Aman Resorts: A Complete Guide to Every Aman Property

The concept of luxury travel underwent a seismic shift in 1988 when Adrian Zecha opened Amanpuri on a former coconut plantation in Phuket. There was no reception desk, no gold-leaf opulence, and no traditional lobby. Instead, guests were welcomed as if entering the private home of a refined friend. This ethos—peace, privacy, and an uncompromising sense of place—birthed the 'Amanjunkie', a global tribe of travellers who refuse to stay anywhere else. Today, Aman represents the zenith of the ultra-luxury hospitality sector, maintaining a ratio of staff to guests that ensures every whim is anticipated before it is articulated.

For the discerning clientele of The Travel Co., an Aman stay is not merely a hotel booking; it is an immersion into an architectural masterpiece. Whether it is the brutalist concrete structures of Amangiri blending into the Utah rock formations or the restored Venetian palazzo of Aman Venice, each property is designed to be a sanctuary. The brand name itself is derived from the Sanskrit word for ‘peace’, and this tranquility remains the golden thread connecting thirty-five properties across twenty countries.

Navigating the global portfolio requires an understanding of the three distinct pillars of the Aman experience: the remote wilderness retreats, the cultural sanctuaries, and the newly evolved urban hotels. As an ATOL and ABTA protected bespoke agency, The Travel Co. provides seamless access to these estates, often securing preferred rates and exclusive amenities for our clients. This guide provides a comprehensive audit of every Aman property, offering the specificity required to choose the right sanctuary for your next expedition.

The Genesis of Peace: Aman in Southeast Asia

Southeast Asia is the spiritual heartland of the brand. Amanpuri in Thailand remains the flagship, a timeless collection of pavilions and villas connected by elevated walkways through a forest of palms. Recent renovations have added a state-of-the-art Holistic Wellness Centre, making it a primary destination for those seeking medical-grade spa treatments in a tropical setting. Transfer times from Phuket International Airport are a mere 30 minutes, yet the resort feels entirely insulated from the island’s busier tourist hubs.

In Indonesia, the collection expands to five distinct experiences. Amandari in Ubud mimics a traditional Balinese village, with stone-walled walkways and private plunge pools overlooking the Ayung River Valley. For those seeking coastal seclusion, Amankila in Manggis features a celebrated three-tier infinity pool that cascades toward the Lombok Strait. Travellers looking for a more adventurous itinerary often combine these with Amanjiwo, located within sight of Borobudur, the world’s largest Buddhist monument. The architecture here is a literal echo of the stupas, crafted from local limestone. For the ultimate maritime escape, the Amanakan—a custom-built phinisi cruiser—sails the waters of Raja Ampat and Komodo National Park, offering the Aman experience on the high seas.

Vietnam and Cambodia offer two of the most architecturally striking properties in the region. Amanoi sits perched on the cliffs of Nui Chua National Park, where the rugged coastline meets the crystal-clear waters of Vinh Hy Bay. It is home to the brand's first Wellness Pool Villas, which function as private mini-spas. Meanwhile, Amansara in Siem Reap occupies the former guest villa of King Sihanouk. It is a masterpiece of 1960s New Khmer architecture, providing a cool, minimalist base from which to explore the temples of Angkor Wat in a private remork.

The American Frontier: Amangiri and Amanyara

When discussing the best Aman resort, the conversation frequently turns to the United States and the Caribbean. Amangiri, located in Canyon Point, Utah, is perhaps the most photographed hotel in the world. Its design is revolutionary; the resort is built around a central swimming pool that hugs a massive 165-million-year-old sandstone escarpment. The aesthetic is raw and elemental, utilizing poured concrete and natural timber to frame the vast desert vistas. For those seeking even deeper seclusion, Camp Sarika by Amangiri offers ten canvas-topped pavilions with private fire pits and plunge pools, located a short drive from the main lodge.

In the Turks and Caicos, Amanyara serves as the definitive Caribbean sanctuary. Situated on the shores of Northwest Point Marine National Park on Providenciales, the resort is famous for its timber-shingled pavilions and pavillion-style villas. The coral reefs here are world-class, and the resort’s Nature Discovery Centre offers guests the chance to participate in turtle tagging and reef restoration. Prices for a entry-level Pavilion typically start at £1,500 per night during the low season, climbing significantly during the festive period.

The Urban Revolution: Aman Tokyo and Beyond

The opening of Aman Tokyo in 2014 marked a significant pivot for the brand. Located on the top six floors of the Otemachi Tower, it brought the Aman DNA into a vertical, urban environment. Designed by the late Kerry Hill, the hotel features a lobby with a soaring ceiling made of translucent washi paper, designed to resemble the interior of a giant shoji lantern. It remains the benchmark for luxury hotels in Japan, offering views of the Imperial Palace Gardens and, on clear days, Mount Fuji.

Following the success of Tokyo, the brand expanded its urban footprint to New York City. Aman New York occupies the historic Crown Building on Fifth Avenue and 57th Street. It is a feat of engineering and design, featuring a three-storey spa, a subterranean jazz club, and a year-round garden terrace with a retractable glass roof. This property represents the most expensive hotel development in Manhattan's history, with suites often commanding upwards of £3,200 per night. The Travel Co. recommends booking well in advance for New York, as the property maintains high occupancy despite its price point.

Himalayan Sanctuaries: Amankora and Aman Kora

For those seeking spiritual renewal, the Kingdom of Bhutan offers the Amankora experience. Unlike a traditional hotel, Amankora is a series of five distinct lodges situated across the valleys of Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, Gangtey, and Bumthang. Guests typically embark on a multi-night 'kora' (pilgrimage) between these lodges. Each lodge reflects the local vernacular; the Punakha lodge is reached by a suspension bridge over the Mo Chhu river and incorporates a traditional Bhutanese farmhouse, while the Gangtey lodge offers views of the 16th-century Gangtey Goemba monastery.

The Mediterranean Heritage: Amanzoe and Aman Sveti Stefan

In Europe, Aman has selected sites of profound historical and aesthetic significance. Amanzoe, located on a hilltop in the Peloponnese, Greece, is a modern-day Acropolis. Designed by Ed Tuttle, its classical proportions and use of marble create an atmosphere of Olympian serenity. Each villa comes with its own private pool and views over the Aegean Sea. The property also features a private beach club, accessible via a short shuttle or bicycle ride through olive groves.

Aman Venice, housed in the 16th-century Palazzo Papadopoli on the Grand Canal, is perhaps the brand's most ornate property. While most Aman resorts are minimalist, this palazzo is filled with frescoes by Tiepolo and gilded mirrors. It offers a rare sense of 'living history', combined with the brand's signature discreet service. In Montenegro, Aman Sveti Stefan occupies a fortified 15th-century island village. While the island is currently undergoing phased reopening and renovations, it remains one of the most iconic silhouettes in the Adriatic, connected to the mainland by a narrow stone causeway.

North Africa and the Middle East: Amanjena

Amanjena, meaning 'peaceful paradise', was the first Aman property in Africa. Located just outside Marrakech, its design was inspired by the rose-hued buildings of old Marrakech and the 12th-century Menara gardens. The resort is centred around a massive 'bassin' or irrigation pool, with emerald-green clay tiles and Moorish arches creating a sense of palatial grandeur. It serves as an ideal base for exploring the Atlas Mountains or the vibrant souks of the Medina, all while returning to a silent, walled sanctuary at night.

The Future of Aman: Janu and New Horizons

Under the leadership of Vladislav Doronin, the brand is evolving. The launch of Janu, a sister brand focused on 'social wellness' and higher energy levels, began with Janu Tokyo in 2024. However, the core Aman pipeline remains robust. Upcoming projects include Aman Nai Lert in Bangkok, a vertical forest retreat in the heart of the city, and ambitious developments in Saudi Arabia’s AlUla and the Red Sea project. These future properties promise to bring the Aman philosophy to the most significant archaeological and ecological sites of the next decade.

Exclusive Amenities and the 'Amanjunkie' Experience

What truly separates an Aman stay from other five-star experiences is the lack of friction. There are no luggage tags, no signatures required at meals, and no intrusive 'check-in' procedures. At Amangiri, for example, your private guide will meet you in the lounge to discuss your hiking preferences over a bespoke cocktail, rather than making you stand at a counter. The Travel Co. ensures these personal preferences—down to your favourite room temperature or pillow type—are communicated to the resort management long before your arrival.

A Comprehensive List of Every Aman Property

To assist in your travel planning, we have curated the full list of operational Aman properties as of 2024.

• Amanpuri, Phuket, Thailand
• Amandari, Bali, Indonesia
• Amankila, Bali, Indonesia
• Amanusa, Bali, Indonesia (Villas only)
• Amanjiwo, Central Java, Indonesia
• Amanwana, Moyo Island, Indonesia
• Amansara, Siem Reap, Cambodia
• Amanoi, Vinh Hy Bay, Vietnam
• Aman Taka, Luang Prabang, Laos
• Amanfayun, Hangzhou, China
• Aman Summer Palace, Beijing, China
• Amandayan, Lijiang, China
• Amanyangyun, Shanghai, China
• Aman Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
• Amanemu, Shima Peninsula, Japan
• Aman Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan
• Aman New York, USA
• Amangiri, Utah, USA
• Amangani, Wyoming, USA
• Amanyara, Turks and Caicos
• Amanera, Dominican Republic
• Aman Venice, Italy
• Amanzoe, Greece
• Amanruya, Bodrum, Turkey
• Aman Sveti Stefan, Montenegro
• Aman le Melezin, Courchevel, France
• Amanjena, Marrakech, Morocco
• Amankora, Bhutan (5 Lodges)
• Amanbagh, Rajasthan, India
• Aman-i-Khas, Ranthambore, India
• Amangalla, Galle, Sri Lanka
• Amanwella, Tangalle, Sri Lanka

Wellness and the Aman Spa Philosophy

Wellness is not merely an amenity at Aman; it is often the foundation of the property. The Aman Spa brand has evolved into a standalone range of skincare and supplements, but the physical spas remain the primary draw. At Amanemu in Japan, the spa is built around natural onsen (hot springs), allowing guests to partake in ancient Japanese bathing rituals. In India, Amanbagh offers 'Ayurvedic Immersions' that last from seven to twenty-one days, involving personalized diets and herbal treatments overseen by an in-house Vaidya (Ayurvedic physician).

Culinary Excellence and Local Sourcing

The dining experience at every Aman property is designed to reflect the local geography. At Aman Tokyo, the restaurant 'Arva' celebrates Italian sustainable techniques using Japanese ingredients, while 'Musashi' offers an intimate edomae-style sushi experience. At Aman-i-Khas in the Rajasthani desert, much of the produce is grown in the resort's organic kitchen garden, ensuring that even in the wilderness, the quality of dining remains peerless.

Sustainability and Community Engagement

Aman properties are frequently located in ecologically sensitive areas. The brand's commitment to sustainability is evident in projects like the Aman Ten Thousand Trees initiative at Amanyara, or the support of local weaving communities near Amandari in Bali. By staying at an Aman, guests contribute to the preservation of both the natural environment and local cultural heritage. The Travel Co. prioritizes properties that demonstrate this level of corporate social responsibility, ensuring your luxury holiday has a positive footprint.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is an Amanjunkie? A: An Amanjunkie is a term used to describe loyal guests who travel specifically to stay at Aman properties. They value the brand's consistency in service, privacy, and architectural excellence, often aiming to visit every property in the global portfolio.

Q: How do I get the best rates at Aman resorts? A: Aman rarely offers public discounts. The best way to secure value is by booking through a specialist agency like The Travel Co., which can provide value-added benefits such as complimentary breakfasts, room upgrades, and resort credits.

Q: Are Aman resorts family-friendly? A: While known for their romantic and serene atmosphere, many properties like Amanyara, Amanpuri, and Amanzoe have excellent kids' clubs and multi-bedroom villas specifically designed for families.

Q: Which is the most remote Aman property? A: Amanwana, located on the protected island of Moyo in Indonesia, is arguably the most remote. It features luxury tents on a beach surrounded by a tropical jungle and a flourishing marine park.

Member Hotels

The following are considered the 'must-visit' pillars of the collection for any serious collector of luxury experiences:

1. Amanpuri (Thailand) - The original flagship.
2. Amangiri (USA) - The architectural marvel of the desert.
3. Aman Tokyo (Japan) - The gold standard for urban luxury.
4. Amanzoe (Greece) - A hilltop sanctuary with 360-degree views.
5. Aman Venice (Italy) - Renaissance grandeur on the Grand Canal.
6. Amanjiwo (Indonesia) - A spiritual retreat overlooking Borobudur.
7. Amangalla (Sri Lanka) - Colonial history within the Galle Fort.
8. Aman New York (USA) - The ultimate Fifth Avenue retreat.
9. Amanoi (Vietnam) - A coastal masterpiece in a national park.
10. Amankora (Bhutan) - A unique multi-lodge Himalayan journey.

Plan your trip with The Travel Co. Our team of expert consultants specializes in crafting bespoke itineraries that weave together the world's most exclusive Aman properties. As an ATOL and ABTA protected agency based in the UK and Dubai, we provide the security and local knowledge required to ensure your journey is as seamless as the service you will receive upon arrival. Contact us today to begin designing your bespoke Aman expedition.