and attention to detail
Excellent accommodation both the suite and luxury tents
Sitting under the stars at night
The recreation of Petra is realistic
The puzzle / game to get a free night is a nice touch
Negatives
I can't really think of much here. I suppose if you are after an RP resort with staff on hand who RP the whole experience, this won't be for you. This is very much self check-in, self service and self exploration. It's also a relatively small resort compared to others.
Overall, I highly recommend the Wadi Musa Guesthouse and Resort.
As I mentioned at the start, I particularly rate it as somewhere for couples to go.
The tents have everything you might need, and staying in the desert at night I think is magical.
Then, the next day, explore the Lost City of Petra and go horse back riding.
