Good info. Thanks!

I agree that Amanpuri looks immaculate. The pavilions have been enlarged very slightly, so that there is more space in the bathroom, and a little bunk area has been added for luggage or for a child to sleep on. New showers have been added to the pavilions, too.

The new pool and restaurant are beautiful; there is the amazing fitness pavilion (2 levels with stunning views). There is no way that the property looks tired.

Interesting article/review of Aman New Delhi form a middle-east newspaper :

http://www.thenational.ae/apps/pbcs....59890/1196/rss

Stayed at the Aman New Delhi for 3 nights last week. My quick thoughts:

The Good. First and foremost, it's quiet. That could perhaps be because occupancy appeared to be less than 50% (they are have not received all of the government approvals so are not "officially" open although they have been taking guests for a year...it's India). The staff was also great and very helpful. Arranging cars to go around Delhi (they have a fleet of custom silver Ambassadors) or to Agra was easy. Excellent food and the best pool I have seen in Delhi!

The Bad. We had a pool suite, which had wonderful plunge pool, but the finishes were very sub-par. Poor paint detail that was very apparent and the kitchen fixtures looked like they came from a used bargain basement sale...very odd for new construction but unfortunately typical in India. Perhaps the Aman folks have not done their final inspections? The "tapas bar" was also incredibly loud and really out of character with the rest of the hotel (but the food was great).

All in, the best hotel I have experienced in Delhi (having stayed at the Oberoi and Taj numerous times over the last ten years) and I would stay there again in a minute. Worth a visit if you are headed to Delhi.

As expected, it looks as though Henry Gray has already improved the service and F&B. I agree about the overall finish of the hotel though - nowhere near as good as Taj or Oberoi, which suggests Aman were ripped off.

aman/DLF owns? who developed?

http://74.125.95.132/search?q=cache:...&client=safari
bizarre. DLF only owns 50% of amanresorts? structured how?
the comment seems most informative, DLF isnt investing what they need to, because theyre out of their field, which is residential.. = why not do more aman residences...? they can be super expensive.

Could not find out who built it, but rumours suggested Aman did not get the best or second-best builders and were left with the third best.

Just returned from a stay at Amanfayun. It is incredible. A few kinks to work out given that it just opened but very very nice. Happy to answer any questions.

Thats good to hear japangaijin!
Which room type did you stay in and how was it?
How was the food and service?
Did you do any particularly interesting trips you would recommend?

Can someone comment on how to maximize the aman experience? Specifically what comes "free" and what do we need to pay for?. From my experience - the pick up/drop off drom the airport is free, except if it's far away (sri lanka) or is complicated (phillipines).

Traditionally (from my experience) - comp items are
- Afternoon tea
- Cocktails during cocktail hour
- Transfer to the airport (depending on property)
- things I didn't know I need or want (that just magically apear)

It has been some time since I last stayed at an Aman, but I remember, in addition to what you have mentioned:
- Welcome and goodbye gifts (typically sunhat or bag to bring to pool upon arrival, leather baggage tags and a sarong or similar as a goodbye gift)
- Small gifts placed at bed every night instead of a chocolate (typically a small handmade souvenir or a couple of tasty local, handmade sweets beautifully presented
- Overwhelming fruit baskets with all the choice one could dream of, filled all the time
- Champagne welcome drink (typically half a bottle) brought to room after arrival
- Extra beautiful flowers

Interesting Blog for anyone thinking about Aman delhi with emphasis on food :
http://tomostyle.wordpress.com/2010/...w-delhi-india/

:cool:

but makes me think of the lack of luxury hotel foodblogging :(

Aman at Summer Palace Beijing
 

This is an interseting article on Aman Beijing with an emphasis on the spa.
It includes a Tai Chi video from a master at Aman Beijing and a detailed area map.

http://www.finest-spa.com/en/aman-at...n-spa_571.html

Aman Beijing Spa is definitely one of the best we've been to. They got a top massage therapist from Thailand to run the place. Their hot stone massage using different types of jades is an interesting experience.