Marking its 30th anniversary this year since opening Amanpuri in Phuket, Aman is celebrating a milestone year by announcing a series of enriching new experiences for 2018.
With 31 resorts, hotels and private residences across 20 countries, Aman has always been renowned for creating experiences that go beyond the hotel, offering guests a sanctuary within which to restore and unwind both body and mind whilst experiencing the destination in its truest form.
From a reforested woodland retreat on the outskirts of Shanghai to dinners with geisha in Japan, we take a look at Aman’s most intriguing properties and experiences for 2018.
Amanyangyun, China
Opening 8 January 2018, Amanyangyun is the result of one of the boldest conservation projects in China’s history and fifteen-year initiative to relocate a forest and reconstruct a historic village of 50 Ming and Qing dynasty houses.
Aman’s fourth destination in China is a soul-easing sanctuary with relocated houses and trees that now shape the soul of this 10-hectare retreat with a focus on holistic well-being and restoration. With nearly 3,000 square metres dedicated to its state-of-the-art Aman Spa and fitness centre, Amanyangyun’s Spa incorporates every aspect of holistic wellness from nutrition, movement and beauty, to emotional and spiritual well-being.
Amanwell and Amangalla, Sri Lanka
Aman’s properties in the city of Galle and by the seaside town of Tangalle, are introducing excursions aboard two locally-crafted Catamarans, making this vastly untouched part coast accessible from Mirissa Harbour.
Accompanied by a captain, chef, private butler, guests will travel to the most southerly point of Sri Lanka to spot whales and large pods of Spinner Dolphins and embark on private beaches and snorkelling sites with a picnic lunch, evening BBQs or sunset sessions accompanied by canapés and champagne.
The Catamarans can accommodate up to six guests and are fitted with fully-equipped kitchens while the outdoor living room and open upper deck offers stunning views over Weligama Bay and the Laccadive Sea.
Amangiri, USA
Located in the USA’s Grand Circle region, Amangiri overlooks desert scenery and the Southwest’s iconic rock formations.
For 2018, Amangiri offers a new aerial adventure concept for younger guests and a family friendly addition to the six existing via ferrata climbs.
Comprised of exhilarating rock scrambles, challenging via ferrata traverses and four distinctive suspension bridge passages, parents and children will also learn about the region’s ancient inhabitants through interactive activities that are designed to educate, engage and inspire.
Amangiri’s team of explorers have also mapped out a new via ferrata climbing route; the Canyon Crossing, which provides a fun physical challenge and an introduction to paleontology, geology and archaeology to those aged five and above. Following which, guests can learn to make the traditional marshmallow campfire snack at Amangiri’s new S’more School.
Aman Tokyo, Japan
In 2018, Aman Tokyo is introducing the authentic flavours of Italy’s rich culinary heritage to Japan’s gastronomic capital, to offer guests the warm, familial ambience and bold, flavour-packed dishes from Arva, Aman’s second culinary concept.
Aman Tokyo guests will also be the first to have the privilege of visiting the Tsurunaka ryotei (a high end traditional Japanese tea house where business or political meetings take place) which only admits customers by personal referral. Here, guests can enjoy a meal accompanied by authentic cultural performances from some of Tokyo’s most accomplished geisha, revered for their grace, musical ability and mastery of hospitality as an art form.
Amanjena, Morocco
The town of Argana in Morocco is home to one of the oldest collective beehives in the world, and the host of a celebrated honey festival every May.
Harvested straight from natural hives and undergoing no further processing, Moroccan honey is renowned for being the most delicious and fragrant in the world, and serves as everything from a staple of the breakfast table to a medicinal remedy and natural antiseptic.
Chefs at Amanjena have been working with local honey farmers to create a menu of 12 different varieties from across the country.
Amanjena has also appointed Aman’s first honey sommelier, Bruno Vengadabady, to share his extensive knowledge of each honey’s origins, flavour profile and health benefits as well as recommendations for the perfect food pairing.
Amanpulo, Philippines
With its white sands, warm sunshine and surrounded by turquoise waters, Amanpulo embraces the entire island of Pamalican in the Sulu Sea, just over an hour’s flight south of Manila.
This year, the resort will celebrate 25 remarkable years by supporting a number of community initiatives including learning programmes led by heads of department from the resort and experts in their respective fields.
Amanpulo will also launch a scholarship programme to fund the university studies of one exceptional high-school student from Manamoc Island, where more than 90 per cent of the resort’s staff live. This will be awarded to those pursuing a baccalaureate degree in a discipline that can bring long-term benefit to the island and its community.
Aman Venice, Italy
Taking place between 27 January and 13 February, the Venice Carnival will involve over a fortnight of dramatic soirées, elaborate costumes and vibrant celebrations.
Guests of Aman Venice will be invited to celebrate the 60th birthday of Antonia Sautter, a Venetian couturier specialising in recreating exquisite textiles and costumes from the 17th century to the 1920s.
At one of the most exclusive parties of the year, the 25th anniversary of the Ballo del Doge, Aman Venice guests can opt to have a bespoke Antonia Sautter costume especially made and delivered to their room in advance of the ball to fully embrace the festivities.
Aman-i-Khás, India
Guests of Aman-i-Khás can experience the wilderness of Ranthambore National Park with wildlife conservationist Daulat Singh who has recently joined the resort and available to accompany guests on safaris.
An expert in animal behaviour and tracking, Mr Singh has spent the last 33 years with the Rajasthan Forest Department, specifically working with threatened and endangered species including Bengal tigers and leopards.
The recipient of multiple conservation and environmental awards, Mr Singh, known for his heroism and bravery in critical rescue operations, contributed considerably to India’s conservation efforts.
Amantaka, Laos
Amantaka lies in the centre of picturesque Luang Prabang, Laos’s spiritual capital, with sacred Mount Phousi as its backdrop.
This year, the resort’s culinary offering will be further enhanced with the appointment of Bordeaux-born Head Chef, Charly Gomes, who joins the team following his experience at the two-Michelin Star Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons in Oxfordshire, England.
Chef Charly has put together a Street Food Tour of Luang Prabang, taking in the alluring charm of Laotian street food culture and guiding guests on a walking tour of the night market, visiting the most authentic and off-the-beaten-track food stalls. Guests can feast on sticky rice in hand-woven baskets, banana pancakes and a mélange of East meets West dishes inspired from French colonial days.
Amankora, Bhutan
In March, Amankora’s circuit of five lodges across the central and western valleys of Bhutan will open its first swimming pool, at Punakha Lodge.
Amankora Punakha, east of the Dochu La Pass and north of the resplendent Punakha Dzong, is at the midpoint of the circular pilgrimage, and the ideal rest-stop to enjoy the 30-metre infinity pool. Surrounded by rice paddies and fruit plantations, the eight-suite lodge at Amankora Punakha occupying a traditional Bhutanese farmhouse, will also present four brand new suites.
The sole surviving Himalayan Buddhist kingdom and one of the most remote and pristine environments on earth, Bhutan’s temperate climate, reaches 23–26ºC in the spring and summer months from March to August.
Amansara, Cambodia
Amansara will unveil a new bountiful roof garden with aromatic plants and herbs. The Roof Top is an intimate spot for guests to enjoy evening cocktails using locally made liquors and spirits, a private dinner or to experience a cultural performance.
As part of Amansara’s commitment to the local community, for one week during March and November 2018, the spa at Amansara will partner with ‘Ostéopathes de France’, a group of 30 professional osteopaths who visit Cambodia every year to provide treatment to pregnant women and children from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Over these two weeks, osteopaths from this voluntary organisation will offer their services to guests at the Amansara spa with the proceeds of these treatments being donated to treating more children in Cambodia.
Aman Private Jet Expedition
In spring, Aman’s Caribbean resorts – beachside Amanyara and clifftop Amanera – become the focal points of a unique wellness journey by private jet. From 29 April to 5 May, 12 guests will have the opportunity to fly from New York or Miami on a transformative six-night expedition, taking in two Caribbean island escapes, and accompanied by raw-food chef Adam Kenworthy.
Through a series of culinary seminars, Adam will offer insight and advice in the health and wellbeing benefits of a plant-based diet. By the golden sands at Amanera in the Dominican Republic, guests can partake in sunrise yoga, nature walks, evening meditation, and salsa dancing on the beach beneath the full moon.
Flying on to Amanyara in the Providenciales, guests will enjoy a full programme of spa treatments, energy yoga, core training on the sand and magic-hour cruises. Departing on 7 October, the customised private jet will carry up to 16 guests on a two-week adventure across Asia, visiting seven Aman destinations en route.
