Originally Posted by
sandeep.thilakan
Aman has been on our radar for years, but we hesitated—rumours of the original Aman ethos being diluted under new ownership kept us sceptical. Choosing where to start was tricky: Puri was outrageously expensive, Noi felt remote, and Kila had mixed reviews. So we opted for the domestic route and began with Amanbagh—and I’m happy to report that, aside from ordinary reservation and pre-arrival communication, the stay was fabulous.
The location is extraordinary—how Adrian Zecha chose this one-of-a-kind site is beyond me. Outside the resort, there’s almost nothing, yet stepping in feels like entering a parallel world, with timeless Ed Tuttle-designed pavilions. Our Terrace Haveli Suite was immaculate, maintained under the meticulous care of the Director of Rooms, Mr. Narendra. Dining was exceptional, curated with love by Aachman and his team.
Poolside relaxation and Ayurvedic treatments led by Dr Vivek were highlights. The personalized service, under the newly appointed Resort Manager, Mr. Prem, truly gave us a taste of the famed Aman experience.
We’ve become fans of the original Aman brand and can’t wait to explore the rest of their portfolio in Southeast Asia.
PS: I had earlier posted about the resort transfers being outrageously expensive. You can easily find reliable luxury car rental services based in Jaipur that offer Mercedes E-class for half the price of Aman's BMW X5.
I love reading positive Aman experiences like yours. Aman is still special, some changes have touched things like pricing, but the essentials remain: tranquility, privacy, people, and a sense of place.
I’ve shared my own experiences over the years, though I’ve pulled back a bit on here as enthusiasm seems to unsettle some. Pricing frustrates many, but it’s not 1994, and Adrian Zecha hasn’t been steering the ship for a while. Once you accept that, it’s easier to see the glass half full.
Amankora, Amanoi, Amansara, Amantaka, Amankila, Amandari, Amanjiwo, Amangalla, Amanbagh, Aman-i-Khas, Aman Tokyo — still have the magic.
What I value most is the sense of family. Whenever I return to an Aman, I feel like I am coming home, and these days I find myself returning to the same magic-amans for that reason alone. Amanoi x3 , Amanpulo x3, Amanera x3, Amandari x3, Amankila x3, Aman Tokyo x3, Amanjiwo x2, Amansara x2, Amanpuri x2, Amankora x2...