Winter Aman Trip (French Alps and Sri Lanka)
Sep 11, 2018, 10:21 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2018
Posts: 167
Winter Aman Trip (French Alps and Sri Lanka)
Hello! I’ve been looking for a while to find a discussion forum regarding luxury travel to no avail, but now I’ve found this forum and it’s perfect.
I’m in the midst of planning a trip for my fiancé and I at the end of December/Start of January. Our idea was to include a ski getaway and a beach getaway in the same trip.
The current plan is 5 nights at Aman Le Mézélin for skiing in the French Alps, then flying to Sri Lanka for 3 days exploring Colombo (she is eager to explore the city) and another 5-6 days in the southern part of the country at either Amangalla or Amanwella.
I have a few questions that I hope you may have answers for:
1. I’m an Amanjunkie just like many of you (17 so far), and there is lots of discussion about almost every Aman property on this forum. The exception to that as far as I can tell is Aman Le Mézélin. I looked through the forum and found next to no discussion about the property. Is there a reason for this? Should I not stay there? Is it not as good as the other properties?
2. For those who have been to both, which is a better resort: Amangalla or Amanwella? I am leaning towards Amanwella, but am not certain. Maybe I could do 3 days at each.
3. Is the Shangri-La Colombo the best hotel in the city? I’m looking for luxury and a good location for city exploring.
4. I have *A Gold and Skyteam Elite Plus. We will likely fly Toronto to Zurich on Air Canada, Zurich to Geneva on Swissair, Geneva back to Zurich on Swissair, Zurich to Colombo via Dubai on Emirates, and Cathay Pacific from Colombo via Hong Kong to Toronto. Is there a better route from Zurich to Colombo with a first class product as good as Emirates? Is there a different route from Colombo back to Toronto that any of you would suggest that has a First Class as good as or better than Cathay Pacific?
5. What is the best way to get from Colombo to the Southern Coast? Jet charter? Helicopter? Hire a car?
Cheers!
I’m in the midst of planning a trip for my fiancé and I at the end of December/Start of January. Our idea was to include a ski getaway and a beach getaway in the same trip.
The current plan is 5 nights at Aman Le Mézélin for skiing in the French Alps, then flying to Sri Lanka for 3 days exploring Colombo (she is eager to explore the city) and another 5-6 days in the southern part of the country at either Amangalla or Amanwella.
I have a few questions that I hope you may have answers for:
1. I’m an Amanjunkie just like many of you (17 so far), and there is lots of discussion about almost every Aman property on this forum. The exception to that as far as I can tell is Aman Le Mézélin. I looked through the forum and found next to no discussion about the property. Is there a reason for this? Should I not stay there? Is it not as good as the other properties?
2. For those who have been to both, which is a better resort: Amangalla or Amanwella? I am leaning towards Amanwella, but am not certain. Maybe I could do 3 days at each.
3. Is the Shangri-La Colombo the best hotel in the city? I’m looking for luxury and a good location for city exploring.
4. I have *A Gold and Skyteam Elite Plus. We will likely fly Toronto to Zurich on Air Canada, Zurich to Geneva on Swissair, Geneva back to Zurich on Swissair, Zurich to Colombo via Dubai on Emirates, and Cathay Pacific from Colombo via Hong Kong to Toronto. Is there a better route from Zurich to Colombo with a first class product as good as Emirates? Is there a different route from Colombo back to Toronto that any of you would suggest that has a First Class as good as or better than Cathay Pacific?
5. What is the best way to get from Colombo to the Southern Coast? Jet charter? Helicopter? Hire a car?
Cheers!
Sep 12, 2018, 10:39 am
#2
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
Welcome to FT!
Take a look at Four Seasons Megeve.
Cheers!
Take a look at Four Seasons Megeve.
Cheers!
Last edited by BESVISOR; Sep 12, 2018 at 1:35 pm
Sep 12, 2018, 1:20 pm
#3
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: OSL
Posts: 2,145
Hello! I’ve been looking for a while to find a discussion forum regarding luxury travel to no avail, but now I’ve found this forum and it’s perfect.
I’m in the midst of planning a trip for my fiancé and I at the end of December/Start of January. Our idea was to include a ski getaway and a beach getaway in the same trip.
The current plan is 5 nights at Aman Le Mézélin for skiing in the French Alps, then flying to Sri Lanka for 3 days exploring Colombo (she is eager to explore the city) and another 5-6 days in the southern part of the country at either Amangalla or Amanwella.
I have a few questions that I hope you may have answers for:
1. I’m an Amanjunkie just like many of you (17 so far), and there is lots of discussion about almost every Aman property on this forum. The exception to that as far as I can tell is Aman Le Mézélin. I looked through the forum and found next to no discussion about the property. Is there a reason for this? Should I not stay there? Is it not as good as the other properties?
2. For those who have been to both, which is a better resort: Amangalla or Amanwella? I am leaning towards Amanwella, but am not certain. Maybe I could do 3 days at each.
3. Is the Shangri-La Colombo the best hotel in the city? I’m looking for luxury and a good location for city exploring.
4. I have *A Gold and Skyteam Elite Plus. We will likely fly Toronto to Zurich on Air Canada, Zurich to Geneva on Swissair, Geneva back to Zurich on Swissair, Zurich to Colombo via Dubai on Emirates, and Cathay Pacific from Colombo via Hong Kong to Toronto. Is there a better route from Zurich to Colombo with a first class product as good as Emirates? Is there a different route from Colombo back to Toronto that any of you would suggest that has a First Class as good as or better than Cathay Pacific?
5. What is the best way to get from Colombo to the Southern Coast? Jet charter? Helicopter? Hire a car?
Cheers!
I’m in the midst of planning a trip for my fiancé and I at the end of December/Start of January. Our idea was to include a ski getaway and a beach getaway in the same trip.
The current plan is 5 nights at Aman Le Mézélin for skiing in the French Alps, then flying to Sri Lanka for 3 days exploring Colombo (she is eager to explore the city) and another 5-6 days in the southern part of the country at either Amangalla or Amanwella.
I have a few questions that I hope you may have answers for:
1. I’m an Amanjunkie just like many of you (17 so far), and there is lots of discussion about almost every Aman property on this forum. The exception to that as far as I can tell is Aman Le Mézélin. I looked through the forum and found next to no discussion about the property. Is there a reason for this? Should I not stay there? Is it not as good as the other properties?
2. For those who have been to both, which is a better resort: Amangalla or Amanwella? I am leaning towards Amanwella, but am not certain. Maybe I could do 3 days at each.
3. Is the Shangri-La Colombo the best hotel in the city? I’m looking for luxury and a good location for city exploring.
4. I have *A Gold and Skyteam Elite Plus. We will likely fly Toronto to Zurich on Air Canada, Zurich to Geneva on Swissair, Geneva back to Zurich on Swissair, Zurich to Colombo via Dubai on Emirates, and Cathay Pacific from Colombo via Hong Kong to Toronto. Is there a better route from Zurich to Colombo with a first class product as good as Emirates? Is there a different route from Colombo back to Toronto that any of you would suggest that has a First Class as good as or better than Cathay Pacific?
5. What is the best way to get from Colombo to the Southern Coast? Jet charter? Helicopter? Hire a car?
Cheers!
Regarding your questions:
Went to both Galla and Wella 1,5 years ago. Found them both to be below average for Amans, not my favourites. If you have 6 days, you can easily visit both which I would do. 1 or 2 nights at Galla and then relax at the Wella beach in the end. They can take care of transportation which does take some time, but cars and roads are good so no problem. When we were there, we preferred Galla, but 1 or 2 nights is enough. We had good service and food there, room was also nice and the pool definitely needed in the heat of the day in between sightseeing. In addition to enjoying the hotel, we looked at Galle fort and town and we also went to the markets and on a cooking class. Lots of places to eat nearby as well and some charming shopping. Visited a tea planation on the way between Galla and Wella (OK). Wella was on a wonderful beach, really a dream beach, but high waves so not suitable for swimming, service and food far below Aman standard. Room OK but nothing more. Nowhere to eat nearby. Went to visit a nature reserve with elephants (OK, but nothing special compared to other safaris), on a whale safari (should have left that out, waves too wild to enjoy sea), saw the markets as well (Galle better).
All in all, I would try to find another combination of ski and sea....
Sep 12, 2018, 3:30 pm
#4
Join Date: Nov 2017
Location: London
Programs: Avios
Posts: 166
Hello! I’ve been looking for a while to find a discussion forum regarding luxury travel to no avail, but now I’ve found this forum and it’s perfect.
I’m in the midst of planning a trip for my fiancé and I at the end of December/Start of January. Our idea was to include a ski getaway and a beach getaway in the same trip.
The current plan is 5 nights at Aman Le Mézélin for skiing in the French Alps, then flying to Sri Lanka for 3 days exploring Colombo (she is eager to explore the city) and another 5-6 days in the southern part of the country at either Amangalla or Amanwella.
I have a few questions that I hope you may have answers for:
1. I’m an Amanjunkie just like many of you (17 so far), and there is lots of discussion about almost every Aman property on this forum. The exception to that as far as I can tell is Aman Le Mézélin. I looked through the forum and found next to no discussion about the property. Is there a reason for this? Should I not stay there? Is it not as good as the other properties?
2. For those who have been to both, which is a better resort: Amangalla or Amanwella? I am leaning towards Amanwella, but am not certain. Maybe I could do 3 days at each.
3. Is the Shangri-La Colombo the best hotel in the city? I’m looking for luxury and a good location for city exploring.
4. I have *A Gold and Skyteam Elite Plus. We will likely fly Toronto to Zurich on Air Canada, Zurich to Geneva on Swissair, Geneva back to Zurich on Swissair, Zurich to Colombo via Dubai on Emirates, and Cathay Pacific from Colombo via Hong Kong to Toronto. Is there a better route from Zurich to Colombo with a first class product as good as Emirates? Is there a different route from Colombo back to Toronto that any of you would suggest that has a First Class as good as or better than Cathay Pacific?
5. What is the best way to get from Colombo to the Southern Coast? Jet charter? Helicopter? Hire a car?
Cheers!
I’m in the midst of planning a trip for my fiancé and I at the end of December/Start of January. Our idea was to include a ski getaway and a beach getaway in the same trip.
The current plan is 5 nights at Aman Le Mézélin for skiing in the French Alps, then flying to Sri Lanka for 3 days exploring Colombo (she is eager to explore the city) and another 5-6 days in the southern part of the country at either Amangalla or Amanwella.
I have a few questions that I hope you may have answers for:
1. I’m an Amanjunkie just like many of you (17 so far), and there is lots of discussion about almost every Aman property on this forum. The exception to that as far as I can tell is Aman Le Mézélin. I looked through the forum and found next to no discussion about the property. Is there a reason for this? Should I not stay there? Is it not as good as the other properties?
2. For those who have been to both, which is a better resort: Amangalla or Amanwella? I am leaning towards Amanwella, but am not certain. Maybe I could do 3 days at each.
3. Is the Shangri-La Colombo the best hotel in the city? I’m looking for luxury and a good location for city exploring.
4. I have *A Gold and Skyteam Elite Plus. We will likely fly Toronto to Zurich on Air Canada, Zurich to Geneva on Swissair, Geneva back to Zurich on Swissair, Zurich to Colombo via Dubai on Emirates, and Cathay Pacific from Colombo via Hong Kong to Toronto. Is there a better route from Zurich to Colombo with a first class product as good as Emirates? Is there a different route from Colombo back to Toronto that any of you would suggest that has a First Class as good as or better than Cathay Pacific?
5. What is the best way to get from Colombo to the Southern Coast? Jet charter? Helicopter? Hire a car?
Cheers!
Sep 12, 2018, 4:11 pm
#6
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: IAD/DCA
Posts: 31,797
Sep 12, 2018, 4:45 pm
#8
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2018
Posts: 167
I’ve been to Kila, Dari, Jiwo, Noi, Puri, i-Khás, Bagh, Fayun, Summer Palace, Tokyo, Emu, Sveti Stefan, Zoe, Venice, Yara, Giri, Era.
While a trip to France and Sri Lanka may be an odd combination, I would be visiting three new Amans!
I do use a Virtuoso travel advisor.
I must have missed it when I originally looked at the consolidated thread. I just found it and it’s making me even more interested (especially seeing some amazing photos). The Suite Le Mélézin looks great, and I’ll see if it’s available. Aman Le Mézélin looks like a perfect hotel for big skiers like my fiancé and I.
Any other tips you have to ensure a great stay?
While a trip to France and Sri Lanka may be an odd combination, I would be visiting three new Amans!
I do use a Virtuoso travel advisor.
Any other tips you have to ensure a great stay?
Last edited by RichardInSF; Sep 13, 2018 at 10:41 pm Reason: Consecutive posts by same member; please use multi-quote feqture
Sep 13, 2018, 2:39 am
#9
Join Date: Jan 2014
Posts: 1,265
I can definitely understand why you would want to stay at Le Mélezin (on my list too) but IMHO combining this with Sri Lanka, is pretty complicating. You will be flying literally round the world to do so. Not that I mind, I have done crazier things but in case of such routing, I think I would add Amanpulo instead of the Sri Lankan Amans. Seems that you are also missing Pulo in your list.
I would rather combine France with Amanjena (neither on your list). Not a true "hot" destination in January but weather should be nice enough and keep in mind that even with only 17°C, the sun does feel quite warm in Marrakech so you can easily enjoy the pool and have outside breakfasts etc.
And to be sure: are we talking about december 2018/january 2019? If so, I would start to hurry because Le Mélezin is quite fully booked for this winter (from what I see online).
I would rather combine France with Amanjena (neither on your list). Not a true "hot" destination in January but weather should be nice enough and keep in mind that even with only 17°C, the sun does feel quite warm in Marrakech so you can easily enjoy the pool and have outside breakfasts etc.
And to be sure: are we talking about december 2018/january 2019? If so, I would start to hurry because Le Mélezin is quite fully booked for this winter (from what I see online).
Sep 13, 2018, 2:50 am
#10
Join Date: Nov 2017
Location: London
Programs: Avios
Posts: 166
It was absolutely wonderful. I probably don't need to tell you to make sure you use the spa! The hotel is half board with a few other local places included though we didn't make great use of the half board options. We had a great dinner at the nearby three Michelin star restaurants at Cheval Blanc if you're foodies.
I also have a blog post on it:
http://www.silverspoonlondon.co.uk/2...ski-hotel.html
I also have a blog post on it:
http://www.silverspoonlondon.co.uk/2...ski-hotel.html
Last edited by SilverSpoon; Sep 13, 2018 at 11:16 am
Sep 13, 2018, 2:56 am
#11
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Europe
Posts: 2,600
I think Tim Weiland is still GM there, still onboard AMAN from earlier years. Think the last time I saw him was at Jena under Miguel Guedes de Sousa. Loooong time ago.
Sep 13, 2018, 8:51 am
#13
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2018
Posts: 167
I would rather combine France with Amanjena (neither on your list). Not a true "hot" destination in January but weather should be nice enough and keep in mind that even with only 17°C, the sun does feel quite warm in Marrakech so you can easily enjoy the pool and have outside breakfasts etc.
The goal of this trip are combining a ski getaway with a beach/warm getaway while staying at Amans. Our other goal is to have visited all the Amans by the end of 2022 (which means visiting Pulo, Sara, Taka, Kora, Wana, Yangyun, Dayan, Ruya, Gani, Galla, Wella, Jena, Le Mézélin, Vari, and New York in the next 4.5 years).
I’ve booked Le Mézélin and am now looking at a) Amanjena, b) Amanwella & Amangalla, and c) Amanpulo.
Last edited by RichardInSF; Sep 13, 2018 at 10:43 pm Reason: Consecutive posts by same member; please use multi-quote feqture
Sep 13, 2018, 2:07 pm
#15
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Los Angeles
Programs: UA 1K, AA Plat Pro, Marriott Plat, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 1,048
You certainly want at least two full days at Amangalla. If you enjoy taking cooking classes, I thought the hotel's offering was great since they have their own field about a 30 minute drive in the countryside where you do the cooking after the market tour. Also, we enjoyed visiting the various temples in the area, the tour of Galle, yoga class and the sauna / jacuzzi. Within Galle, I would highly recommend the history museum, I thought it was very interesting.