Travel guide to Aman Resorts

Phenomenal luxury, exquisite comforts and an astonishing array of different cultures and landscapes, Aman serves up the best of the best every time. Below we have listed their properties in Asia, but specifically highlighting what we love about each one. Carry on reading and let us know in the comments if you have any other highlights you love about Aman and want to share! For isolated luxury: AMANKORA Bumthang, Bhutan The Choekhor Valley is Bhutan’s least visited region, which means you can explore the country’s spiritual hub and most auspicious monasteries in complete private solitude. For birding: AMANKORA Gangtey, Bhutan The picturesque Phobjikha Valley is a designated conservation area for the majestic and endangered black-necked crane. Every October and until March, around 350 of these beautiful birds migrate from the Tibetan Plateau to Gangtey. For Alpine adventures: AMANKORA Paro, Bhutan At Amankora Paro the air is filled with the freshness of blue pines. Thick blankets of pine forest swathe the landscape as far as the eye can see, just waiting to be explored. Rural paradise: AMANKORA Punakha, Bhutan This charming hotel is built around a traditional Bhutanese farmhouse. Fantastic views, stunning scenery and the chance to immerse yourself in tranquil isolation. Best address in town: AMANKORA Thimphu, Bhutan Overlooking the capital in a quiet setting, Amankora Thimphu is in the perfect location to venture into town to visit the markets or see the many highlights and attractions. Out of season: AMANSARA Angkor, Cambodia From October to April is typically defined as the ‘wet season’, however with roughly an hour of rain each day and with the temples of Angkor Wat to yourself, it’s the best time to travel. City hideaway: AMANFAYUN Hangzhou, China Hangzhou is one of China’s most populous cities, but hidden between mountains and a monastery with verdant tea-field views, Amanfayun is a world away from urban life. Traditional architecture: AMANDAYAN Lijiang, China Delightfully unique and bursting with authentic character, Amandayan encompasses everything which is traditionally Chinese. Insider access: AMAN SUMMER PALACE Beijing, China Direct private access to the Summer Palace’s endless hidden wonders where you can experience a taste of indulgent Quing Dynasty living. Views: AMANKILA Bali, Indonesia From anywhere in the hotel you can soak up the jaw-dropping 360-degree views, particularly those overlooking the deep blue sea of the Lombok Strait. Heritage conservation: AMANYANGYUN Shanghai, China Aman’s latest masterpiece, and most ambitious project, this hotel celebrates ancient architecture. Ancient dwellings dating back to the Ming and Qing dynasty, which were under threat from demolition, have been restored to their former glory to create beautifully refined spaces. Families: AMANBAGH Rajasthan, India It may feel as though you are a million miles from anywhere, but there is plenty to keep idle hands active: treasure hunts, camel rides, nature walks, bike rides, horse riding, cooking classes… children of any age can benefit from these cultural experiences. Traditional culture: AMANDARI Bali, Indonesia Amandari is completely immersed in local life and plays an important role to the wider community. We highly recommend exploring the sprawling grounds, and meet with local people going about their daily lives. Outdoor activities: AMANJIWO Java, Indonesia Activities in and around Amanjiwo are abundant. Step out from the hotel and within minutes you can be exploring the incredible Borobudur, trekking up the steep flanks of Mount Merapi or rambling across rice fields and rural villages. Cultural tours, elephant treks and horse riding are also available, no request is too small! Wildlife: AMAN-I-KHAS Ranthambhore, India Aman-I-Khas is perched right on the edge of prime tiger spotting territory, but sightings of leopards, jungle cats, sloth bears, wild boar, sambar and spotted deer, and more than 300 species of birds are also common, and all whilst you relive the lavish history of Maharajas’ hunting parties. Off the beaten track: AMANWANA Moyo Island, Indonesia Far from the madding crowd, Amanwana is surrounded by pristine jungle, pure shores and the endless ocean of turquoise Flores Sea. There’s no wonder it means ‘peaceful forest’… Unusual experiences: AMANEMU Shima-shi, Japan Dine on a specially curated Amanemu menu with an ama (the female freedivers who collect shellfish, seaweed and sea urchin) in her home, an amagoya, whilst you learn about her way of life, unchanged for centuries. Colonial: AMANTAKA Luang Prabang, Laos & AMANGALLA Galle, Sri Lanka Two hotels which are bursting with old-world charm, and combine modern flourishes with nostalgic fittings, hark back to the golden days of colonial travel. Beach hideaway: AMANWELLA Tangalle, Sri Lanka Curved around a stretch of palm-fringed private beach, this hidden beach capsule is the ultimate discreet boutique hotel. Desert island fantasy: AMANPULO Pamalican Island, Philippines We all have that elusive fantasy of ‘getting away from it all’ but at Amanpulo you can indulge in your Robinson Crusoe whims, but in the height of luxury with snow-white beaches, crystal-clear seas, pristine diving and endless watersports. Iconic luxury: AMANPURI Phuket, Thailand This well-established iconic classic is the Aman Group’s first ever hotel. With an unrivalled reputation, it now sets the bar for unprecedented luxury for their many idyllic hotels across the world. Design: AMAN TOKYO Tokyo, Japan The epitome of contemporary city-sleek. Aman Tokyo nods to traditional Japanese heritage in its décor, but wows with its thoroughly modern metropolis views from the vast floor-to-ceiling windows. Spa: AMANOI Ninh Thuan Province, Vietnam The spa itself is resting on the calm shores of a lotus-filled lake. The open-air yoga pavilion energises, whilst the sumptuous indoor pool relaxes, and therapists are ready and waiting with vials of essential oils. We hope this insight into our favourite Aman Resorts has inspired you. If you’ve got any questions or want to discuss your travel plans, please do not hesitate to get in touch! James Jayasundera is Founder and Managing Director of Ampersand Travel. If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.