Amanresorts Thread 2017

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Jan 1, 2017, 11:11 am

Kagehitokiri

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Join Date: Jun 2006

Location: IAD/DCA

Posts: 31,797

Amanresorts Thread 2017

Quote:

Originally Posted by Musken

For me it is great this way

one of my thoughts was seeing same person's comparisons

Quote:

Originally Posted by Musken

maybe it is within another thread

right, only trip report threads in this forum (with one exception)

i compiled report list on aug 12 2012 >
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/luxur...l#post19108351

Last edited by Kagehitokiri; Dec 9, 2018 at 1:44 pm

Jan 1, 2017, 11:12 am

Kagehitokiri

FlyerTalk Evangelist

Original Poster

Join Date: Jun 2006

Location: IAD/DCA

Posts: 31,797

dining: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/luxur...l#post22108740
Children at Amans

expectations >

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fliar

my first stay at Amanpulo and - even though this is Aman number 14 - I'm blown away

Quote:

Originally Posted by Groombridge

best stays of 2012 [Amanfayun # 3] Aman-Summer Palace # 4
I was blown away by how personalized the experiences...were, even by Aman's highest of standards.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Groombridge

We expected...

So the great surprise of the trip was Amantaka which – even given the very high standards we have come to expect from Aman – is setting world-class service standards, and is one of the true jewels in the Aman crown. I’d never met Gary Tyson, Amantaka’s General Manager, before this stay, but given what he’s accomplished at Amantaka, he is someone we will now follow to whatever resort he happens to oversee. What he has done in creating service standards of the utmost polish and skill in a location where there was no former 5-star experience from which to draw, is astounding. (And if you get a chance, have him tell you about the process he went through of hiring and training new employees in a “fake Amantaka” he created to serve as a training site during the construction of the resort.) Aman resorts have spoiled many of us by setting the highest bar in the world for service and housekeeping standards, and even within this stiff competition, Amantaka rises to the very top.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Musken

Amanbagh...Service was the warmest, friendliest and most personal we have ever experienced at an Amanresort (and we have been to 17)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Musken

Amanpulo...The best service I have ever experienced after having been at 8 Amans...The most relaxing holiday I have ever been on. A beautiful island with dream beach

Quote:

Originally Posted by BENLEE

Family outing at the Amanjiwo, by far the most outstanding service I had ever encountered. The outings, the trips, the food, everything is Wow.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big_Foot

Amanjiwo...What can I say, a different level of service. You must experience it to understand.

Quote:

Originally Posted by opxzaw

being there is just breathtaking. Amanjiwo is an architectural masterpiece...The GM was not there during our stay...without a doubt the best hotel we ever stayed at. It was truly a once in a lifetime experience. Only downside is that I don't think we will be able to top this, but repeat we can and we will.

Quote:

Originally Posted by opxzaw

GM, here too, was not there during our stay...I refer to my comments about Amanjiwo with regards to the Aman experience only that at Amankila it is even a touch better.

Quote:

Originally Posted by jantaoYVR

Jiwo was our first Aman...What an absolutely fabulous introduction to the brand, and has made us frequent many more Amans since!

Quote:

Originally Posted by sfoactuary

for the rest of our lives we will both always remember our first Aman experience at Amangalla. I had been reading about the so-called Aman experience, but the glowing descriptions that people wrote just didn't do it justice.

Quote:

Originally Posted by gfunkdave

The only hotels I've stayed at where I was wowed were:
Aman i Khas, India
Silky Oaks Lodge, Australia

And really, the Aman was a few notches more amazing than Silky Oaks. But that was mainly because of our personal butler and the fact that there were only about a dozen "rooms".

...it's the service that makes a high end hotel.

Quote:

Originally Posted by msntriathlete

Aman New Delhi...by far the best hotel experience we have had anywhere in the world.

Quote:

Originally Posted by chelsea2

Our stay at Amanzoe was incredible - really exceeded expectations.

Quote:

Originally Posted by jackjesco

Kila exceeded all my expectations. Ernst is a truly wonderful GM.

Quote:

Originally Posted by chicagocat

Amangani...exceeded our expectations.

Quote:

Originally Posted by francophile

This was our first Aman stay and I must say now I understand why Aman is so highly praised on this forum. We have now tasted the drug and we want more of it. We can't wait to visit another

Quote:

Originally Posted by NotHome

AMANKORA...outstanding...we have made the classic mistake, our 1st stay at an Aman resort...logistics preparing the foods that they do are quite astounding

Quote:

Originally Posted by bearbrick

After several excruciating bouts of internal battles I decided that my choice for THE HOTEL is ... AMANPURI. at least until I stay in the next hotel that will blow my mind even after over 20 odd years.

Quote:

Originally Posted by plumbar

Amankila...First, the architecture is fabulous and unique. The rooms are luxurious in a "non-western" way. They incorporate their surroundings and environment. They don't try to fight it. Everything about the Amankila is about being in tune with your surroundings. It is very spiritual, too. The service is beyond reproach. I have been to many Four Season and other very high end resorts all over the world. Although they are fabulous too, there is a subtle difference between the way Aman resorts goes about taking care of their guests. They genuinely care about your well being. They never make you feel like they are doing you a favor. They have truly mastered the fine art of service to perfection.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ngfan

Amankila...Overall an exceptional resort and benchmark in service, staff attitude and overall experience for the rest of the hospitality world.

Quote:

Originally Posted by epitopeX

Before Awasi I was thinking "I wish all hotels are like Aman", and after Awasi I started to think "I wish all Amans are like Awasi..."

Quote:

Originally Posted by injian

over and beyond what we expected.

Quote:

Originally Posted by trach500

Summer Palace...our first ever Aman...we were definitely blown away...Amanfayun...nicer than the Palace.

Quote:

Originally Posted by eamus

Amansara was everything I had hoped it would be, and more

Quote:

Originally Posted by mad07

exceeded expectations!

Quote:

Originally Posted by CanuckFlyHigh

Amankila was my favorite hotel stay ever.

Quote:

Originally Posted by nmuva98

I found Kila to be my best resort stay ever

Last edited by Kagehitokiri; Dec 29, 2017 at 9:37 am

Jan 1, 2017, 11:12 am

Kagehitokiri

FlyerTalk Evangelist

Original Poster

Join Date: Jun 2006

Location: IAD/DCA

Posts: 31,797

previously >
Amanresorts Thread 2017
Amanresorts Thread 2016
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/luxur...manjunkie.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/luxur...manjunkie.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/luxur...manjunkie.html .
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/luxur...manjunkie.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/luxur...0-onwards.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/luxur...nd-2009-a.html

Last edited by Kagehitokiri; Dec 9, 2018 at 2:09 pm

Jan 1, 2017, 11:25 am

callmedtop

Join Date: Jan 2013

Location: BOS

Programs: AA EXP, DL PM, Hyatt Diamond

Posts: 2,028

Thanks Kage.

Per Aman's Facebook post today, sounds like Shanghai will open in "Autumn". Looks like we'll just miss it for our September trip. Would have loved to try it, even with the inevitable new-opening jitters.

Jan 1, 2017, 11:26 am

Kagehitokiri

FlyerTalk Evangelist

Original Poster

Join Date: Jun 2006

Location: IAD/DCA

Posts: 31,797

some news >
amanera sold to JV including Discovery Land
dolphin plans to sell amanzoe by end of 2019

Jan 3, 2017, 6:07 am

BlackHappy

Join Date: Dec 2014

Location: NYC, SEA, TPE

Programs: BR Diamond, B6 Mosaic

Posts: 436

Quote:

Originally Posted by callmedtop

We just got back from Amanfayun and asked about Shanghai when we were there. The GM said that it will open in December.

Jan 3, 2017, 10:39 am

vuittonsofstyle

Join Date: Aug 2007

Location: Here there and everywhere

Posts: 6,303

Big changes at board level at Aman

Big changes at board level at Aman. CEO Olivier Jolivet is out, replaced by Dorchester Collection's Roland Fasel (ex London and Regional). Lisa Bovio, Chief of Marketing and a Board member also rumoured to be out. Happy New Year!

Jan 3, 2017, 11:14 am

MacMyDay

Join Date: Jan 2015

Location: England

Posts: 1,361

Quote:

Originally Posted by vuittonsofstyle

I was told Roland will not be CEO, but COO, as CEO will be none other than Mr. Doronin himself.

Jan 3, 2017, 11:16 am

Kagehitokiri

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seems jolivet was doing tons of aman press coverage even in late december

"Le Must: Aman va ouvrir un 4ème resort à Shanghai au printemps 2017 - 21/11"
is a long TV interview might have some new shots of shanghai

hospitalitynet.org/staffmovement/79011696.html
Grays have moved to Six Senses corporate in bangkok
they were at Heckfield in UK, wonder if it is suspended

Jan 3, 2017, 11:16 am

#10

vuittonsofstyle

Join Date: Aug 2007

Location: Here there and everywhere

Posts: 6,303

Quote:

Originally Posted by MacMyDay

I was told Roland will not be CEO, but COO, as CEO will be none other than Mr. Doronin himself.

You ae right - sorry, I meant COO. I have holiday-head!

Jan 6, 2017, 5:20 pm

#11

A4K

Join Date: Jan 2010

Location: N/A

Programs: N/A

Posts: 823

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlackHappy

We just got back from Amanfayun and asked about Shanghai when we were there. The GM said that it will open in December.

How was your Fayun stay?

Thinking about heading there over the summer.

Jan 6, 2017, 7:35 pm

#12

BlackHappy

Join Date: Dec 2014

Location: NYC, SEA, TPE

Programs: BR Diamond, B6 Mosaic

Posts: 436

Quote:

Originally Posted by A4K

How was your Fayun stay?

Thinking about heading there over the summer.

Overall, it was a great time and a great stay. It was the first time taking our 6-month old abroad and it all went smoothly--they provided all the amenities needed for an infant (even babysitting when we went to dinner). The weather was unseasonably warm (around 40 F), but air quality was good and it was sunny. We were in a 1 bedroom villa, which was plenty of space for the 3 of us. As expected, the best part was the villa and the village itself. We went to Longjing Tea Village, Nine creeks, Hefang Street, Traditional Chinese Medicine museum, and Hu’s Villa. Of course, we also went to West Lake.
A few random thoughts:
- Pre-arrival communication: They were very responsive and we felt more at ease because of it. They even took pictures of the infant car seats they had and asked if it was all right.
- Butlers. They have a team of butlers. It seems like their role is a combination of concierge and bellboys. I thing I wanted was to have some alcoholic drinks as part of the meal at the vegetarian house (which I'd skip next time), but they said that was impossible. Other than that, they did a good job arranging tours and reservations.
- Do not disturb signs. I guess this is just a "suggestion" in their eyes. Once, they knocked saying that they saw the sign but decided to ignore it jus to see how we're doing. Another time, I heard the lady on the walkie-talkie asking what she should do if the DND is on. Apparently, the answer was to just knock anyways.
- Stamps. I don't know what's up with these luxury hotels and charging for stamps! In any case, after a few minutes of negotiation, they agreed to mail our two postcards for free.
- Plumbing. I suppose it is an old village, but the toilet on the 2nd floor lacked water pressure and didn't flush well. Also, drains in the baths in the spa got clogged and flooded the whole room.
- Locals vs. Foreigners: I saw one Japanese family but everyone else seemed to speak Chinese. We speak Chinese, so it was all right, but I can see how it might be a challenge for non-Chinese speakers.
- Uighers, Xinjiang, and Muslims: We heard the staff at Amanfayun say that they always report any of "those people" to the authorities because the authorities need to keep a close eye on them. They mentioned there was an undercover cop from the Xinjiang province who had just booked with them in order to test if they would actually alert the local authorities. They were proud to say that they passed with flying colors. At the airport lounge, I asked why they took the alcohol away after my first drink. They said it was because a Qatar flight would be departing soon, and those people are crazy especially when they drink. (They gave me a bottle to put in my bag--go figure). My point is, depending on how you look or where you're from, you might have different treatment.

Jan 6, 2017, 8:35 pm

#13

livefromtuscany

formerly vienna-resident

Join Date: Jan 2005

Location: Montepulciano, Tuscany

Posts: 1,066

Aman 2017... so far, a very disappointing experience. We're on a 3-week Bali & Beyond trip, and what was supposed to be the vacation highlight of the year will probably be our last Aman experience for the time being.

I'll write a detailed report after returning home, but what started very promising at Jiwo (thanks to Ian W who was temporarily on site) turned into our worst-ever Aman experience at Dari (too many service issues to mention, from massive housekeeping issues to a completely ignored birthday). GM and most senior staff were absent when we arrived and only returned the day before our departure. GM Jann H is a very likeable person, but coming from outside he doesn't yet fully understand what a true Aman-experience should be like.

Now we're at Wana where I'm sitting in the tent waiting for them to set up an umbrella for the sunbeds which so far has taken 60 minutes (and counting) and 2 phone calls. Also here, GMs and chef are on vacation. The manager in charge is doing is best.

Communication between the resorts in non-existent (they all have the same old address on file, address my wife by their maiden name, don't remember any preferences, etc.). The loss of old those long-standing GMs in now really starting to show. Worrying, worrying...

Last edited by livefromtuscany; Jan 7, 2017 at 1:33 am Reason: updated

Jan 6, 2017, 8:45 pm

#14

callmedtop

Join Date: Jan 2013

Location: BOS

Programs: AA EXP, DL PM, Hyatt Diamond

Posts: 2,028

Quote:

Originally Posted by vienna-resident

Aman 2017... so far, a very disappointing experience. We're on a 3-week Bali & Beyond trip, and what was supposed to be the vacation highlight of the year will probably be our last Aman experience for the time being.

I'll write a detailed report after returning home, but what started very promising at Jiwo (thanks to Ian W who was temporarily on site) turned into our worst-ever Aman experience at Dari (too many service issues to mention, from massive housekeeping issues to a completely ignored birthday). GM and most senior staff were absent when we arrived and only returned the day before our departure. GM Jann H is a very likeable person, but clearly has no idea of what the Aman experience should be like. Now we're at Wana where I'm sitting in the tent waiting for them to set up an umbrella for the sunbeds which so far has taken 60 minutes (and counting) and 2 phone calls. Also here, GMs and chef are on vacation. The manager in charge is doing is best.

Communication between the resorts in non-existent (they all have the same old address on file, address my wife by their maiden name, don't remember any preferences, etc.). The loss of old those long-standing GMs in now really starting to show. Worrying, worrying...

Very, very disappointing. Sorry to hear about your experiences. We are planning on an Indonesia Aman honeymoon in 2018, so hope things turn around by then.

That said, my mother and her best friend just came back from Amandari and only had positive things to say.

Jan 6, 2017, 8:58 pm

#15

livefromtuscany

formerly vienna-resident

Join Date: Jan 2005

Location: Montepulciano, Tuscany

Posts: 1,066

Quote:

Originally Posted by callmedtop

That said, my mother and her best friend just came back from Amandari and only had positive things to say.

Well, the resort is still beautiful and well maintained. It's 30 years old, but very charming and we liked it better than the brand-new glitzy RC Mandapa next door. And to be fair, things got a lot better when the management was present, but for an Aman this is simply not acceptable. As my wife said aptly, 'it looks like an Aman, but it doesn't feel like an Aman'.

Looks like we're getting our umbrella now

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