Beit Al Baraka (Family Room)

We did some work in this village years ago and fell in love. We quickly came back to set up tourism businesses with the local community to share this amazing place with you...our guest. Um Qais is a sleepy village with deep historical roots, one of the Decapolis cities of ancient Rome is located here; the village is also known for its incredible views of the Golan Heights, the Sea of Galilee, and the rolling hills of the Yarmouk Nature Reserve. The local cuisine is also a must try! The space Beit Al Baraka has six comfortable bedrooms, furnished with hand crafted beds, high quality bedding and great views to wake up to (and sometimes a rooster alarm). The family room with ensuite bathroom is located on the ground floor and has a shared seating area, and outdoor terrace. Breakfast is often served on the terrace under the grape vines and overlooking the garden and beyond. Our ground floor apartment and family room are ideal for young families or a group of friends. Beit Al Baraka has a few great relaxing/reading spots up on the roof or on the terrace by the garden. Great views of the Ottoman village, the Golan Heights, and the Yarmouk Nature Reserve can be seen whilst sipping on hot tea on the roof garden. On a good day you can also see Mount Hermon in Lebanon. You'll be staying in the heart of the village, and a walking distance from the archaeological site as well as several experiences that the local community offer to our guests. Uncover the rich history, culture, and nature by hiking, biking, beekeeping, basket weaving and cooking with the local community. Let us know if you have any questions about any of the experiences...and be sure to confirm your spot at least 24 hours before arrival! Guest access Guests will have access to the family room and the common areas downstairs and on the roof. During your stay Safwan will be your point of contact in Um Qais, they're available to answer any questions or help with the planning of any activities during your stay. Ahmad and Safwan speak English and Arabic and are both from Um Qais. Our offices (Baraka Destinations, Um Qais) are located in Harra Foga, which can be found between the old mosque and the museum in the ruins. This office is one of the places where we can be found working on the development of community-based tourism projects. Do feel free to drop into the office for a coffee; our colleagues can also help create an itinerary full of local experiences (we can share more information about this in person). Other things to note Baraka Destinations is run from our offices in Amman, which specialises in the work that we now do in Um Qais. Beit Al Baraka acts as the hub for services and activities that are offered in the surrounding community, which you'll have the opportunity to experience. We also have an office in Um Qais in the Harra Foga area, the complex between the museum and the mosque which can be seen from the roof. The Community offer activities such as: Cooking Classes: Northern Jordan has many unique dishes that are associated with northern Jordan. Visit a local chef at her home and uncover the secrets of cooking like a local Um Qasawi. Hiking: The Jordan Trail (a 650km trail crossing Jordan) begins/ends in Um Qais. We also have a total of other 9 hikes of various difficulties and views that you can pick from. Most are guided but we can recommend a self guided hike too. If you're up for it, my favourite thing to do here is join the locals in seasonal foraging followed by a trip to a local chef's kitchen for a cooking class. Cycling: Um Qais is a haven for experienced cyclists, as the hilly terrain, the quieter streets, and the beautiful views are a favourite of many resident and visiting cyclists. We have a total of 6 cycling routes that vary in difficulty. Weekend cyclists shouldn't worry, as we do have a route that is a flat as you can find in the mountainous area. You can rent bikes or join a guided bike tour with spectacular views of the Jordan valley, the Sea of Galilee, the Golan Heights, and the Yarmouk Nature Reserve. Beekeeping: All our guests LOVE this unique experience. A trip to an apiary with a stunning view should be on everyone's itinerary, it's educational, great for kids, and a lot of fun, particularly in the 'space suits'. Basket weaving: Show off your artistic flare in a basket weaving class that's taught by a local artist. Intertwine banana leaves, palm leaves and reeds to create your own piece of art that you can take home. For more information please call.