Very sad news from some AMANs, namely Pulo, for example: Staff are being laid off in considerable numbers. They did not reach targets and are now in 'hot water' for 2024 with their budget. Not very surprising, given recent reports on here, but yet shocking. If you cannot create a profit in 2023 with that market and sky-high rates around the world, something is fundamentally wrong. And knowing the role Pulo plays in the local community, especially on the neighboring island of Manamoc... really painful to say the least. Some of the team working there are second-generation family members from Manamoc, as many here know. Needless to say, this also means service is in decline and maintenance is not at the level it should be, and what AMAN guests are used to and should expect -- also given the rates (from 1,800 USD++ entry level). Then add this mostly invisible GM to the mix, and the lesson is to stay away for now until they have their act together. I really do hope that he becomes more hands-on with the team at least.

At Wella, they are now using designated Spa rooms for guests/overnight stays to boost their results, which means unlike previous years, guests are confined to their own suites and can no longer use the suite next door. Not really acceptable either, given the property lacks a proper Spa and has no treatment rooms whatsoever. Of course, this is only relevant during high season but we should consider what the underlying message is.

On a more positive note, Puri, with its recent improvements, seems to be the best it has ever been. Also, N'oi continues to shine, thanks to Joy and her brilliant team, perhaps one of the best AMANs now, with both service and hard product at the highest level. What Joy has accomplished there is quintessential AMAN.

However, in general, the tune at AMAN has somewhat changed over the last few months, and I am surprised there is now a renewed focus solely on revenue and marketing. This includes even very senior members of the team, both corporate and otherwise, who have usually been positive when the comments here were anything but. And yes, they should know better than to take these shortcuts. While it seems de rigueur in large parts of the industry these days to focus on short-term gains vs. building fruitful long-term relationships, I did not think AMAN would engage in such... very surprising. VD knows very well what AMAN means, how it looks, tastes, and most importantly, how it feels... he knows. Yet the people below him simply do not. And the changes and ideas being put in place by Ben Trodd are somewhat bewildering. AMAN is most certainly not FS, and he should know better or listen to people who could tell him a few things about it. Instead, he's pushing through, not looking left or right. Internally also causing shake ups. While his successes in sales and marketing are respectable, he cannot approach AMAN in the same way... numbers, numbers, numbers. I don't even want to know the shape AMAN would be in if it wasn't for Nicolas Ilickovic troubleshooting and fixing everything... one of the few people on that level who know/live/breathe the culture and are able to act accordingly. These others (aforementioned) just want to push their results, prove their name ... however at what cost?

I just hope that the ownership structure remains as is for now... these movements feel odd now and somehow like they are readying the bride. The potential candidates lined up certainly do not share the concerns here on FT or the concerns held by most Junkies... to them, it's just another company. Current ownership does care on a different level as well and enjoys their own stays...