Amanresorts Thread 2015 (Started by Amanjunkie)
Apr 21, 2015, 11:37 am
#196
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: IAD/DCA
Posts: 31,797
regarding expectations >
aman bali >
amanbagh (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/trip-...ng-hotels.html) >
Aman Sveti Stefan >
amanzoe >
amanpulo >
aman at summer palace >
aman bali >
amanzoe >
Originally Posted by MacMyDay
being our 9th visit to an Aman, my expectations were already high. Well unfortunately for the next resort, Amanpulo just took them up to another level.
Last edited by Kagehitokiri; Dec 11, 2015 at 1:04 pm
Apr 21, 2015, 2:56 pm
#197
Suspended
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Barcelona
Posts: 3,317
I guess I'm the only one with let down expectations 
Apr 21, 2015, 2:57 pm
#198
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: IAD/DCA
Posts: 31,797
not sure how you missed all the negative comments about puri, including from amanjunkies
(edit - on second thought, maybe there has not been that much during the last 9.5 months?)
its by far the largest aman, far larger than tokyo (because residences elsewhere arent done)
was the only bad service you received from several female F&B staff?
some aman (and MO BKK) regulars here have been visiting for decades
puri's easily accessible location, with good beach, seems to be big factor
IIRC some here have said they really like puri design, like beach stairs
(edit - on second thought, maybe there has not been that much during the last 9.5 months?)
its by far the largest aman, far larger than tokyo (because residences elsewhere arent done)
was the only bad service you received from several female F&B staff?
puri's easily accessible location, with good beach, seems to be big factor
IIRC some here have said they really like puri design, like beach stairs
Last edited by Kagehitokiri; Apr 21, 2015 at 5:39 pm
Apr 21, 2015, 3:45 pm
#199
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 751
Nope, big cup of nope there. I would go so far as to say Amanpuri was probably one of my top two most horrible luxury hotel experiences. I hated it from top to bottom. Staying there (and leaving early) almost made me swear off Aman resorts forever. I don't often express that opinion here because 1) it was a long time ago and things may have changed and 2) the Amanlovers on this board don't want to hear anything that negative about any of their babies.
Apr 21, 2015, 4:25 pm
#200
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Southern California, USA
Programs: Marriott Ambassador and LTT, UA Plat/LT Gold, AA Gold
Posts: 8,764
Nope, big cup of nope there. I would go so far as to say Amanpuri was probably one of my top two most horrible luxury hotel experiences. I hated it from top to bottom. Staying there (and leaving early) almost made me swear off Aman resorts forever. I don't often express that opinion here because 1) it was a long time ago and things may have changed and 2) the Amanlovers on this board don't want to hear anything that negative about any of their babies.
Apr 21, 2015, 7:29 pm
#201
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 751
Coincidentally, I'm a big Amanlover here...but I avoid certain Aman properties for different reasons. Amanpuri never interested me because of its size and its location. Aman Tokyo and Venice don't interest me all that much because we can stay in reasonably comparable accommodations in both cities for free at the Park Hyatt or Gritti/StR properties--since Aman doesn't work for us (or justify its price point) as much in an urban setting.
Plus, my visit was a long time ago - and over time I've gotten a bit better at separating the Amanhype from the real gems.
Apr 21, 2015, 7:31 pm
#202
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: IAD/DCA
Posts: 31,797
Aug 23, 2007 >
I used to adore Amanpuri. First went there when it opened in 1988...best option, I agree, is a Villa...I do think that the service has declined at Amanpuri. Fred Varnier is very superior these days, don't you think? I preferred it when he ran the Villas and Anthony Lark ran the resort.
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/luxur...l#post13634970
changing subject to aman history >
https://hk.linkedin.com/pub/anjali-nihalchand/3/61b/280
Director of Media Communications
Amanresorts
October 2003 – May 2014
Focused and strategic Media approach produced over US$250 Million in Editorial value coverage in 2013 (380 major awards, 2900+ articles, 1500+ magazines, 80+ Countries and 780+ Media stays) with a PR budget of US$900,000
Amanresorts
October 2003 – May 2014
Focused and strategic Media approach produced over US$250 Million in Editorial value coverage in 2013 (380 major awards, 2900+ articles, 1500+ magazines, 80+ Countries and 780+ Media stays) with a PR budget of US$900,000
Personal Assistant to the General Manager
Amangiri
julio de 2010 – diciembre de 2014 (4 ańos 6 meses)
Assist with room accommodations for Canyon Equity Principals...Aman corporate staff, and Amangiri’s Managing Director. ..Assist with scheduling activities...spa treatments, and menu planning for the above mentioned guests.
Assist with project management of resort-wide yearly closure and slower season project plans.
Manage Amangiri press and media...coordinate and negotiate with our General Manager and our worldwide PR firms
Participate in the Amangiri Guest TouchPoint Committee.
Amangiri
julio de 2010 – diciembre de 2014 (4 ańos 6 meses)
Assist with room accommodations for Canyon Equity Principals...Aman corporate staff, and Amangiri’s Managing Director. ..Assist with scheduling activities...spa treatments, and menu planning for the above mentioned guests.
Assist with project management of resort-wide yearly closure and slower season project plans.
Manage Amangiri press and media...coordinate and negotiate with our General Manager and our worldwide PR firms
Participate in the Amangiri Guest TouchPoint Committee.
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/luxur...l#post23025632
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/luxur...l#post22917560
Last edited by Kagehitokiri; May 12, 2015 at 9:26 am
Apr 21, 2015, 11:58 pm
#203
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: England
Posts: 1,361
Nope, big cup of nope there. I would go so far as to say Amanpuri was probably one of my top two most horrible luxury hotel experiences. I hated it from top to bottom. Staying there (and leaving early) almost made me swear off Aman resorts forever. I don't often express that opinion here because 1) it was a long time ago and things may have changed and 2) the Amanlovers on this board don't want to hear anything that negative about any of their babies.
Apr 22, 2015, 1:51 pm
#204
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: IAD/DCA
Posts: 31,797
http://ldpr.com/client/amanresorts/
http://ldpr.com/2015/02/27/just-back...-turks-caicos/
http://ldpr.com/2014/10/07/announcin...-beach-resort/
heh at quoted headline (they really couldnt do 2 separate blog posts?)
i get the impression some of newly hired PR had never heard of amanresorts before
very interesting crowd mix (whole range) at tokyo grand opening (twitter hashtag)
interesting old figures at gani >
http://www.zoominfo.com/CachedPage/?...&lastName=Lang
http://ldpr.com/2015/02/27/just-back...-turks-caicos/
http://ldpr.com/2014/10/07/announcin...-beach-resort/
Announcing LDPR’s Newest Clients: Amanresorts & Naples Grande Beach Resort
very interesting crowd mix (whole range) at tokyo grand opening (twitter hashtag)
interesting old figures at gani >
http://www.zoominfo.com/CachedPage/?...&lastName=Lang
sales manager for Jackson Hole's Amangani Resort, says his "group business this year [2005] will end up at just under 2,000 room nights, compared to 600 the previous two years."
Last edited by Kagehitokiri; May 12, 2015 at 9:51 am
Apr 23, 2015, 11:23 am
#205
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Here there and everywhere
Posts: 6,303
http://ldpr.com/client/amanresorts/
http://ldpr.com/2015/02/27/just-back...-turks-caicos/
http://ldpr.com/2014/10/07/announcin...-beach-resort/
heh at quoted headline (they really couldnt do 2 separate blog posts?)
http://ldpr.com/2015/02/27/just-back...-turks-caicos/
http://ldpr.com/2014/10/07/announcin...-beach-resort/
heh at quoted headline (they really couldnt do 2 separate blog posts?)
Apr 23, 2015, 8:36 pm
#206
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Parts Unknown
Posts: 10,050
a lot of firsts for Aman Tokyo and not all very good ones. That money could have gone into better staff training or a better elevator.
May 6, 2015, 12:03 am
#207
Join Date: May 2015
Posts: 105
Amandayan
Is anyone has more informations or has already visited Amandayan? It looks absolutely gorgeous and knowing it has been designed by Ed Tuttle is an highlight to make me going quickly to Lijiang to discover this new Aman gem. Can't wait to see more pictures...
May 11, 2015, 10:39 am
#208
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: IAD/DCA
Posts: 31,797
2014/2015 GM departures >
right before sale of aman closed - gold and jordaan
gray(s) - heckfield place
reitz
prendke(s)
mehra - FS mumbai
noonan
weiland
campbell (after new owners of aman promoted him to Regional Director Americas)
richli
denton (hired from oberoi 'under' new owners of aman, after grays departure)
scott
varnier
tyson
lousada
[juett(s)]
14 amans lost GM
16 aman GMs left
havent 'lost' GM that way >
jiwo wana kila nusa
bagh ikhas galla
dayan sara kora
sveti melezin
pulo yara
replacement GMs were aman, except >
- tokyo (pre-opening)
- beijing
- puri (ex-como instead of harish, but harish is there)
- wana
pending >
- ruya
- bagh
older GM departures >
2010 - gussing and lusted(s) and blitz
2011 - vasatka/rydon
2012 - atherton
2013 - bickford/garewal and hodder
amandayan lijiang >
http://imperialtours.net/blog/guy-ru...operty-lijiang
http://www.ampersandtravel.com/blog/...ijiang,-china/
im seeing a release that says opened feb 18
feb 18 - bawatours posted re opening
feb 11 - landing posted link to website
some aman history on linkedin of ex-regent >
https://id.linkedin.com/pub/michael-burchett/23/440/bb2
https://uk.linkedin.com/in/timxwilliams
2010-2014 anantara vacation club (owned by minor)
2006-2014 minor international
2002-2006 le meridien
1991-2002 accenture
if necessary, good owners of individual amanresorts properties could go independent (or do 'maharesorts') with former aman staff
sandra - 7 years at puri
great ash tray photo (4th from bottom) - 'only' at aman
dining at aman - http://www.foodarts.com/news/feature...ews-with-rooms
https://sg.linkedin.com/pub/nicola-v...rgen/a/6b9/859 left noi in aug 2014
giri > https://instagram.com/p/zAUU-VLNgz/ ; https://instagram.com/p/zAjTKrrNpc/ ; https://instagram.com/p/zBUQ9JrNqn/
http://www.mrtripper.com/which/amanzoe.html
says from €525 for zoe beach pavilions (basically same as guest pavilion)
right before sale of aman closed - gold and jordaan
gray(s) - heckfield place
reitz
prendke(s)
mehra - FS mumbai
noonan
weiland
campbell (after new owners of aman promoted him to Regional Director Americas)
richli
denton (hired from oberoi 'under' new owners of aman, after grays departure)
scott
varnier
tyson
lousada
[juett(s)]
14 amans lost GM
16 aman GMs left
havent 'lost' GM that way >
jiwo wana kila nusa
bagh ikhas galla
dayan sara kora
sveti melezin
pulo yara
replacement GMs were aman, except >
- tokyo (pre-opening)
- beijing
- puri (ex-como instead of harish, but harish is there)
- wana
pending >
- ruya
- bagh
older GM departures >
2010 - gussing and lusted(s) and blitz
2011 - vasatka/rydon
2012 - atherton
2013 - bickford/garewal and hodder
amandayan lijiang >
http://imperialtours.net/blog/guy-ru...operty-lijiang
some guests might be disturbed in the evening by noise from the boisterous bars below until the official curfew of 11pm, the view of the old town from the hotel terrace and tea room more than compensates. The rooms are distributed between 5 two-floored courtyards built in traditional Naxi style mostly facing the old town. (The view the other way to Lijiang new town is an eyesore, so avoid rooms facing this direction.)
opened only a month or so before my recent March stay (the hard opening is in May
GM, Nicolas Ilickovic
opened only a month or so before my recent March stay (the hard opening is in May
GM, Nicolas Ilickovic
In the centre of the Old Town lies Lion Hill and proudly stood atop the hill is Amandayan. And yet, there is no sense of being exposed to the town below. The resort is literally a stone's throw from the town but enjoys a peaceful sense of complete removal. The smattering of surrounding trees manage to create a sense of privacy and sanctuary without limiting light or panoramas.
On one side of the property is a small pagoda where guests can enjoy a private, candlelit dinner with far reaching views to distant mountain peaks and a golden Buddhist stupa.
The Courtyard Suites and the Deluxe Suites are identical in design with the exception that the ground floor Courtyard Suites have an elegant stone floor while the first floor Deluxe Suites have wood flooring to match the rest of the interior and a gabled ceiling. The Deluxe Suites also offer better views from their higher vantage point
heated, 20m outdoor pool is surrounded by more wood-panelling with lattice-screened doors which house the spa...just myself, the water, and a stealthily-placed tea set, steaming and within reach of the shallow end.
On one side of the property is a small pagoda where guests can enjoy a private, candlelit dinner with far reaching views to distant mountain peaks and a golden Buddhist stupa.
The Courtyard Suites and the Deluxe Suites are identical in design with the exception that the ground floor Courtyard Suites have an elegant stone floor while the first floor Deluxe Suites have wood flooring to match the rest of the interior and a gabled ceiling. The Deluxe Suites also offer better views from their higher vantage point
heated, 20m outdoor pool is surrounded by more wood-panelling with lattice-screened doors which house the spa...just myself, the water, and a stealthily-placed tea set, steaming and within reach of the shallow end.
feb 18 - bawatours posted re opening
feb 11 - landing posted link to website
some aman history on linkedin of ex-regent >
https://id.linkedin.com/pub/michael-burchett/23/440/bb2
General Manager
Beaufort Hotels
August 1999 – August 2000 (1 year 1 month)Sentosa, Singapore
Adrian Zecha (Aman Resorts & GHM) had recently taken over management of The Beaufort with a brief from the owner's, HKR, to return the property to the luxury positioning it held previously.
April 1997 – August 1999 (2 years 5 months)Perth, Australia
An MOU was also signed with Aman Resorts, which did not eventuate as Hancock Group shifted their focus back to mining.
Beaufort Hotels
August 1999 – August 2000 (1 year 1 month)Sentosa, Singapore
Adrian Zecha (Aman Resorts & GHM) had recently taken over management of The Beaufort with a brief from the owner's, HKR, to return the property to the luxury positioning it held previously.
April 1997 – August 1999 (2 years 5 months)Perth, Australia
An MOU was also signed with Aman Resorts, which did not eventuate as Hancock Group shifted their focus back to mining.
tokyo GM (hired by new owners of aman)
i heard sue reitz departed as tokyo GM for personal reasons
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/luxur...l#post23033870
lots of ex aman in australia
playa grande GM (hired by new owners of aman)
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/luxur...l#post24772637
5 years 'hip' miami hotels
8 years RC
giri GM (hired right before sale of aman closed?)
2006-2014 dorchester
1997-2006 RC
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/luxur...l#post23033870
lots of ex aman in australia
playa grande GM (hired by new owners of aman)
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/luxur...l#post24772637
5 years 'hip' miami hotels
8 years RC
giri GM (hired right before sale of aman closed?)
2006-2014 dorchester
1997-2006 RC
Head of Human Resources
Amanresorts
August 2014
London
Amanresorts
August 2014
London
2006-2014 minor international
2002-2006 le meridien
1991-2002 accenture
Amazing attention to detail on this ash tray.
dining at aman - http://www.foodarts.com/news/feature...ews-with-rooms
https://sg.linkedin.com/pub/nicola-v...rgen/a/6b9/859 left noi in aug 2014
giri > https://instagram.com/p/zAUU-VLNgz/ ; https://instagram.com/p/zAjTKrrNpc/ ; https://instagram.com/p/zBUQ9JrNqn/
We rode horses through the desert to the base of this hill. Climbed to the top where there was a flat sandy cove known as the Raven's Nest. This is where we built a fire, set up camp, and had dinner.
says from €525 for zoe beach pavilions (basically same as guest pavilion)
Last edited by Kagehitokiri; Dec 12, 2015 at 11:57 am
May 14, 2015, 10:59 am
#209
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Here there and everywhere
Posts: 6,303
Marc Denton was not hired by the new Aman owners, but was hired by Adrian Zecha, but only stayed at Amanzo'i for 9 months as,allegedly, he was not too taken with the new regime.
May 15, 2015, 6:12 am
#210
Join Date: May 2015
Posts: 105
Nope, big cup of nope there. I would go so far as to say Amanpuri was probably one of my top two most horrible luxury hotel experiences. I hated it from top to bottom. Staying there (and leaving early) almost made me swear off Aman resorts forever. I don't often express that opinion here because 1) it was a long time ago and things may have changed and 2) the Amanlovers on this board don't want to hear anything that negative about any of their babies.