ngfan

Just returned from Amanyara today after a 10 nights stay. Another great Aman stay. Will spare some info for a planned TR but here is a summary:

Excellent management team with Sven van den Broeck from Belgium as F&B manager and executive assistant manager (and a potential GM IMHO) standing in for GM Marko Franck who is on vacation currently, Jana Schumann from Germany as guest relations manager, Ben from Germany as new Villa/Pavilion manager and the assistant F&B manager from UK all interacting with guests on a twice, thrice daily basis in a very positive way unseen in any other Aman I have been to before ! ^ Kudos to them for that.

Food by Fritz Zwahlen from Switzerland and his multicultural team is still outstanding (International, Thai, Japanese or anything to your liking). Met him on his last day prior to his annual leave and shared with him good memories from Pulo, Galla and Wella.

Not much to do on the island outside the property other than kite surfing, going to Grace Bay for shopping/gambling once or doing an island tour to get an overview. No cultural activities to speak of (which some Amanjunkies seem to moan about quite often but hey, it is T&C, not Venice or Luang Prabang). It's all about relaxation and water sports. Snorkeling and diving in fine. You get a daily visit from the local stingray right on the shallow beach part and occasionally by a 7 foot long reef shark right in front of your beach lounger (no worries, they are friendly chaps, just keep a relaxed eye on them to avoid accidents). The beach and water is stunning and almost comparable with Amanpulo.

A big group of dolphins passed by the resort at lunch one day. The boats were started immediately, we followed and met them some miles away. What a great experience that was to see them jumping around and playing with the boats !

Clientele a bit different than at Asian Amans. Mostly US and Brazilians due to its location. First time in my Aman history I saw some guests that didn't fit in (Partying Brazilian couples with ladies from the plastic surgery department playing music on the beach and at the main pool on their stereo misinterpreting Aman as the LV Hard Rock Hotel) but they calmed down quickly and left after three days. Otherwise mostly honeymooners like us and couples seeking quietness, low key luxury and style.

The design of the property is stunning and timeless (Gathy design). Spa very good with yoga teacher from India and massage staff from Amanwana.

A big operation with smaller guest:employee ratio than in Asians Amans though. Along with some employees on vacation now golf cart transfers were slowly responding at times and villa hosts helping out in the lobby and restaurant.

Some local staff are somewhat incommunicative or lethargic (un-Aman) like the guy who picked us up at the airport (not offering any drink, the available wet towels or a music playlist for the transfer) but most of them along with the whole Asian staff are great caring and lovely people and up to Aman standards. Sometimes service not always as perfectly polished as in some other Asian properties but still way above anything I have experienced in the American hemisphere.

Overall a great property with excellent, professional yet close management interaction and marvelous food. Again, a great stay with no regrets.

You should book the "Season of Discovery" package as it gives excellent value on the food and other inclusions. Food is very expensive due to high import taxes. Everything except for some fish has to be imported ! Nice perks are the free minibar (except spirits) and free phone calls worldwide.

BTW - occupancy rate was 85 % at times for the pavilions and low for the villas although it is off season now.