By Zen Lynch
Aman is a Lynch family favorite and well-known by many of our clients and friends!
Originally founded in Singapore, Aman represents the pinnacle of world-class luxury hotel/resort hospitality. While the Peninsula, Four Seasons, Rosewood, and Mandarin may rule the 5-star deluxe hotel category, Aman alone occupies the elite level, with an understated sense of luxury, personal service, and unique, high-touch wellness and spa programs. Initially based in the Southeast Asia region, each resort is characterized by a small number of rooms (typically less than 50) and minimalist architecture, designed to complement the location’s natural setting and local culture. Reflecting Aman‘s attention to personal service, the staff-to-guest ratio is an incredible four to one!
Aman, part of the understated luxury hotel collection, started with beach property Amanpuri back in 1988 and now has 36 global properties. Bev, Zen, and I have been fortunate enough to have stayed at many of Aman‘s global properties, including Amankila in Bali, the first Aman resort, Amanpuri in Phuket, Aman Tokyo, Amanemu in Kyoto, Amanwella in Sri Lanka, Amansara in Cambodia, Aman Summer Palace in China, Amanzoe in Greece, Amantaka in Laos, and the Amakora circuit in Bhutan. We have also had the pleasure of staying at Amangiri here in the United States. (Read more about our Amangiri experience here).
NYC is now considered the most luxurious, sought-after hotel in New York! With just one location in Africa (Amanjena in Marrakech) and none yet in South America, we anticipate more openings to come!
Our Favorite AMAN locations in Greater Asia: Japan, Bhutan, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand, and Indonesia
Aman Tokyo
Tokyo, Japan
Located in the 40-story Otemachi Tower in Tokyo, within walking distance of Ginza shopping and dining and the Otemachi Forest (Marunouchi’s Naki-dori tree-lined avenue), perhaps the most impressive sight of the Aman Tokyo is its magnificent lobby, with floor-to-ceiling windows that boast views of the Imperial Palace grounds and even Mt. Fuji on clear days!
Aman Kyoto
Kyoto, Japan
The 80-acre site includes 72 acres of native forest and eight acres of traditional Japanese gardens. We are particularly impressed with the property’s location in the Takagamine district, walking distance to Kinkaku-ji (Golden Temple)! The property features spacious and light-filled interiors, similar to traditional ryokans; natural hot springs; and spectacular dining celebrating the unique culinary traditions of Japan using the finest local produce. With large floor-to-ceiling windows, the outside is brought in, allowing for a complete escape in total luxury.
Amanemu
Ise Shima National Park, Japan
Having first visited the Amanemu in 2016 when it first opened, we are big fans of this property. Set on the hills of Ago Bay (“Bay of Pearls”), Shima National Park, the area is known for its pearl cultivation and abundant seafood (especially oysters!). All of the 24 suites and villas include private hot spring baths. Very close by is perhaps the most venerated Shinto shrine in all of Japan, Ise-jingu, dating back to the 3rd century. Here you can enjoy beautiful hikes while practicing your Shinrin-Yoku (Forest Bathing) within this bucolic setting. The site of Ise-Jingu has long been considered sacred, due to its majestic, venerable Japanese cypress (cryptomeria) trees. Being 80 minutes by train to Nagoya and a mere 35 minutes via Shinkansen to Kyoto, Amanemu makes for a unique stopover as part of our Japan private tour.
Amantaka
Luang Prabang, Laos
Located in the UNESCO-protected town of Luang Prabang, the lush green grounds and personal family-oriented service at Amantaka always make you feel at home. Roughly translating to “the teaching of the Buddha”, the Amantaka’s sensibility is one of deep spirituality, history, and beauty. The luxurious yet understated service is enough reason to visit; however, the relaxing atmosphere by the pool after a long day of sightseeing is hard to beat. Offering 24 spacious rooms and suites, we particularly enjoyed the aesthetic design with its earthy, yet clean-cut color scheme. For us, it’s the attention to detail that sold this well-rounded experience.
Amansara
Siem Reap, Cambodia
The Amansara is among our two favorite stays in all of Siem Reap! Set on the grounds of former king Norodom Sihanouk’s guesthouse, this 24-suite walled compound includes all the bells and whistles that are unique to other Southeast Asian Aman properties. What stands out to us about Amansara is its quintessential location, being just 10 minutes from the Angkor UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its serene, secluded style. Having stayed in one of the private pool suites, we heartily recommend its privacy and generous sitting area/amenities. In addition to a very nice 58’ outdoor pool, we were quite impressed with the spa and the discreetly placed 82’ lap pool.
Amanoi
Khanh Hoa Province, Vietnam
We were most excited when Aman finally introduced their first property in Vietnam in 2013—long overdue! Designed by Malaysia-based Belgian architect Jean-Michel Gaithy, Amanoi is a larger, more expensive (and grandiose!) version of the other Southeast Asian Aman properties we have experienced. Adjacent to Nui Chua National Park and located on the crystal blue coastline of Vinh Hy Bay, the hotel’s 31 pavilions are spectacular, even by Aman’s demanding, aesthetically pleasing standards. Among our favorites here are two infinity pools, the tennis courts, the remarkably white sand “Beach Club,” a spa, and a high-tech gym. Based on its remote location, there are very few Vietnamese cultural excursions available nearby. That said, we feel this is an ideal “paradise” for ending an enriching Southeast Asian private tour.
Amanpuri
Phuket, Thailand
Set on a lush hillside above a beautiful white sand beach, Amanpuri has been a Lynch family favorite for the past several years. With such a contemporary, striking design, it is difficult to imagine that the Amanpuri was opened in 1988 (!) as the first AMAN property. Somewhat similar to the Four Seasons Golden Triangle, the Amanpuri’s 40 luxury suites are accessed via some steep stairs and a maze of walkways (be careful at night!). In addition to relaxing at the understated 90+ ft. freshwater pool, we found chartering the hotel’s yachts/speedboats to the nearby Phi Phi Islands to be among our favorite AMAN experiences.
Amandari
Kedewatan (Ubud), Indonesia
Notwithstanding the new luxury resorts opening up throughout Bali, Amandari is still our favorite. Overlooking the Ayung River Gorge (nice for river-rafting!) near the artist’s village of Ubud, the resort consists of 30 pavilion suites, many overlooking the adjacent lush, terraced rice fields. We feel this property is the best way to be immersed in what UNESCO has recently recognized in Bali for its lush greenery and inland farming system (one of the new wonders of the world!). Similar to other Aman locations, the Amandari has an amazing spa, wonderful food featuring local delicacies, and a well-stocked library. Of special note here is the spectacular 100 ft. infinity pool. The pool, set against the idyllic, green environment, is quite a picture – one that we will never forget!
Amankora
Bhutan Circuit: Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, Bumthang, Gangtey
Aman’s presence in Bhutan consists of five luxury lodges — Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, Bumthang, and Gangtey, collectively known as “Amankora” (combining the Sanskrit word for peace and kora or “circular pilgrimage” in Dzongkha), carefully chosen in the cultural hubs of central and western valleys of the country. Situated in a blue pine forest in the upper reaches of the Motithang area of the Thimphu Valley, we feel the 16-suite Amankora Thimphu is the highest quality lodge in the surrounding area.
Our Favorite Aman Locations in North America & Europe
Amangiri
Canyon Point, Utah
Set on the foothills of the southern part of the Escalante National Monument and completely secluded from the outside world, the Amangiri is like no other. The 34-room property has been described by many as the “best luxury hotel in America”, and we can see why! Directly translating to “peaceful mountain”, what makes Amangiri so special is its devotion to the local community and Navajo culture. The architecture is meticulously planned, and every piece of furniture has the purpose of bringing zen to each guest, with each room showcasing unrestricted views of the desert and canyon walls. We love this simplistic property in the heart of Utah’s picturesque desert landscape, surrounded by canyon walls, and are truly thankful we have the option to indulge in our AMAN obsession without having to leave the country!
Amanzoe
Porto Heli, Greece
Set on an olive-tree-covered hilltop complex of 38 pavilions, Amanzoe is Aman’s only Greece property, and we feel worth the trek from Athens. Each suite contains soaring windows, bedrooms that open onto patios and plunge pools, and ultra-modern bathrooms (think huge showers!). In our opinion, the Amanzoe captures what it means to live in peace; with panoramic views of the Peloponnese coastline, access to nearby islands, and tantalizing architecture, the options for absolute serenity + relaxation are copious.
Aman Venice
Venice, Italy
Located on the Grand Canal with private access to Palazzo Ducale, the Aman Venice includes beautifully decorated public areas, with contrasting Rococo-style rooms designed in a more contemporary aesthetic. Opulent dining areas, lush, private gardens, silk wall covers, giant chandeliers, and meticulously-engraved ceilings help characterize the romantic 16th-century essence of Venice that AMAN built to encapsulate. Offering 24 suites, each unique in its size, view, furnishing, and decor, we can’t help but find the property akin to a luxury, historic museum of art. We particularly enjoyed the hotel’s rooftop terrace offering 360° views over the roofs of Venice.
Aman Rosa Alpina
San Cassiano, Dolomites
Bev, Zen, and I are looking forward to staying at the new (!) Aman Rosa Alpina, this fall 2025. The luxury mountain resort is located in the small village of San Cassiano, at the foot of the La Varella mountain. The newly reimagined Rosa Alpina features 51 rooms and suites, including a renovated Aman Spa with three pools and signature Aman spa treatments. Rosa Alpina offers access to 745 miles of the Dolomites for nearby skiing opportunities.
Rosa Alpina originally began in 1939, when Engelbert Pizzinini leased what was a little inn beside the church in San Cassiano. Though a struggle at first, the hotel continued to improve and expand, being passed down through generations. By the 1970s, Alpina became a three-star property, and by the 1980s, a four-star. By 2000, the hotel won its first Michelin star (which now holds three). It became the staple address as an independent, family-owned property for skiing, hiking, cycling, and wellness holidays, hosting guests such as Tom Cruise and Prince Albert II of Monaco.
This changed in March 2023, when Rosa Alpina closed its doors for a complete redesign to reopen as an Aman property. Though we hold a certain level of excitement, being fans of Aman properties throughout the world, it is understandable that Aman Rosa Alpina was met with mixed emotions, prompting some level of dismay from locals who mourn the locally owned, character-driven hotels that used to populate the Alps. The hotel used to strongly feature alpine motifs, such as lots of wood, antlers, candlesticks, and red geraniums; it was cozy. The modernized version has swept away all links to its past, sporting Aman’s sleek signature understated design aesthetic. Despite the initial reactions, we are happy to report that the Pizzinini family still retains a majority share in the hotel, being heavily involved with all operations.
Image credit: AMAN
