Image courtesy of Amanyara
There are five-star hotels, and then there are hotels for which “five-star” doesn’t quite cut it. Some properties just knock it out of the park. Enter: Aman hotels.
Aman, Sanskrit for “peace,” is the crème-de-la-crème of luxury travel. What began as a luxury hotel in Phuket, Thailand (the idyllic Amanpuri) has since expanded into a global collection of out-of-this-world getaways in 20 countries, from Sri Lanka to Montenegro. (And did I mention that 15 Aman resorts are located within a UNESCO World Heritage Site?)
Needless to say, I'm in love with all things Aman. Their locations are breathtaking, their design and accommodations cannot be matched, the food is to die for and their holistic wellness programming is transformative (trust me on this one).
I’ve put together a list of a few of my favorite Aman properties, but they all deserve a spot on any bucket list.
Amangiri
Image courtesy of Amangiri
You’ll find this luxury resort in Canyon Point, Utah. Never heard of Canyon Point? Even better: the resort is blissfully isolated.
All Aman hotels are designed to blend in with, rather than detract from, their natural surroundings. At Amangiri, expect smooth stone, soothing neutral tones, a minimalist style and geometric architecture that reflects the rocky desert landscape.
Take a self-guided hike, opt for a group hike or head to one of the daily wellness classes, all of which are included. (Pro tip: Amangiri is relatively close to the Grand Canyon, and makes for a fantastic reward after a monster all-day hike.)
Guests stay in spacious suites — each with an outdoor-lounge-and-fireplace situation, perfect for stargazing — or in tented pavilions at Camp Sarika (a.k.a. the glamping moment of your dreams).
Fora Perks:
$100 hotel / resort credit.
Breakfast daily.
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Aman New York
Image courtesy of Aman New York
This Manhattan oasis, a newer addition to Aman's portfolio, is housed in the regal Crown Building, a hallmark of America’s Gilded Age. The hotel is one of the few Aman properties located within a city. In fact, I couldn’t think of a better place for an Aman hotel than New York City, where the pace is fast and the stress is high — like, all the time. But at Aman New York, you can exhale, slow down and relax.
The 25,000-square-foot Aman Spa is not to be missed. There are massage treatments, of course, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Maybe you’re an athlete looking to enhance your game. There’s a program for that. Maybe you’re seeking a full-on reset. You can meet with a functional medicine doctor to create a tailored plan to help you achieve your goals. Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners, physiotherapists and other experts are all available. Whatever your goals are, world-class expertise and the latest technology will help you get there. And the gym, unsurprisingly, is one of the best I’ve ever seen.
After a day of rejuvenation, or exploring the city, head to Arva for rustic Italian cooking, or to Nama, for refined Japanese fare. Both are open only to guests.
Fora Perks:
$100 hotel / resort credit.
Breakfast daily.
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Amangani
Image courtesy of Amangani
For a luxury mountain resort moment in the American West, head to Amangiri, in Jackson Hole. It’s open year round, meaning you get to enjoy views of the Tetons as the wildflowers bloom in the spring and summer, when the leaves start changing in the fall or as the snow starts coming down in the winter (so cozy).
In the warmer months, hike and bike around Teton National Park, or discover it from above, in a hot-air balloon. There’s fishing, horse riding, riverside picnics...I could go on.
In the cooler months, there’s sleighriding, heli-skiing (or regular skiing and snowboarding — the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is a short drive away), ice skating, snowshoeing, snowmobiling and more.
I love the natural materials that adorn the resort’s suites (wood, stone, faux-fur throws). And for multi-generational or other large-group trips, Amangani’s mountainside homes are the ideal setting, and look as if they’ve been plucked straight from Architectural Digest.
Fora Perks:
$100 food / beverage credit.
Breakfast daily.
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Aman Venice
Image courtesy of Aman Venice
Everyone should visit Venice at least once. And to really level up your trip to Italy, stay at the Aman Venice.
Opulent Rococo art blends seamlessly with the interior’s understated luxury (Aman’s strong suit). Lush private gardens act as sanctuaries after a day exploring the historic city. The sumptuous rooms feature frescoes, towering ceilings and handsome wood paneling — and many offer views of the Grand Canal.
Any trip to Italy includes excellent dining, and Aman Venice takes its food very seriously. The hotel honors Italy’s culinary traditions with sustainable gastronomy championing local producers and seasonal cooking. Arva (an Aman signature) is excellent for traditional Italian cooking in an elegant setting. The restaurant Cook the Lagoon treats guests to an exquisite multi-course tasting menu, perfect for special occasions. Exclusive gatherings can be arranged at The Palazzo Kitchen Table for an up-close-and-personal special dinner. End the night with a nightcap at The Bar, which overlooks the canal-side secret garden.
Fora Perks:
$100 food / beverage credit.
Breakfast daily.
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Aman Kyoto
Image courtesy of Aman Kyoto
You’ll find the Aman Kyoto in a secret garden within a Japanese forest. In typical Aman fashion, the hotel is ultra-private, but it’s also near numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Golden Kinkaku-ji Temple (a must).
Sixth-century onsen bathing pools await to replenish the mind and body. The pools are central to Aman Kyoto’s wellness program, and to the hotel at large. I can’t recommend taking advantage of the traditional healing modalities — acupuncture, moxibustion, Shiatsu — enough. And did I mention the resort has its own line of essential oils (inspired by the surrounding forest, of course) and its own made-in-Japan skincare line?
Here, forest bathing is highly encouraged, as is taking a moment (or several) to just be. (A friendly reminder: Aman means “peace.”)
Aman’s local connections allow for one-of-a-kind experiences: learn how to meditate from a local monk, discover the art of Ikebana (mindful flower arranging), explore Kyoto by bike, enjoy a Uji tea tasting or take a private outdoor painting class.
You’ve already made the trek to Japan (highly worth it), so you might as well extend your stay and visit Aman Tokyo, located in the Otemachi Tower. Amanemu, in Ise-Shima, and Amanpulo, in the Philippines, are also fantastic nearby options.
Fora Perks:
$100 hotel / resort credit.
Breakfast daily.
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Amanyara
Image courtesy of Amanyara
This secluded Turks and Caicos hideaway is situated on a national park. Only guests are able to access the resort’s half mile of white-sand beach. As with any Aman hotel, there are no bad rooms — or even meh rooms. Whether you book a villa (private chef included) or pavilion, every accommodation option is stunning, surrounded by the reserve’s flora.
The Caribbean is prime for water sports (kayaking, paddle boarding, diving), and families especially will delight in the Nature Discovery Centre, an educational center on all things marine biology. The Centre also organizes fun activities, from snorkeling to rock pool exploration.
Charter a private yacht to explore hidden coves and beaches, or up your tennis game with Peter Rennert’s TELOS tennis program. Learn from pro athletes with the Amanyara Legends Program, a collection of sports clinics held throughout the year, or from one of the visiting wellness masters. And of course, any trip to Amanyara would be incomplete without visiting the spa, where tailored treatments and hyper-individual attention make for the most blissful pampering.
Fora Perks:
$100 food / beverage credit.
Breakfast daily.
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.