In recent times, Ive been writing a series about some of the worlds small luxury hotel groups, includingAirelles,BVLGARI, Capella,Cheval Blanc,Oetker, One&Only,Ritz-Carlton Reserve, etc. I’ve also started writing my takes on some of the bigger hotel groups, from EDITION to Four Seasons.
Continue reading: Aman Resorts: A Remarkable Hospitality Brand That Has Evolved Over Time
Share your questions, experiences, and thoughts below.
Aman is #1. Hands down. No comparison. Grateful to have stayed at many of their properties. It’ll cost you, but in many cases it’s worth it if you can afford it. No loyalty program, so try to use Amex FHR where you can.
Apples to oranges, so, I’m not comparing them to Singita, &Beyond, or Wilderness, which, for Africa are also incredible. I hear Aman plans to open a safari lodge in Mozambique, which is a very unique choice.
I'm one of the long time Aman supporters who has turned away from the brand. The new hotels are uninspiring, the pricing feels quite rip-off-y and the crowd it attracts are the people I would like to avoid.
The old Aman is dead and I'm very sad about that, the new I'm not interested in.
A remarkable brand among American trust-funders; utterly unremarkable to everyone else.
What's the 'new' Aman? Curious which brand is emerging to pick up the mantle on this.
There isn't one. Aman is still Aman. It's timeless.
The folks whining on here, either can't afford it, or are just jealous.
Let's be real here -- this story and Aman in general are just spectator sport to 99% of the readers of this blog, and 99.999% of the world. Few if any people can afford ~$1500 per night lodging even on a splurge (I'm surprised Ben does not mention a single dollar sign in the entire story about how much it costs to stay here, to ground everyone in what we're really talking about).
So, just like newspapers tell us about celebrities and rich people's pursuits, this story is relatively irrelevant to most people's lives except to be an entertainment theoretical piece about which ultra-luxury hotel chain you prefer and the backstory of the company.
Or at best, maybe the blog could offer advice on which property to go with in case you ever do make that once-in-a-lifetime splurge (rather than coming across as "here's the chain I love to spend my time at on vacation because I've tried all the brands and prefer this one on my every other trip ").
Let's just not make it seem normal to stay at one of these places.
Of course, here I am talking as someone who follows business/first class travel, so I get the relative ridiculousness of it all to begin with.
We're all humans, Eric. Yeah, about 20% of the world has ever taken a flight, while 90% of Americans have. Ok, there's real wealth disparity in this world. No doubt.
That 'influencer' crowd (which some folks really seem to loathe) primary frequents Amangiri (Utah) and Amanyara (Turks & Caicos), because the rest are kinda far away.
I've enjoyed the ones in SE Asia the most (Amanpulo, Amandari, Amankila, Amankora), and would like to make it to more, if I can. But, yes, it's a real privilege to stay at any luxury property, especially these. They ain't cheap!
Amanyara being "one of the best in the region"? It isn't even regarded as the best Aman in the region - Amanera takes that crown. Not to mention other better hotels (COMO Parrot Cay for instance)
The ownership transition was quite a story, both in terms of how it went and who the new owner is. Google it if you are interested.
Under the new ownership Aman just isn't what it used to be. Many of the resorts are tired and in need of renovation. Service is inconsistent. Prices have doubled (even tripled) and are no longer in sync with the experiences delivered. Sad.
I stayed at Kila in 2017 and I think my rate was like $600/night after 4th night free. Granted they are more expensive now, but what isn't. You could easily spend $1.5K/night at a decidedly mediocre property in the US during high season...
Curious to know what you have found to be a better alternative? Most hotels will have guests I would rather avoid...
Please remember there are a few comments in this thread you haven't weighed in on.
Not that you could ever - ever - afford one night an any Aman, but we're all dying to know what you think of everyone's opinon.
KYS.
I think you hint at something crucial - the SE Asia Amans are brilliant. As are the EuroAmans I've experienced. Even Aman Tokyo is pretty good.
Amangiri and Aman New York suffer in comparison to the other Amans. They are both all style, no substance.
New money and so called travel influencers like the Aman brand …. old money knows that there are much better experiences available worldwide.
One contributor has just lost its name for the mountain of nonsense posted below.
What’s next Ben …. Oberoi?
I agree with Ben's take, having stayed in 29 different Amans over a period of 20 years or so. Aman used to be magic, and just within reach price-wise of those like me who wanted to save up and splurge once in a while in order to experience something special. Zecha's departure has led to an era of monetization which, while understandable, has seen prices rocket into the stratosphere (I remember Amangiri at $800/night!). Most locations remain breathtaking, and many staff still exude that Aman magic, but I suspect that many Amanjunkies have had like me to focus elsewhere.
I think that your summary is spot on. I am one of those upper middle class travelers who decided to splurge on a stay at Amankila back when you could get in for about $800 a night. And they rewarded me by upgrading me to a pool suite and a 20th wedding anniversary Bali wedding ceremony to celebrate the event. I was hooked, and stayed at probably 12 of their other properties before the new owner priced us out of the deal. Yes, it was a huge splurge, but the experiences there, the quality of the rooms, and the locals who worked there made each stay memorable far beyond the pain to my wallet.
New money and so called travel influencers like the Aman brand …. old money knows that there are much better experiences available worldwide. One contributor has just lost its name for the mountain of nonsense posted below.
I love DR, but, no, Amanyara is better. Beach you can actually go into; phenomenal tennis courts. Amanera is great if you want cigars and mamajuana (which are nice), and the golf course nearby (but it’s ‘separate’)
If ‘Just some guy’ can go, then, it sure seems like just about anyone can! *wink*
You don’t have to believe me or anyone else here. I’ve stayed at more than you can imagine, and they’re some of my favorite luxury travel memories, to date.
Also, you, me, and anyone else can comment as much or as little as you/they/I wish, so long as Ben allows (it’s his site, not yours or mine.)
Will, if you’re really, really good in this life, maybe you’ll ‘reincarnate’ as a proper servant inside the ‘big’ house… /s
We’ll, apparently they’re opening some soon in Miami, Los Angeles, and Cabo, so you never know… splurge for a major milestone… *wink*
Also: Whatever could those three initials mean… huh… no idea… hmm… a mystery…
Keep Yourself Safe!
Thanks, pal…
You got it cause exactly right. Amankila used to be our favorite hotel but when it started building a kiddie club and condos, we were out. The service deteriorated and it just wasn’t the same.
Mary, I was there last year, and it was still wonderful. If on-site childcare bothers you, a lot of hotels are gonna be off-limits.
@1990 you really don't have to personally reply to each and EVERY person who posts a comment.
I hate to break it to you, but they're actually not talking to you specifically!......(just thought you should know). At least poor old Dim Tunn keeps his focus on one airline and topic.
If it continues to open properties outside Japan I could see Hoshinoya being viewed in a similar way to Aman.
Great timing as I’ve just finished 6 nights at the Aman resorts in Bhutan! Here are a few thoughts:
Pros:
1. Bhutan is a remarkable place to visit and each of the properties I visited were special (Paro, Punakha and Thimpu)
2. The service was consistently outstanding and professional at each resort
Cons:
1. The reservation specialist made multiple and serious mistakes with my reservation. For example, they booked me on the wrong flights, fortunately I caught the errors or else I would have been stranded in Bangkok
2. I had 3 different payment invoices which were incorrect. Annoying, time consuming, stressful and not what I was expecting
3. The itinerary that I received by email did not match the itinerary I received in Bhutan. Again, not what I was expecting and definitely confusing
I spent $20,000.00 for 6 nights in Bhutan.
Still haven’t decided if it was worth it to book with Aman and I would definitely recommend researching other alternatives.
While I agree there's some undue whining, I do think the new locations are less 'interesting' than some of the pioneering ones. I'm curious about luxury properties in more "out there" and "discovered" locations like Aman started pioneering
Hi sir or madam it's nice n cute really interesting sir.n I would like to say something if u don't mine sir. Sir how many country's u have Ur hotels and what about the Maldives I mean do u have Ur hotel in the Maldives lots of peoples are saying that Maldives is the one of the best place for the holidays. So sir do u not interested to in Maldives sir.
I still haven't stayed at one but they do look impressive. What seems to stand out is that they are consistently top-notch while for FS, StR, etc. it depends more on the property.
Having said that, I'm not sure personally if it's worth paying that much of a premium for Aman. I can get to some of my favorite PH, FS, or other high end properties, get a great experience and pay less than half. It's a bit of an 80/20 question to me. That's what everyone has to decide for themselves (and their wallet).
Aman is #1. Hands down. No comparison. Grateful to have stayed at many of their properties. It’ll cost you, but in many cases it’s worth it if you can afford it. No loyalty program, so try to use Amex FHR where you can.
Apples to oranges, so, I’m not comparing them to Singita, &Beyond, or Wilderness, which, for Africa are also incredible. I hear Aman plans to open a safari lodge in Mozambique, which is a very unique choice.
I'm one of the long time Aman supporters who has turned away from the brand. The new hotels are uninspiring, the pricing feels quite rip-off-y and the crowd it attracts are the people I would like to avoid.
The old Aman is dead and I'm very sad about that, the new I'm not interested in.
Curious to know what you have found to be a better alternative? Most hotels will have guests I would rather avoid...
A remarkable brand among American trust-funders; utterly unremarkable to everyone else.
Please remember there are a few comments in this thread you haven't weighed in on.
Not that you could ever - ever - afford one night an any Aman, but we're all dying to know what you think of everyone's opinon.
KYS.
You don’t have to believe me or anyone else here. I’ve stayed at more than you can imagine, and they’re some of my favorite luxury travel memories, to date.
Also, you, me, and anyone else can comment as much or as little as you/they/I wish, so long as Ben allows (it’s his site, not yours or mine.)
What's the 'new' Aman? Curious which brand is emerging to pick up the mantle on this.
There isn't one. Aman is still Aman. It's timeless.
The folks whining on here, either can't afford it, or are just jealous.
Let's be real here -- this story and Aman in general are just spectator sport to 99% of the readers of this blog, and 99.999% of the world. Few if any people can afford ~$1500 per night lodging even on a splurge (I'm surprised Ben does not mention a single dollar sign in the entire story about how much it costs to stay here, to ground everyone in what we're really talking about).
So, just like newspapers tell us about celebrities and rich people's pursuits, this story is relatively irrelevant to most people's lives except to be an entertainment theoretical piece about which ultra-luxury hotel chain you prefer and the backstory of the company.
Or at best, maybe the blog could offer advice on which property to go with in case you ever do make that once-in-a-lifetime splurge (rather than coming across as "here's the chain I love to spend my time at on vacation because I've tried all the brands and prefer this one on my every other trip ").
Let's just not make it seem normal to stay at one of these places.
Of course, here I am talking as someone who follows business/first class travel, so I get the relative ridiculousness of it all to begin with.
We're all humans, Eric. Yeah, about 20% of the world has ever taken a flight, while 90% of Americans have. Ok, there's real wealth disparity in this world. No doubt.
That 'influencer' crowd (which some folks really seem to loathe) primary frequents Amangiri (Utah) and Amanyara (Turks & Caicos), because the rest are kinda far away.
I've enjoyed the ones in SE Asia the most (Amanpulo, Amandari, Amankila, Amankora), and would like to make it to more, if I can. But, yes, it's a real privilege to stay at any luxury property, especially these. They ain't cheap!
I think you hint at something crucial - the SE Asia Amans are brilliant. As are the EuroAmans I've experienced. Even Aman Tokyo is pretty good.
Amangiri and Aman New York suffer in comparison to the other Amans. They are both all style, no substance.
I stayed at Kila in 2017 and I think my rate was like $600/night after 4th night free. Granted they are more expensive now, but what isn't. You could easily spend $1.5K/night at a decidedly mediocre property in the US during high season...
If ‘Just some guy’ can go, then, it sure seems like just about anyone can! *wink*
Amanyara being "one of the best in the region"? It isn't even regarded as the best Aman in the region - Amanera takes that crown. Not to mention other better hotels (COMO Parrot Cay for instance)
I love DR, but, no, Amanyara is better. Beach you can actually go into; phenomenal tennis courts. Amanera is great if you want cigars and mamajuana (which are nice), and the golf course nearby (but it’s ‘separate’)
The ownership transition was quite a story, both in terms of how it went and who the new owner is. Google it if you are interested.
Under the new ownership Aman just isn't what it used to be. Many of the resorts are tired and in need of renovation. Service is inconsistent. Prices have doubled (even tripled) and are no longer in sync with the experiences delivered. Sad.
New money and so called travel influencers like the Aman brand …. old money knows that there are much better experiences available worldwide.
One contributor has just lost its name for the mountain of nonsense posted below.
What’s next Ben …. Oberoi?
I agree with Ben's take, having stayed in 29 different Amans over a period of 20 years or so. Aman used to be magic, and just within reach price-wise of those like me who wanted to save up and splurge once in a while in order to experience something special. Zecha's departure has led to an era of monetization which, while understandable, has seen prices rocket into the stratosphere (I remember Amangiri at $800/night!). Most locations remain breathtaking, and many staff still exude that Aman magic, but I suspect that many Amanjunkies have had like me to focus elsewhere.
I think that your summary is spot on. I am one of those upper middle class travelers who decided to splurge on a stay at Amankila back when you could get in for about $800 a night. And they rewarded me by upgrading me to a pool suite and a 20th wedding anniversary Bali wedding ceremony to celebrate the event. I was hooked, and stayed at probably 12 of their other properties before the new owner priced us out of the deal. Yes, it was a huge splurge, but the experiences there, the quality of the rooms, and the locals who worked there made each stay memorable far beyond the pain to my wallet.
New money and so called travel influencers like the Aman brand …. old money knows that there are much better experiences available worldwide. One contributor has just lost its name for the mountain of nonsense posted below.