Petra. The Red Sea. Mount Nebo. Wadi Rum: From ancient “lost cities” and significant Biblical sites to locations made famous in classics like Lawrence of Arabia and Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, you can find them all in Jordan.

Over the last decade, the small kingdom bordering Israel, Lebanon, Syria, Egypt, Iraq and Saudi Arabia has enjoyed a boom in development and a higher profile on the world stage, thanks in large part to its forty-something, U.S.-educated King Abdullah—a forward-thinking ruler who’s been known to head off on incognito motorcycle rides—and his wife, Queen Rania. As a result, the tourists who arrive in Jordan are finding world-class adventure activities, spas, gourmet cuisine and high-end shopping along with rich history.

Ma’in: A Luxury Oasis

A little over an hour’s drive from the capital city Amman, at the bottom of a ravine set 866-feet below sea level, lies the legendary Ma’in hot springs and one of the main attractions, Evason Ma’in Hot Springs Resort & Six Senses Spa. The high-end, eco-conscious hideaway operated by the Six Senses luxury brand has a section of the hot springs that is open to the public, yet the hotel—the only one adjacent to the waters—also offers private access. Simply decorated in muted earth tones accented by splashes of bright orange and pink, and boasting modern touches like iPod docks and flat screens, the 97 rooms and suites overlook waterfalls or a dramatic panorama of red-hued cliffs and Dead Sea waters with the lights of Jerusalem shimmering in the distance.

As a little girl, every bride dreams of her fairy tale “I Do.” From the perfect dress to details that make all the difference, Brilliant unveils this year’s matrimonial must-haves. Inspired by two Texas couples whose nuptials define glitz, glam and gusto, our ode to wedded bliss marks the beginnings of happily ever after.

It was a scene worthy of a royal affair as guests flocked to the Highland Park United Methodist Church in Dallas, where the daughter of Dr. Jerry and Cyndi Lewis and the son of Texas Governor Rick and Anita Perry were wed. The love story between Meredith Lewis and Griffin Perry began during their sophomore year at Vanderbilt, and culminated into a private boat proposal on Lake LBJ. Much like the couple, the wedding weekend was energetic, full of love, and rich in family tradition. “We wanted it to be a celebration of not only us, but of the friends, family and relationships in our lives,” gushes the bride.

A rehearsal dinner at the Meadows Museum punctuated the festivities with a charming toast from the groom’s father. “As parents, we couldn’t ask for a better daughter-in-law,” says Mrs. Perry. On the big day, the bride graced the aisle in a classic, floor-sweeping Carolina Herrera and, almost on cue, the crowds parted for her big reveal. For the seated reception at the Belo Mansion, both Texans opted for fun over formality, complete with a first dance from country singer Clay Walker. The newly betrothed were later whisked away in a classic Rolls Royce en route to a sun and ski honeymoon in the Bahamas and Beaver Creek. As the parents of the bride reminisce, “It was a truly magical weekend, full of special relationships, old and new, and the hope for a wonderful future.”

Open the doors to this Spanish-inspired hacienda and any thoughts of conventionality are immediately erased. The manse offers the perfect backdrop to a Hollywood movie scene, complete with a manicured lawn flanked by rows of perfectly trimmed palm trees and a ubiquitous view of the serene Hill Country. Step inside and the entrance foyer oozing with style and sophistication brings the home from cookie-cutter to beyond cool in daring pops of color.

When the quiet, yet majestic estate in San Antonio’s private community of The Dominion hit the market over a year ago, a family of seven leapt at the opportunity. Perfect for summer and holiday getaways, the retreat would become everything they were looking for – glamorous city chic at a Texan address. Upon first glance, the owners knew just who to call to complete their new pad’s transformation.

Enter Casey Roy, the Managing Director of Design at Baxter Design Group with an impeccable sense of style and passion for fearless flair. Since joining the San Antonio-based interior design firm five years ago, Roy has extended signature swank to many a high-end residential home, and clients keep coming back for more. Ask her to define an ideal space and she’ll proudly declare, “classic with a pop of surprise here and there.” Her favorite interiors are those filled with “bold colors and vivid contrasts that translate into spaces full of personality and high style.”