THE Hotel not to be missed
Feb 10, 2013, 11:40 am
#166
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Feb 11, 2013, 1:05 pm
#167
Join Date: Oct 2002
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No doubt about it: Amanpulo
Feb 11, 2013, 2:05 pm
#168
Join Date: Sep 2008
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I think an interesting thread would be "Luxury Hotels that disappoint and are over-rated" or something like that...
Feb 11, 2013, 2:47 pm
#169
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not to mention EXTREMELY easy to answer with no thought whatsoever, nor positive memories
why this thread is unique and thoughtful >
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/luxur...l#post18273605
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/luxur...l#post18351813
Last edited by Kagehitokiri; Feb 11, 2013 at 3:14 pm
Feb 12, 2013, 4:38 pm
#170
Join Date: Dec 2006
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- All Amans of Amanresorts
Especially for me :
Amankila
Amanpulo
- Ashford Castle
To be added to list later
Especially for me :
Amankila
Amanpulo
- Ashford Castle
To be added to list later
Last edited by FlyerEC; Aug 18, 2014 at 2:08 am Reason: Typo
Jul 12, 2014, 9:53 am
#171
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moved
Last edited by Kagehitokiri; Jul 12, 2014 at 9:25 pm
Jul 12, 2014, 8:40 pm
#172
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If this is to be THE hotel that must not be missed, I have to give it to Amanjiwo. There's nothing quite like it, both in design and with its view onto Borobodur.
I'd argue that THE hotel that can't be missed (1) must be architecturally and design-wise unique (otherwise, you could miss it) AND (2) offer an experience that is unlike any other anywhere (otherwise, you could miss it again). Amanjiwo meets those criteria. No other hotel does in my opinion.
Safari lodges ALL offer similar experiences, so they can't quite measure up to the criteria, even if they look unique.
Beach resorts ALL offer similar experiences, too, which is why Amanpulo can't for me qualify. Just because it's a favorite beach resort doesn't mean it can't be missed or that you can't get all of what it offers elsewhere (better sand, more marine life, better villas/rooms, better design, etc.). Or Amankila.
There are villa hotels with exceeding luxury but which are mimicked in some way by at least one or more other luxury properties. There are city hotels which are almost always mimicked in many ways by many other luxury city hotels.
Only a remote property is likely to fit the bill of one that can't be missed--since urban hotels more or less mimic each other in so many ways, just in different urban settings which blend together. Rural settings offer the most contrast without question.
That leaves me with Amanjiwo. No question.
I'd argue that THE hotel that can't be missed (1) must be architecturally and design-wise unique (otherwise, you could miss it) AND (2) offer an experience that is unlike any other anywhere (otherwise, you could miss it again). Amanjiwo meets those criteria. No other hotel does in my opinion.
Safari lodges ALL offer similar experiences, so they can't quite measure up to the criteria, even if they look unique.
Beach resorts ALL offer similar experiences, too, which is why Amanpulo can't for me qualify. Just because it's a favorite beach resort doesn't mean it can't be missed or that you can't get all of what it offers elsewhere (better sand, more marine life, better villas/rooms, better design, etc.). Or Amankila.
There are villa hotels with exceeding luxury but which are mimicked in some way by at least one or more other luxury properties. There are city hotels which are almost always mimicked in many ways by many other luxury city hotels.
Only a remote property is likely to fit the bill of one that can't be missed--since urban hotels more or less mimic each other in so many ways, just in different urban settings which blend together. Rural settings offer the most contrast without question.
That leaves me with Amanjiwo. No question.
Jul 12, 2014, 8:56 pm
#173
formerly known as deathscar
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Four Seasons George V Paris, but I was much younger when I went.
Also, Taj Falaknuma Palace, and the Amans in Bali.
Also, Taj Falaknuma Palace, and the Amans in Bali.
Jul 13, 2014, 1:09 am
#174
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essence of a place
I remember a feeling of ease, relaxation, reflection and of course utter, utter comfort and beauty of surroundings during our stay there that can make me feel at peace just thinking about it now all these years later! Now it may have been circumstantial...but something about [Villa Feltrinelli] makes it stand out amongst many jewels as THE hotel for me
I remember a feeling of ease, relaxation, reflection and of course utter, utter comfort and beauty of surroundings during our stay there that can make me feel at peace just thinking about it now all these years later! Now it may have been circumstantial...but something about [Villa Feltrinelli] makes it stand out amongst many jewels as THE hotel for me
Amanjiwo. There's nothing quite like it, both in design and with its view onto Borobodur
(1) must be architecturally and design-wise unique (otherwise, you could miss
(2) offer an experience that is unlike any other anywhere (otherwise, you could miss
Amanjiwo meets those criteria. No other hotel does in my opinion.
(1) must be architecturally and design-wise unique (otherwise, you could miss
(2) offer an experience that is unlike any other anywhere (otherwise, you could miss
Amanjiwo meets those criteria. No other hotel does in my opinion.
Aman Philosophy
Aman
Most resorts are in remote and / or private locations, away from hectic city...Aman resorts architecture is simple and minimalistic, and complements the local culture and environment.
Unique
Each resort is unique, but certain elements characterize all Aman resorts including a beautiful natural setting...The guest experience is unique at each resort as it is influenced by the culture of the surrounding area.
The LOOK, the architecture - our resorts should not look like a normal hotel, they should blend into the local environment.
In location - beautiful, natural surroundings.
Aman
Most resorts are in remote and / or private locations, away from hectic city...Aman resorts architecture is simple and minimalistic, and complements the local culture and environment.
Unique
Each resort is unique, but certain elements characterize all Aman resorts including a beautiful natural setting...The guest experience is unique at each resort as it is influenced by the culture of the surrounding area.
The LOOK, the architecture - our resorts should not look like a normal hotel, they should blend into the local environment.
In location - beautiful, natural surroundings.
another example of possible uniqueness for extremely isolated beach/culture >
"is contributing 100 percent of Ratua's profits"
feltrinelli seems pretty unique, incl quality of food
(ballyfin seems like the only possible comparable)
Last edited by Kagehitokiri; Sep 7, 2014 at 11:02 pm Reason: 2
Jul 31, 2014, 11:05 am
#175
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A very entertaining and inspiring thread!
My three cents:
Ngorongoro Crater Lodge, Tanzania -.for the location on the crater rim; for the fantastic staff; for the attention to detail; for the lavatory with the most incredible, incredible view... To see what it looked like (the lodge, not the lavatory), check here.
Kasbah Tamadot, Asni, Morrocco –.Sir Richard Branson's Moroccan hangout - another very special location but this place deserves its place on my list by having a simply wonderful staff; a great kitchen and some of the most attractive rooms I've ever seen. The ping-pong table in the garden didn't hurt either. Pics and more here
Elephant Bedroom Lodge, Samburu Nat. Reserve, Kenya –.a small, tented lodge located in the middle of nowhere. The camp is open, which means that you need to be escorted between the mess tent and your own tent. And inside the tents... few rooms have been more comfortable and tasteful. What stands out the most, apart from the location, is the staff. A small group of very caring and friendly guys (not to mention Nicholas, the gourmet chef)...
See what it looks like here.
The Elephant Bedroom was destroyed in a flash flood in 2010 but has since then been reconstructed.
All the links above = my pictures and opinions.
None of the above should be missed.
Cheers,
:: hkn ::
My three cents:
Ngorongoro Crater Lodge, Tanzania -.for the location on the crater rim; for the fantastic staff; for the attention to detail; for the lavatory with the most incredible, incredible view... To see what it looked like (the lodge, not the lavatory), check here.
Kasbah Tamadot, Asni, Morrocco –.Sir Richard Branson's Moroccan hangout - another very special location but this place deserves its place on my list by having a simply wonderful staff; a great kitchen and some of the most attractive rooms I've ever seen. The ping-pong table in the garden didn't hurt either. Pics and more here
Elephant Bedroom Lodge, Samburu Nat. Reserve, Kenya –.a small, tented lodge located in the middle of nowhere. The camp is open, which means that you need to be escorted between the mess tent and your own tent. And inside the tents... few rooms have been more comfortable and tasteful. What stands out the most, apart from the location, is the staff. A small group of very caring and friendly guys (not to mention Nicholas, the gourmet chef)...
See what it looks like here.
The Elephant Bedroom was destroyed in a flash flood in 2010 but has since then been reconstructed.
All the links above = my pictures and opinions.
None of the above should be missed.
Cheers,
:: hkn ::
Jul 31, 2014, 4:32 pm
#176
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Top 5 - YS, Pulo, Puri, Cipriani, Okura. (Most people probably will not agree on the last because the rooms are not great, but IMHO it still has the best service of any big city hotel in the world, Tohkalin is one my favorite restaurants, Orchid room is the best power breakfast spot in the world, and the lobby has a timeless style and serenity.)
Jul 31, 2014, 4:35 pm
#177
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Sep 7, 2014, 10:48 pm
#178
Original Member
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La Casa Que Canta, Zihuatanejo, Mexico
Dec 29, 2015, 4:56 pm
#179
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 405
Would love to see this thread regenerated.
Dec 29, 2015, 7:17 pm
#180
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I'll play, singita ebony (post recent reno) with another vote for singita sweni as #2, and fs Koh Samui as #3. Very excited for our upcoming trip to the crater lodge after these great reviews!