New Aman, Azerai, GHM & Ahn Luh Resorts - 2019 edition

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Sep 14, 2019, 1:49 pm

#76

offerendum

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Let's say the new destinations are not really special/ unique or uninteresting.

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Sep 14, 2019, 6:47 pm

#77

ridefar

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Quote:

Originally Posted by bhrubin

VD wants Aman to be located more where he likes to go--his personal plaything.

AZ wanted Aman to be groundbreaking because AZ was a visionary. VD is ignoring and losing one of the big ticket items--location--that made Aman so special in the first place.

I still think Aman is on the bad/wrong path. The new Bangkok location in the center of town is laughably foolish.

Agreed on Aman Palau, Aman Pantanal, Aman Arctic Circle. But they are not likely.

I don't disagree with anything you have said, but as long as they don't screw things up at the really great properties, they can open all the mediocre city properties they want. I won't ever stay there, but I will still be very happy to go to Pulo, or Kora, or Puri, or whatever.

Sep 15, 2019, 2:38 pm

#78

deer

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Amanresorts Kyoto now officially opens Nov 1 2019 in northern Kyoto, at the foot of Mount Daimonji on 80 wooded acres, with 24 ryokan-style rooms and 2 villas. Strangely without swimming pool...
https://www.aman.com/resorts/aman-kyoto

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Sep 15, 2019, 2:46 pm

#79

bhrubin

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Quote:

Originally Posted by deer

Thanks for sharing!

The Aman Kyoto accommodations look surprisingly comparable in style to a more ryokan version of the RC Kyoto, as well as Amanemu.

I assume the spa will incorporate a pool of some sort? Or it all-onsen?

Sep 15, 2019, 9:05 pm

#80

Aventine

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Quote:

Originally Posted by deer

80 acres and no room for a pool lol.

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Sep 18, 2019, 10:13 am

#81

nmuva98

Join Date: Apr 2009

Location: Hong Kong

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I'm with everyone else who is a bit wary of the Bangkok property. I've done 2 stays at the The Siam, and was blown away. My 2nd stay in particular was far and away the best urban hotel stay I've ever experienced. I don't see any way Aman will be able to compete with that. The service at The Siam rivalled the best I've had at Kila, Pulo, Jiwo, etc. and then you add in how unique the "museum" aspect of the property is and Aman will never compete.

And like bhrubin I also find the Mexico & Costa Rica properties questionable.

That said, I actually think Niseko could be interesting. Best skiiing in the world in an area that is massively overcrowded. Could definitely use a solid property.

Likewise, i find NYC hotels to be appallingly bad. Used to live there and since moving out every visit back is just shockingly disappointing. I think Aman has real potential to own the NYC hotel market. But....I'm sure the pricing will be out of control and I'm not a fan of the private/member's only club they are including....

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Oct 5, 2019, 7:26 am

#82

deer

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Oops, Chedi Ninghai suddenly appearing - and already opened!

There is a new Chedi in a mountainous region south of Shanghai, which appeared on no rumor radar before - and which is now open. On the GHM website it is only announced In the development sections https://www.ghmhotels.com/de/development/, but through Expedia, TripAdvisor and other platforms it is already bookable. on TripAdvisor there are already loads of photographs by the hotel.

I found it through the brillant Instagram account https://instagram.com/zecharesorts?i, which I recommend every Amanjunkie to follow.

Nov 7, 2019, 9:33 am

#83

chinmoylad

formerly known as deathscar

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I guess 2020 thread needs starting soon.

Technically not a new hotel, but they have their own jet now (vs doing Remote Lands etc) - much more flexibility. More details: https://www.thesuitelife.com.hk/anno...n-private-jet/

Nov 7, 2019, 3:15 pm

#84

deer

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Third Azerai in Vietnam - by reflagging former SLH Princess D'An Nam Resort & Spa

Gallivanter's is reporting it, and TUI are already selling it:
Former positively rated Princess D'An Nam Resort & Spa https://www.slh.com/hotels/princess-...esort-and-spa/, on a sandy beach 30 km from Phan Thiet and 4 hours by car from Ho Chi Minh City, will be reopening soon, most likely after some soft renovations, as Azerai Ke Ga Bay.
https://www.tui.com/hotels/azerai-ke...elinformation/

Service will be wonderful, I assume - but I would prefer some uniquely designed new Azerais, masterminded by Adrian Zecha from scratch!

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Nov 8, 2019, 10:10 am

#85

vuittonsofstyle

Join Date: Aug 2007

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Quote:

Originally Posted by deer

I think that Adrian Zecha is a little preoccupied with all his other ventures across the world, so the Azerai side of things appears to be managed by ex-Aman Steven Scott and ex-Chef at Aman, Vaughn Reader, who now heads up Development at Azerai. I also hear that Susan Noonan (who opened Amanoi and Azerai Can Tho) is advising Azerai on development in Vietnam. This is not the 'single vision' we are used to from AZ. A bit worrying, too, that Serge left Can Tho after a very few months.

Nov 8, 2019, 12:36 pm

#86

ridefar

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Quote:

Originally Posted by nmuva98

+1. We were there in October and it was amazing. The best city hotel I have ever stayed at. Service and hard product are both spectacular, and the location was perfect -- saw a side of Bangkok I never had before (even after a dozen times there).

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Nov 8, 2019, 5:23 pm

#87

SanDiego1K

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Quote:

Originally Posted by vuittonsofstyle

A bit worrying, too, that Serge left Can Tho after a very few months.

Thanks for sharing this disappointing news. I've got an upcoming stay in a few weeks. His treatment of another FTer and then direct engagement with me was part of the reason I was looking forward to my stay.

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Nov 9, 2019, 7:16 am

#88

FlyingDoctorwu

Join Date: Mar 2004

Location: Baltimore MD

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Quote:

Originally Posted by chinmoylad

im glad to see this. I was finding my normal private jet travel a bit too pedestrian...

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Nov 11, 2019, 10:13 am

#89

FlyingDoctorwu

Join Date: Mar 2004

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Quote:

Camp Sarika by Amangiri

At one with wilderness

A short hike or drive from Amangiri, amid an unearthly 600-acre landscape of towering mesas, slot canyons and rust-coloured sands, the tented retreat of Camp Sarika promises an intimate, back-to-the-wild experience in the desert heart of Utah. The camp’s cluster of 10 canvas-topped pavilions, each with a private plunge pool, centres on a shared lounge, restaurant and pool area – an enclave of meditative seclusion in one of the most geologically dramatic places on Earth.

https://www.aman.com/resorts/amangir...O3oDHd4wsg0jMQ

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