Cala d’en Serra is a small, quiet cove up in the north, surrounded by steep cliffs and pine trees. The water’s clear, the sand is soft, and it feels a bit off the radar—even in summer, it’s usually not too crowded. An old, unfinished hotel looms above the beach—locals joke it’s been ‘under construction’ since the ’70s. Bring what you need, though—there’s not much in the way of facilities.

The Jordan National Gallery of Fine Arts offers a refreshing counterpoint to Amman’s ancient ruins. It showcases contemporary works from across the Islamic world in two airy buildings that flank a sculpture-dotted park. Founded in 1980 under royal patronage, its collection spans 2,000 pieces: from provocative Palestinian installations to delicate Sudanese weavings. Be sure to check the rotating exhibitions in Building 1. Building 2 anchors the experience. Start at the ground-floor, then work your way up through bold Jordanian abstracts before rewarding yourself at the top-floor café. Its terrace overlooks Jabal al-Luweibdeh’s artsy rooftops, perfect for reflecting over mint tea after browsing the art library’s curated books. Free from crowds (and mercifully air-conditioned), it’s where Amman’s creative pulse feels most immediate.

Dy Proeung has, over the years, laboriously replicated Angkor’s famous temples. His passion for these Khmer marvels and his craftsmanship have been recognised by former King Norodom Sihanouk, who awarded him a special prize for his contribution to the Cambodian arts.