Feb 12, 2018, 5:37 pm
Amanresorts Thread 2018
Sep 9, 2018, 2:27 pm
#376
Join Date: May 2018
Posts: 68
Hi all - this is my first foray into this forum as a self-proclaimed Aman newbie. It's been very helpful reading through the posts on here, although it's a lot of information to take in!
I will be travelling for several months next year and had planned on visiting a few of the Aman properties in Asia, although I'm a little concerned now having read about the re-org/change in management that is underway and the other thread about an awful stay at SS where a few posters indicated that Aman's service levels are declining.
That being said which properties would you recommend for our first proper dive into Aman? (We have stayed in Aman Tokyo, although I understand this property is very different to the other resorts).
We would be open to both island getaways/escapes & beach resorts that are closer to local attraction/cuisine options. Timing wise we are pretty flexible but would obviously prefer to avoid typhoon/monsoon seasons!
Also do Aman properties have separate rates for longer stays (say 1 month+) as per some other 5* resorts & hotels?
Many thanks in advance.
I will be travelling for several months next year and had planned on visiting a few of the Aman properties in Asia, although I'm a little concerned now having read about the re-org/change in management that is underway and the other thread about an awful stay at SS where a few posters indicated that Aman's service levels are declining.
That being said which properties would you recommend for our first proper dive into Aman? (We have stayed in Aman Tokyo, although I understand this property is very different to the other resorts).
We would be open to both island getaways/escapes & beach resorts that are closer to local attraction/cuisine options. Timing wise we are pretty flexible but would obviously prefer to avoid typhoon/monsoon seasons!
Also do Aman properties have separate rates for longer stays (say 1 month+) as per some other 5* resorts & hotels?
Many thanks in advance.
Sep 9, 2018, 2:37 pm
#377
formerly htang333
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Wi-Fi
Programs: Virtuoso, Top Ranked: Four Seasons (Top 25 Advisor), AMAN (Top 50), Rosewood, Hyatt Prive, etc.
Posts: 1,455
Hi all - this is my first foray into this forum as a self-proclaimed Aman newbie. It's been very helpful reading through the posts on here, although it's a lot of information to take in!
I will be travelling for several months next year and had planned on visiting a few of the Aman properties in Asia, although I'm a little concerned now having read about the re-org/change in management that is underway and the other thread about an awful stay at SS where a few posters indicated that Aman's service levels are declining.
That being said which properties would you recommend for our first proper dive into Aman? (We have stayed in Aman Tokyo, although I understand this property is very different to the other resorts).
We would be open to both island getaways/escapes & beach resorts that are closer to local attraction/cuisine options. Timing wise we are pretty flexible but would obviously prefer to avoid typhoon/monsoon seasons!
Also do Aman properties have separate rates for longer stays (say 1 month+) as per some other 5* resorts & hotels?
Many thanks in advance.
I will be travelling for several months next year and had planned on visiting a few of the Aman properties in Asia, although I'm a little concerned now having read about the re-org/change in management that is underway and the other thread about an awful stay at SS where a few posters indicated that Aman's service levels are declining.
That being said which properties would you recommend for our first proper dive into Aman? (We have stayed in Aman Tokyo, although I understand this property is very different to the other resorts).
We would be open to both island getaways/escapes & beach resorts that are closer to local attraction/cuisine options. Timing wise we are pretty flexible but would obviously prefer to avoid typhoon/monsoon seasons!
Also do Aman properties have separate rates for longer stays (say 1 month+) as per some other 5* resorts & hotels?
Many thanks in advance.
I'm sure everyone will have a different opinion on the matter but based on my experience, I'd suggest starting with the Indonesia properties. Especially Amankila. That was our first Aman and made us fall in love with the brand (of course, things have changed a bit). Amankila still has some Aman soul. Another good one would be Amanoi. Amanoi has one of my favorite hard products within Aman. Nicholas is a pretty hands on GM and cares about guest experiences. See him out often. Same can be said about Ernst at Amankila. Also, both properties are VERY good value. Depending on your timing, nightly rates can easily start between USD 550 - USD 800, which is very good for Aman. We've had fantastic and proper Aman service at Amanjena as well, also great value depending on your timing. Amanpulo is also fantastic due to the island itself. The service can be hit or miss but when it's good, it's very good. I don't love the design of the Casitas but it will suffice, get a Beach Casita. They have 4th night free promotions, usually from late summer till end of Nov. If you're up for an one bedroom villa, #32 is fabulous! Overall, the island is just lovely and worth visiting. I actually prefer it over the Maldives. If only Amanpulo had Cheval Blanc's villas in place of its Casitas
Enjoy!
Last edited by BESVISOR; Sep 9, 2018 at 2:52 pm
Sep 9, 2018, 2:46 pm
#378
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Southern California, USA
Programs: Marriott Ambassador and LTT, UA Plat/LT Gold, AA Gold
Posts: 8,764
Hi all - this is my first foray into this forum as a self-proclaimed Aman newbie. It's been very helpful reading through the posts on here, although it's a lot of information to take in!
I will be travelling for several months next year and had planned on visiting a few of the Aman properties in Asia, although I'm a little concerned now having read about the re-org/change in management that is underway and the other thread about an awful stay at SS where a few posters indicated that Aman's service levels are declining.
That being said which properties would you recommend for our first proper dive into Aman? (We have stayed in Aman Tokyo, although I understand this property is very different to the other resorts).
We would be open to both island getaways/escapes & beach resorts that are closer to local attraction/cuisine options. Timing wise we are pretty flexible but would obviously prefer to avoid typhoon/monsoon seasons!
Also do Aman properties have separate rates for longer stays (say 1 month+) as per some other 5* resorts & hotels?
Many thanks in advance.
I will be travelling for several months next year and had planned on visiting a few of the Aman properties in Asia, although I'm a little concerned now having read about the re-org/change in management that is underway and the other thread about an awful stay at SS where a few posters indicated that Aman's service levels are declining.
That being said which properties would you recommend for our first proper dive into Aman? (We have stayed in Aman Tokyo, although I understand this property is very different to the other resorts).
We would be open to both island getaways/escapes & beach resorts that are closer to local attraction/cuisine options. Timing wise we are pretty flexible but would obviously prefer to avoid typhoon/monsoon seasons!
Also do Aman properties have separate rates for longer stays (say 1 month+) as per some other 5* resorts & hotels?
Many thanks in advance.
Second, do you most value incredible hard product or incredible soft product (aka service and food/beverage) or both equally? Evaluating on that basis will suggest certain Aman properties over others. But it still depends on your own priorities.
Third, historically I’d steer you to one or more of the following properties that tend to offer unique locations without much or any competition from other real luxury options:
(1) Amanjiwo...if you like a spot like Borobudur Temple and/or might like Javanese culture/food, this is a no-brainer Aman with no competition.
(2) Amankila...if you want a spot in much less touristy eastern Bali, this is the place, especially if you like your own private pool accommodation.
(3) Amanoi...if you want a spectacular hard product and good soft product and enjoy a spa/ocean view retreat where you don’t do a whole lot
(4) Amanpulo...if you want spectacular white and soft sand beach holiday and stay at least in the villa category
(5) Amanwana...if (and only if) you want a get away from it all luxury tent holiday and/or love to scuba dive and/or snorkel
(6) Amanbagh...if you want an off the path luxury stay in rural India and/or want an escape from the typical urban chaos of India
And outside of Asia, there’s only one Aman I’d really recommend as being particularly amazing and unique:
(7) Amangiri...if you want to stay in the middle of nowhere in luxury but within striking distance of 1-2 hrs of some of the greatest natural wonders and natural scenery in the American West.
Though some others also may suggest outside of Asia:
(8) Amanzoe...if you want a tremendous hard product seaside escape in Greece.
Honestly, that’s about it for me. I might have suggested Amandayan in Lijiang except that it gets so little play on FlyerTalk that I’m suspicious—despite Lijiang being one of my favorite surprises of all destinations in China.
Last edited by bhrubin; Sep 9, 2018 at 5:47 pm
Sep 9, 2018, 4:25 pm
#379
Join Date: May 2018
Posts: 68
Welcome!
I'm sure everyone will have a different opinion on the matter but based on my experience, I'd suggest starting with the Indonesia properties. Especially Amankila. That was our first Aman and made us fall in love with the brand (of course, things have changed a bit). Amankila still has some Aman soul. Another good one would be Amanoi. Amanoi has one of my favorite hard products within Aman. Nicholas is a pretty hands on GM and cares about guest experiences. See him out often. Same can be said about Ernst at Amankila. Also, both properties are VERY good value. Depending on your timing, nightly rates can easily start between USD 550 - USD 800, which is very good for Aman. We've had fantastic and proper Aman service at Amanjena as well, also great value depending on your timing. Amanpulo is also fantastic due to the island itself. The service can be hit or miss but when it's good, it's very good. I don't love the design of the Casitas but it will suffice, get a Beach Casita. They have 4th night free promotions, usually from late summer till end of Nov. If you're up for an one bedroom villa, #32 is fabulous! Overall, the island is just lovely and worth visiting. I actually prefer it over the Maldives. If only Amanpulo had Cheval Blanc's villas in place of its Casitas
Enjoy!
I'm sure everyone will have a different opinion on the matter but based on my experience, I'd suggest starting with the Indonesia properties. Especially Amankila. That was our first Aman and made us fall in love with the brand (of course, things have changed a bit). Amankila still has some Aman soul. Another good one would be Amanoi. Amanoi has one of my favorite hard products within Aman. Nicholas is a pretty hands on GM and cares about guest experiences. See him out often. Same can be said about Ernst at Amankila. Also, both properties are VERY good value. Depending on your timing, nightly rates can easily start between USD 550 - USD 800, which is very good for Aman. We've had fantastic and proper Aman service at Amanjena as well, also great value depending on your timing. Amanpulo is also fantastic due to the island itself. The service can be hit or miss but when it's good, it's very good. I don't love the design of the Casitas but it will suffice, get a Beach Casita. They have 4th night free promotions, usually from late summer till end of Nov. If you're up for an one bedroom villa, #32 is fabulous! Overall, the island is just lovely and worth visiting. I actually prefer it over the Maldives. If only Amanpulo had Cheval Blanc's villas in place of its Casitas
Enjoy!
First, I wouldn’t just blindly assume that any Aman is going to be the best—or even your best bet. Not any longer.
Second, do you most value incredible hard product or incredible soft product (aka service and food/beverage) or both equally? Evaluating on that basis will suggest certain Aman properties over others. But it still depends on your own priorities.
Third, historically I’d steer you to one or more of the following properties that tend to offer unique locations without much or any competition from other real luxury options:
(1) Amanjiwo...if you like a spot like Borobudur Temple and/or might like Javanese culture/food, this is a no-brained Aman with no competition.
(2) Amankila...if you want a spot in much less touristy eastern Bali, this is the place, especially if you like your own private pool accommodation.
(3) Amanoi...if you want a spectacular hard product and good soft product and enjoy a spa/ocean view retreat where you don’t do a whole lot
(4) Amanpulo...if you want spectacular white and soft sand beach holiday and stay at least in the villa category
(5) Amanwana...if (and only if) you want a get away from it all luxury tent holiday and/or love to scuba dive and/or snorkel
(6) Amanbagh...if you want an off the path luxury stay in rural India and/or want an escape from the typical urban chaos of India
And outside of Asia, there’s only one Aman I’d really recommend as being particularly amazing and unique:
(7) Amangiri...if you want to stay in the middle of nowhere in luxury but within striking distance of 1-2 hrs of some of the greatest natural wonders and natural scenery in the American West.
Though some others also may suggest outside of Asia:
(8) Amanzoe...if you want a tremendous hard product seaside escape in Greece.
Honestly, that’s about it for me. I might have suggested Amandayan in Lijiang except that it gets so little play on FlyerTalk that I’m suspicious—despite Lijiang being one of my favorite surprises of all destinations in China.
To be honest, we are not assuming that Aman will be our best choice (but it didn't feel appropriate to say that in my original post given this thread is for Aman only). We are primarily looking for some zen-like retreats for some R&R during our working travels, which was my previous impression of Aman properties.
In response to the hard product vs soft product preference, we would generally place a higher level of importance on the hard product, particularly for beach retreats. Sounds like Amanoi has the edge here! (Slightly off topic, but I have read some of your other reviews and as an example we ended up booking the Conrad in Osaka for the amazing hard product rather than RC or StR. We did adore the PG however where the service was clearly superior.)
That being said there is clearly a minimum level of service that is expected at any luxury destination, but it seems that some Aman properties are failing to meet that at the moment. In particular, given we are looking for somewhere to unwind, we would be quite irritated by staff not addressing inconveniences caused by other guests appropriately or taking the initiative in doing so (be it misbehaving children or weddings as mentioned above).
Otherwise, if there are issues with service then we would generally just deal with them as they arise and move on (although we do find it frustrating trying to communicate with staff who clearly dislike their jobs and make no effort to hide it or who can't hold a simple conversation in English).
In terms of F&B we generally try to eat off site to experience as much of the local cuisine as possible, but we do make exceptions for Michelin obviously!
Your suggestions and description are very helpful indeed. Clearly there is much research to be done still..
Sep 9, 2018, 7:29 pm
#380
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: NYC
Posts: 427
I highly recommend doing a snorkeling boat trip with the Kila crew. Not only for the beautiful corals and fish in the surrounding waters, but also a very relaxing time sunbathing on the roof of the boat.
Sep 9, 2018, 8:06 pm
#381
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: SEA
Programs: BA Gold, Hyatt Glob, MR Plat, HH Diamond, IHG Amb
Posts: 443
Also, should I request any particular villa or not?
Sep 9, 2018, 8:57 pm
#382
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: here and there
Programs: some
Posts: 3,378
Good list. I'd add Amanfayun and Amandayan to this list.
Sep 9, 2018, 9:06 pm
#383
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Parts Unknown
Posts: 10,050
Hi all - this is my first foray into this forum as a self-proclaimed Aman newbie. It's been very helpful reading through the posts on here, although it's a lot of information to take in!
I will be travelling for several months next year and had planned on visiting a few of the Aman properties in Asia, although I'm a little concerned now having read about the re-org/change in management that is underway and the other thread about an awful stay at SS where a few posters indicated that Aman's service levels are declining.
That being said which properties would you recommend for our first proper dive into Aman? (We have stayed in Aman Tokyo, although I understand this property is very different to the other resorts).
We would be open to both island getaways/escapes & beach resorts that are closer to local attraction/cuisine options. Timing wise we are pretty flexible but would obviously prefer to avoid typhoon/monsoon seasons!
Also do Aman properties have separate rates for longer stays (say 1 month+) as per some other 5* resorts & hotels?
Many thanks in advance.
I will be travelling for several months next year and had planned on visiting a few of the Aman properties in Asia, although I'm a little concerned now having read about the re-org/change in management that is underway and the other thread about an awful stay at SS where a few posters indicated that Aman's service levels are declining.
That being said which properties would you recommend for our first proper dive into Aman? (We have stayed in Aman Tokyo, although I understand this property is very different to the other resorts).
We would be open to both island getaways/escapes & beach resorts that are closer to local attraction/cuisine options. Timing wise we are pretty flexible but would obviously prefer to avoid typhoon/monsoon seasons!
Also do Aman properties have separate rates for longer stays (say 1 month+) as per some other 5* resorts & hotels?
Many thanks in advance.
Thanks for your responses.
To be honest, we are not assuming that Aman will be our best choice (but it didn't feel appropriate to say that in my original post given this thread is for Aman only). We are primarily looking for some zen-like retreats for some R&R during our working travels, which was my previous impression of Aman properties.
In terms of F&B we generally try to eat off site to experience as much of the local cuisine as possible, but we do make exceptions for Michelin obviously!
Your suggestions and description are very helpful indeed. Clearly there is much research to be done still..
To be honest, we are not assuming that Aman will be our best choice (but it didn't feel appropriate to say that in my original post given this thread is for Aman only). We are primarily looking for some zen-like retreats for some R&R during our working travels, which was my previous impression of Aman properties.
In terms of F&B we generally try to eat off site to experience as much of the local cuisine as possible, but we do make exceptions for Michelin obviously!
Your suggestions and description are very helpful indeed. Clearly there is much research to be done still..
Sep 9, 2018, 11:52 pm
#384
formerly known as deathscar
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Hong Kong
Programs: Virtuoso | Four Seasons Preferred Partner | Rosewood Elite | Hyatt Prive - and more
Posts: 2,096
Depends what your budget is.
At Amankila, my favourite room is definitely the Kilasari Suite (see more here, including pics): https://www.thesuitelife.com.hk/aman...-hotel-review/
Otherwise I'd go with at least the Ocean Suite.
Not a huge fan of the pool suites unless the pool is an absolute MUST.
At Amankila, my favourite room is definitely the Kilasari Suite (see more here, including pics): https://www.thesuitelife.com.hk/aman...-hotel-review/
Otherwise I'd go with at least the Ocean Suite.
Not a huge fan of the pool suites unless the pool is an absolute MUST.
Sep 9, 2018, 11:58 pm
#385
Join Date: May 2018
Posts: 68
I think a month at any Aman would become a little too much and boring for me, personally. I would definitely use a month to tour all the Indonesian Amans though.
Some properties you're going to have no choice but dine on the premises. Just nothing around to go dine out at.
Some properties you're going to have no choice but dine on the premises. Just nothing around to go dine out at.
Re dining, we are more than happy to dine on premises when needed and I was only responding to bhrubin in terms of where our priorities generally lie. However I may well be retracting my earlier comment having looked at the dining on offer at Iniala..
Sep 10, 2018, 8:42 am
#388
formerly htang333
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Wi-Fi
Programs: Virtuoso, Top Ranked: Four Seasons (Top 25 Advisor), AMAN (Top 50), Rosewood, Hyatt Prive, etc.
Posts: 1,455
Kila's 3-tier is obviously fabulous and iconic but we really loved the pool by the beach club as no one ever goes down there (not actually true but felt like it) and we just had it all to ourselves most of the time. Loved being able to access the beach quickly and back to the pool.
Sep 10, 2018, 9:49 am
#389
formerly known as deathscar
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Hong Kong
Programs: Virtuoso | Four Seasons Preferred Partner | Rosewood Elite | Hyatt Prive - and more
Posts: 2,096
Kila's 3-tier is obviously fabulous and iconic but we really loved the pool by the beach club as no one ever goes down there (not actually true but felt like it) and we just had it all to ourselves most of the time. Loved being able to access the beach quickly and back to the pool.
We weren't entirely alone in the pool - there was at least one other family (different ones each time) the whole time we were there but we enjoyed relaxing by the pool, and also ended up water polo with the family's kids.
It's also a very well-designed pool.
Sep 10, 2018, 10:06 am
#390
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Southern California, USA
Programs: Marriott Ambassador and LTT, UA Plat/LT Gold, AA Gold
Posts: 8,764
Kila's 3-tier is obviously fabulous and iconic but we really loved the pool by the beach club as no one ever goes down there (not actually true but felt like it) and we just had it all to ourselves most of the time. Loved being able to access the beach quickly and back to the pool.