New Amanresorts, GHM & Ahn Luh Development (2014 Edition)
May 14, 2014 | 7:43 pm
#211
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I am entertained by the rancor. Management changes eventually for ALL hotels and property groups, and Aman is no different.
I've been to Amangani & Amangiri (USA), Amansara (Cambodia), Aman Summer Palace (China), Amanjiwo & Amandari & Amankila & Amanusa & Amanusa (Indonesia), and am going to Amanyara (Turks) in 6 months. For us, the Amans set the standard for service and authentically luxurious accommodation, but they are not without faults/weaknesses.
To be fair, I've also been to dozens of FS, Ritz, MO, and St. Regis properties worldwide, and while all are very good, they tend to miss the mark MORE often than Amans. ONLY Peninsula can typically match the Aman levels of service in my experience (been to New York, Chicago, Beverly Hills, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Shanghai most recently).
FS had a stretch for 5 years (ending in 2009 or so) where their service dwindled as the fake-equity US market clamored to stay with illusory wealth and watered down the FS product. I stopped staying at FS for that reason...and only returned last year since there were no other good options.
Everyone speculates, and everyone whines about what may be. Instead of just enjoying the wonderful choices we already have. There is far more competition for Aman now, so for the dollar they have to really offer amazing everything to warrant their price points. For people like us staying in premium rooms even at Aman properties, they really have to deliver. Most properties do, but not all.
Still, until I'm proven that Aman service has changed, I give them the benefit of the doubt. When there's an Aman, I'm hard pressed to not stay there even when there is amazing competition. Aman usually is located in places where there hasn't been competition at the 5 star level, and that has changed in the past decade. Still, when I hit Venice, it will be a tough choice between Aman Grand Canal or using my SPG Platinum status to pay less and still get a suite at Gritti, Danielli, etc. In cities, I always go boutique if at all possible to avoid the biz feel, so Aman Summer Palace was far superior for us on holiday than the Pen, but on biz I would stay at the Pen. In Tokyo, I'm not sure which property I'd choose.
Everyone needs to calm down and let things unfold.
I've been to Amangani & Amangiri (USA), Amansara (Cambodia), Aman Summer Palace (China), Amanjiwo & Amandari & Amankila & Amanusa & Amanusa (Indonesia), and am going to Amanyara (Turks) in 6 months. For us, the Amans set the standard for service and authentically luxurious accommodation, but they are not without faults/weaknesses.
To be fair, I've also been to dozens of FS, Ritz, MO, and St. Regis properties worldwide, and while all are very good, they tend to miss the mark MORE often than Amans. ONLY Peninsula can typically match the Aman levels of service in my experience (been to New York, Chicago, Beverly Hills, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Shanghai most recently).
FS had a stretch for 5 years (ending in 2009 or so) where their service dwindled as the fake-equity US market clamored to stay with illusory wealth and watered down the FS product. I stopped staying at FS for that reason...and only returned last year since there were no other good options.
Everyone speculates, and everyone whines about what may be. Instead of just enjoying the wonderful choices we already have. There is far more competition for Aman now, so for the dollar they have to really offer amazing everything to warrant their price points. For people like us staying in premium rooms even at Aman properties, they really have to deliver. Most properties do, but not all.
Still, until I'm proven that Aman service has changed, I give them the benefit of the doubt. When there's an Aman, I'm hard pressed to not stay there even when there is amazing competition. Aman usually is located in places where there hasn't been competition at the 5 star level, and that has changed in the past decade. Still, when I hit Venice, it will be a tough choice between Aman Grand Canal or using my SPG Platinum status to pay less and still get a suite at Gritti, Danielli, etc. In cities, I always go boutique if at all possible to avoid the biz feel, so Aman Summer Palace was far superior for us on holiday than the Pen, but on biz I would stay at the Pen. In Tokyo, I'm not sure which property I'd choose.
Everyone needs to calm down and let things unfold.
May 14, 2014 | 8:30 pm
#212
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100% - hong kong / new york / chicago / tokyo
~75% - manila / beijing / bangkok / proposed yangon
50% - shanghai / proposed london
20% - beverly hills / upcoming paris
i must have missed the reaction that keeps being referred to.
interesting that this is the first time there has been this kind of meta-discussion about what people here are saying. there was never such meta-discussion during past discussions about management/ownership changes. most recently there has been substantial FS discussion, including negative. again with FS there was more discussion because there were more specific details and changes to discuss.
Last edited by Kagehitokiri; May 14, 2014 at 9:04 pm
May 14, 2014 | 9:28 pm
#213
Join Date: Dec 2006
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I am entertained by the rancor. Management changes eventually for ALL hotels and property groups, and Aman is no different.
I've been to Amangani & Amangiri (USA), Amansara (Cambodia), Aman Summer Palace (China), Amanjiwo & Amandari & Amankila & Amanusa & Amanusa (Indonesia), and am going to Amanyara (Turks) in 6 months. For us, the Amans set the standard for service and authentically luxurious accommodation, but they are not without faults/weaknesses.
To be fair, I've also been to dozens of FS, Ritz, MO, and St. Regis properties worldwide, and while all are very good, they tend to miss the mark MORE often than Amans. ONLY Peninsula can typically match the Aman levels of service in my experience (been to New York, Chicago, Beverly Hills, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Shanghai most recently).
......
Still, until I'm proven that Aman service has changed, I give them the benefit of the doubt. When there's an Aman, I'm hard pressed to not stay there even when there is amazing competition. Aman usually is located in places where there hasn't been competition at the 5 star level, and that has changed in the past decade. Still, when I hit Venice, it will be a tough choice between Aman Grand Canal or using my SPG Platinum status to pay less and still get a suite at Gritti, Danielli, etc. In cities, I always go boutique if at all possible to avoid the biz feel, so Aman Summer Palace was far superior for us on holiday than the Pen, but on biz I would stay at the Pen. In Tokyo, I'm not sure which property I'd choose.
Everyone needs to calm down and let things unfold.
I've been to Amangani & Amangiri (USA), Amansara (Cambodia), Aman Summer Palace (China), Amanjiwo & Amandari & Amankila & Amanusa & Amanusa (Indonesia), and am going to Amanyara (Turks) in 6 months. For us, the Amans set the standard for service and authentically luxurious accommodation, but they are not without faults/weaknesses.
To be fair, I've also been to dozens of FS, Ritz, MO, and St. Regis properties worldwide, and while all are very good, they tend to miss the mark MORE often than Amans. ONLY Peninsula can typically match the Aman levels of service in my experience (been to New York, Chicago, Beverly Hills, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Shanghai most recently).
......
Still, until I'm proven that Aman service has changed, I give them the benefit of the doubt. When there's an Aman, I'm hard pressed to not stay there even when there is amazing competition. Aman usually is located in places where there hasn't been competition at the 5 star level, and that has changed in the past decade. Still, when I hit Venice, it will be a tough choice between Aman Grand Canal or using my SPG Platinum status to pay less and still get a suite at Gritti, Danielli, etc. In cities, I always go boutique if at all possible to avoid the biz feel, so Aman Summer Palace was far superior for us on holiday than the Pen, but on biz I would stay at the Pen. In Tokyo, I'm not sure which property I'd choose.
Everyone needs to calm down and let things unfold.
And so we ' ll also be returning to some & exploring new ones - waiting patiently for those delayed openings ..
Long awaited spas - Kila & Nusa included
Need to return to Aman SP as missed using pool , etc & loved the chestnut ice cream
May 14, 2014 | 10:42 pm
#214
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http://prohotel.ru/news-216656/0/
https://translate.google.com/transla...-216656%2F0%2F
specifically mentioned spas? >
https://translate.google.com/transla...-216656%2F0%2F
specifically mentioned spas? >
Thank you for that link Kage. I am posting the google-translation in full, as I find it quite interesting:
(Note: Reduced to first few paragraphs only to follow FT rule on posting potentially copyrighted articles from other sources.
RichardInSF, moderator, luxury hotels.)
Co-owner of Capital Group Vladislav Doronin became an investor Amanresorts
Indian construction company DLF Limited has sold a controlling stake in Aman Group Amanresorts for 358 million U.S. dollars. We remind you that Amanresorts - a network of luxury resorts and the Aman Group - a collective enterprise , owned by Amanresorts founder Adrian Zeki and company Peak Hotels & Resorts Group. Nevertheless , actually the main initiator , including investor transactions made co-owner of Russia's largest real estate development company Capital Group Vladislav Doronin .
It's worth noting that at the time of the transaction Doronin has served as CEO of Aman Group, while all the others were still considered for such Adriana Zeki . Also , we can not ignore the fact that the chairman of the board of directors of Aman Group is a former chairman of the British Prime Minister , Gordon Brown, Johan Eliasch . Currently, he is the main Head NV, whose core business is the production of sports equipment and clothing .
However, the report Aman Group Vladislav Doronin continued to call himself only as the main investor in the company . For more information, authorized Capital Group recommended that address with the appropriate number of questions relating to the participation in the co-owner purchase Amanresorts, only representatives Aman Group. However , a spokesman Aman Group - Lissa Perlman - says nothing new, but continues to call Vladislav Doronin only major investor network....
Indian construction company DLF Limited has sold a controlling stake in Aman Group Amanresorts for 358 million U.S. dollars. We remind you that Amanresorts - a network of luxury resorts and the Aman Group - a collective enterprise , owned by Amanresorts founder Adrian Zeki and company Peak Hotels & Resorts Group. Nevertheless , actually the main initiator , including investor transactions made co-owner of Russia's largest real estate development company Capital Group Vladislav Doronin .
It's worth noting that at the time of the transaction Doronin has served as CEO of Aman Group, while all the others were still considered for such Adriana Zeki . Also , we can not ignore the fact that the chairman of the board of directors of Aman Group is a former chairman of the British Prime Minister , Gordon Brown, Johan Eliasch . Currently, he is the main Head NV, whose core business is the production of sports equipment and clothing .
However, the report Aman Group Vladislav Doronin continued to call himself only as the main investor in the company . For more information, authorized Capital Group recommended that address with the appropriate number of questions relating to the participation in the co-owner purchase Amanresorts, only representatives Aman Group. However , a spokesman Aman Group - Lissa Perlman - says nothing new, but continues to call Vladislav Doronin only major investor network....
Vladislav Doronin already has experience with hotel operators luxury . Most recently, Capital Group signed an agreement with the American network Morgans Hotel Group, which involves opening the project " The Eye " in " Moscow- City" boutique hotel brand Delano.
For investors from Russia is no longer something new to invest in hotel markets abroad. For example, in 2006 Heliopark Hotels & Resorts, which is owned by Alexander Gusakov , bought one of the oldest hotels in the German Baden-Baden - Bad Hotel zum Hirsch.
Sergei Polonsky and his company Mirax Group has long been the owner of a five star hotel Sungate Port Royal in Turkey , and also intended to build resort facilities in Cambodia and Vietnam
For investors from Russia is no longer something new to invest in hotel markets abroad. For example, in 2006 Heliopark Hotels & Resorts, which is owned by Alexander Gusakov , bought one of the oldest hotels in the German Baden-Baden - Bad Hotel zum Hirsch.
Sergei Polonsky and his company Mirax Group has long been the owner of a five star hotel Sungate Port Royal in Turkey , and also intended to build resort facilities in Cambodia and Vietnam
Last edited by LuxuryRogue; May 19, 2014 at 7:32 pm Reason: To conform with FT rules
May 19, 2014 | 6:46 am
#215
Join Date: Apr 2014
Posts: 7
REGIONAL OPERATIONAL STRUCTURE
May 15, 2014
Colleagues:
Today we are looking at a new horizon; one free of many of the constraints that previously hamstrung our growth.
Never before have we had the capacity to not only preserve our position as a leader in the ever more competitive luxury hospitality sector but to expand on our foundations and capitalise on our potential for growth. Over the coming months we will be launching numerous marketing and sales initiatives to support your efforts on property.
Organisationally we must adapt and streamline our reporting lines in order to capitalise on these potentials. This provides all of you and those for whom you are responsible with new opportunities for growth and advancement.
As a first step I am pleased to announce a change in the regional operational structure. These will take effect on June 1. Over the next several weeks downstream changes in each of the regions will be announced.
ASIA
Ferdinand Wortelboer will take on an expanded role as Managing Director for all of Asia.
Reporting to and assisting Ferdinand are:
- John Reed as Regional Director - Indochina & South Asia
- Mark Swinton as Regional Director - South East Asia
- the North Asian properties will, for the time being , report directly to Ferdinand
EUROPE & THE AMERICAS
I am pleased to announce that Marco Franck has been appointed as Managing Director and will be take direct operational responsibility for these two important and expanding regions.
- Stuart Campbell will assume the role of Regional Director - Americas reporting to Marco
Please join me in congratulating Ferdinand and Marco, and John, Mark, and Stuart on these new and challenging responsibilities. As you know better than I, these changes are not effectively implemented with the simple stroke of a pen and I urge you to cooperate fully with your colleagues to make this transition as smooth as possible.
Warm regards
Greg Sirois, Group Executive Director
May 15, 2014
Colleagues:
Today we are looking at a new horizon; one free of many of the constraints that previously hamstrung our growth.
Never before have we had the capacity to not only preserve our position as a leader in the ever more competitive luxury hospitality sector but to expand on our foundations and capitalise on our potential for growth. Over the coming months we will be launching numerous marketing and sales initiatives to support your efforts on property.
Organisationally we must adapt and streamline our reporting lines in order to capitalise on these potentials. This provides all of you and those for whom you are responsible with new opportunities for growth and advancement.
As a first step I am pleased to announce a change in the regional operational structure. These will take effect on June 1. Over the next several weeks downstream changes in each of the regions will be announced.
ASIA
Ferdinand Wortelboer will take on an expanded role as Managing Director for all of Asia.
Reporting to and assisting Ferdinand are:
- John Reed as Regional Director - Indochina & South Asia
- Mark Swinton as Regional Director - South East Asia
- the North Asian properties will, for the time being , report directly to Ferdinand
EUROPE & THE AMERICAS
I am pleased to announce that Marco Franck has been appointed as Managing Director and will be take direct operational responsibility for these two important and expanding regions.
- Stuart Campbell will assume the role of Regional Director - Americas reporting to Marco
Please join me in congratulating Ferdinand and Marco, and John, Mark, and Stuart on these new and challenging responsibilities. As you know better than I, these changes are not effectively implemented with the simple stroke of a pen and I urge you to cooperate fully with your colleagues to make this transition as smooth as possible.
Warm regards
Greg Sirois, Group Executive Director
May 19, 2014 | 9:52 am
#216
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Here, there you know how it goes.
Posts: 1,518
Most of this seems like a typical corporate restructuring, and seems to bring Aman in-line with other groups like FS, MO, etc etc.
The one quote that I found particularly interesting:
… especially the bolded part.
In a nice and non-judgmental way, does anyone have insight into this? I am assuming this is a bit of a pointed comment towards AZ, but surely there is more?
The one quote that I found particularly interesting:
In a nice and non-judgmental way, does anyone have insight into this? I am assuming this is a bit of a pointed comment towards AZ, but surely there is more?
May 19, 2014 | 10:12 am
#217
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.Who wants Aman to grow, certainly not their previous guests. I had the privilege to know exactly 17 of their properties.
May 19, 2014 | 11:20 am
#218
Join Date: Dec 2008
Posts: 75
So if Mark Swinton is now Regional Director for South East Asia (I guess Indonesia since Reed will be Director for Indochina and South Asia), what's about Sean Flakelar since he was Regional Manager for all the Indonesian properties... I'm a bit lost with all the recent changes for Amanresorts and still regret AZ is not the CEO. Amanresorts still has to be managed as a kind of "family" group, not like FS, MO...
May 19, 2014 | 1:01 pm
#219
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only one position might be new - john reed's. i cant remember.
re wording - http://www.prnewswire.com/news-relea...257605581.html
http://www.jacadatravel.com/articles...-flakelar/8869
re wording - http://www.prnewswire.com/news-relea...257605581.html
http://www.jacadatravel.com/articles...-flakelar/8869
Posted on April 07, 2014
INTERVIEW WITH AMAN'S SEAN FLAKELAR
making the guest feel at home, a part of the family
our Chairman to decide, while he keeps everyone guessing where the next Aman
HOW DO THE AMAN PROPERTIES FIT IN WITH THEIR ENVIRONMENT?
This is a major consideration when our chairman, Mr Zecha, decides on the design and which architect
INTERVIEW WITH AMAN'S SEAN FLAKELAR
making the guest feel at home, a part of the family
our Chairman to decide, while he keeps everyone guessing where the next Aman
HOW DO THE AMAN PROPERTIES FIT IN WITH THEIR ENVIRONMENT?
This is a major consideration when our chairman, Mr Zecha, decides on the design and which architect
Last edited by Kagehitokiri; Jun 4, 2014 at 11:07 am
May 19, 2014 | 1:32 pm
#220
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Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Monaco
Posts: 317
=
kurort (German: compare: kur = "to cure", ort = "place")
=
kurortny (Russian)
always meaning the same, although spa today typically refers to the individual property (in all 4 languages), as compared to the larger spa resort/town (Kurort)
Turkish "hammam" would be "vanna" or "vanja" in Russian, comparable to "wanne" (tub) in German, leading to Spanish "bano"
May 19, 2014 | 1:54 pm
#221
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Location: IAD/DCA
Posts: 31,871
is there a chance they would describe aman hotels (not spas) using such language? (whether article was regarding investment in aman hotels or specifically spas at aman hotels, as many here like spas) odd google translate can differ like that
May 19, 2014 | 2:14 pm
#222
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: YYC
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Posts: 3,456
spa (French/English, originally from Belgium city of Spa[-Francorchamps])
=
kurort (German: compare: kur = "to cure", ort = "place")
=
kurortny (Russian)
always meaning the same, although spa today typically refers to the individual property (in all 4 languages), as compared to the larger spa resort/town (Kurort)
Turkish "hammam" would be "vanna" or "vanja" in Russian, comparable to "wanne" (tub) in German, leading to Spanish "bano"
=
kurort (German: compare: kur = "to cure", ort = "place")
=
kurortny (Russian)
always meaning the same, although spa today typically refers to the individual property (in all 4 languages), as compared to the larger spa resort/town (Kurort)
Turkish "hammam" would be "vanna" or "vanja" in Russian, comparable to "wanne" (tub) in German, leading to Spanish "bano"
Humour aside, is a vanja a spa, or a uniquely Russian sauna?
May 19, 2014 | 6:12 pm
#223
Join Date: Apr 2011
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For those who love Amanpulo, I just noticed that their "Island Escape" package is available for high season for the first time that I can recall. So rates may be going up slightly over time, as are the flights from Manila, but there seem to be options to reduce net cost. Details: http://www.amanresorts.com/exclusive...&LangType=1033
May 19, 2014 | 6:41 pm
#224
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ridefar, pulo exclusives are both down in cost.
on second thought (as you mention) but without running numbers, i may have been wrong and it may be entirely due to increasing room rates. but as you mention, even if that is the case, it is kind of irrelevant, because all that matters now is current prices.
re your comment on island escape during high season, looks like youre right. im only seeing mar/apr/may in 2011/2012. (in addition to low season.)
i received the PM 5 days ago, not sure when the changes were made. the person who PMed me also pointed out that amanbagh 2015 low season rates are now currently scheduled to drop $100. those rates were just recently added, after may 1 press release. (i noticed the addition but not/misread the drop.)
one more recent factor with pulo (and other aman) exclusives/rates applies when breakfast is included - its more valuable now. there are reports for multiple amans that virtuoso/etc breakfast is no longer flexible/valuable. i would certainly hope that there would be no such inflexibility when the breakfast is offered by aman directly.
while pulo casitas were just renovated AND renovations are not done yet, meaning as many as half being removed from inventory this current low season, aman does continue to experiment with rates/inclusions/exclusives. and thats not new. ill continue to track some changes in values. some may foreshadow others.
on second thought (as you mention) but without running numbers, i may have been wrong and it may be entirely due to increasing room rates. but as you mention, even if that is the case, it is kind of irrelevant, because all that matters now is current prices.
re your comment on island escape during high season, looks like youre right. im only seeing mar/apr/may in 2011/2012. (in addition to low season.)
i received the PM 5 days ago, not sure when the changes were made. the person who PMed me also pointed out that amanbagh 2015 low season rates are now currently scheduled to drop $100. those rates were just recently added, after may 1 press release. (i noticed the addition but not/misread the drop.)
speaking of pulo, thanks to someone who PMed me >
amanpulo Exclusives cost drops (cost per night per couple)
(partially, but not entirely, because of increase in beach casita rates)
romance - full board + 3 activities in 5 nts then 1 activity per nt
http://www.amanresorts.com/exclusive...&LangType=1033
$552 / $432 / $382 depending on dates
(in the past $496)
island escape - half board
http://www.amanresorts.com/exclusive...&LangType=1033
$60 / $10 depending on dates
(in the past - $96 then $50/$150)
amanpulo Exclusives cost drops (cost per night per couple)
(partially, but not entirely, because of increase in beach casita rates)
romance - full board + 3 activities in 5 nts then 1 activity per nt
http://www.amanresorts.com/exclusive...&LangType=1033
$552 / $432 / $382 depending on dates
(in the past $496)
island escape - half board
http://www.amanresorts.com/exclusive...&LangType=1033
$60 / $10 depending on dates
(in the past - $96 then $50/$150)
while pulo casitas were just renovated AND renovations are not done yet, meaning as many as half being removed from inventory this current low season, aman does continue to experiment with rates/inclusions/exclusives. and thats not new. ill continue to track some changes in values. some may foreshadow others.
Last edited by Kagehitokiri; May 19, 2014 at 8:58 pm
May 19, 2014 | 7:27 pm
#225
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Location: Monaco
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After interviews with the Aman Group became known that the company's partners developed a very ambitious plans for the future. Both sides are willing to finance not only the development of new projects, but also to invest in the infrastructure of the existing spa facilities. However , more detailed and comprehensive answer regarding the future plans , none of the parties has not provided .