Originally Posted by
Zephyrous
I started travelling more than 20 (25?) years ago as a broke college student with a single goal in mind - to see the world. This remains unchanged today.
Like other posters there was a natural progression to better accommodation or flying options due to increasing income levels but it’s been fairly level for more than a decade now.
Things that have remained constant for a while now: never flying economy/premium economy long haul (I just can’t - call me spoiled). My ideal type of holiday hasn’t changed in a while either (always a combo of city, culture and beach if having more than a week off - typically staying in whatever is the “best” hotel offering). I still do lots of city breaks, romantic getaways and winter beach breaks (because English weather) as well.
A couple of obvious things that have changed - I am now more relaxed than I was in my 20s. I don’t need to go to every gallery and every museum, nor get in every restaurant (though I never Michelin chased and loathe tasting menus). I am also glad that I have experienced the grand hotels of Europe (and N America and Asia), I am in no rush now to get back in (given the prices) especially at my home turf - not really an affordability thing but more a personal price ceiling. Also related to this, a suite in a 4* boutique in Europe in an interesting area could be a much more interesting stay for me than the entry level in the Grande Dame local hotel (usually in the “upscale” and typically sterile area).
I also won’t Aman-chase necessarily anymore but I have to admit that it does make me sad that the brand as it were doesn’t exist anymore. Literally at Amansara at the moment and it is absolutely exceptional - I’d love another hotelier to start opening great hotels with interesting architecture in amazing and “remote” places that can organise fantastic experiences. I really could care less about another Bangkok, Paris, Miami or NY property.
The other thing that I find peculiar in the way things are going is this constant over the topness attitude that pervades the industry. As a consumer I really can’t tell anymore why new hotels have to have 100 sq m rooms or cathedral ceilings (!!) in places which are typically beach destinations. Do I really need to drop $40k in a room alone for a beach holiday in order to have it be a luxury holiday? Having done North Island, Cheval Blanc Maldives and Laucala I can honestly say that I had no better time than say Zighy Bay or SS Laamu (in fact in some cases I preferred the latter). So in this sense I am now more sceptical of the hype. Give me new and interesting experiences, people and places and I’ll pay more than purported “ultra-lux” or “ultra-ultra-lux” accommodations.
Echo your sentiments , though am having a delightful time at an AMAN too , here at Amano’i & typing as I am prepping for bed after a refreshing dinner - likely posting on Dining Buzz later . While things have changed at AMANs , even ownership of some properties , appreciate the level of service maintained here and importantly , the Aman ethos we are accustomed to .
Once again , or should one say time and again , the team here ( though many are new ! ) has risen to the occasion having yours truly being mostly under the weather . Have benefited from stays where a seasoned Aman GM is at the helm or one with AMAN “ DNA “ !
Am sure MJ , Anda & team are taking good care of you , Zephyrous .
We will now look forward to experiencing Azerai with ex Aman team members .. and whatever AZ has up his sleeves
, calls for a little patience .. What can we say for someone at his age and who just celebrated his “ ripe old “ age at Azerai Hue La Residence .
Many of us if not all of us reading this are younger than he is too !
Like many here , travels have to be at a certain comfort level with certain airlines on business if not F . Certain cruise lines with staterooms around 1000 sq ft , you get the drift .
Just a few days ago by rail on Vietage and in MPVs or SUVs by road for distances , and luggage capacity .