Tag Archives: Amanyara

Amanera. Playa Grande, Dominican Republic

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Have you ever heard of the term Aman Junky? Well… if you haven’t, now you have. I am also the newest member of that elite clan and here is why:

Every Aman property is meticulously designed to blend in with the natural setting as well as offer an extreme sense of privacy and peace, hence the name “Aman”, which means peace in Sanskrit.

A few days ago I returned from staying at  the new Amanera in the Dominican Republic, and oh what a stay. The hotel executed the perfect balance between a luxurious and relaxed ambiance. Think Swiss Family Robinson meets modernist Aman luxury, and add to that a 4:1 staff to guest ratio.

The moment you walk in, the staff welcome you as if you are an old friend with the backdrop view of Playa Grande, a cold lavender towel and a mouth watering pomegranate and mint drink. After pinching yourself a few times, and taking in the chic, but understated decor, you are swift away to your very own private casita in confortable golf carts.

Amanera has only 25 casitas, which makes the experience even more private. Most villas have a private pool, but not just any pool, a private 30 meter (350sqf) pool, decked out with a gigantic terrace with a sunbed area, outdoor dining, outdoor siting and an outdoor shower. The inside of the villa is as impressive as the outside. The casita is around 90 sqm (850sqf) with a gigantic walk-in closet, separate bedroom, gorgeous living room and a bathroom that makes you feel like you are in the middle of the Caribbean jungle, with floor to ceiling windows showcasing lush vegetation.

Your meals can severed anywhere at anytime, so you can forget about waking up early and rushing to breakfast.  Amanera’s main goal is to have you relax and have whatever you want, whenever you want. How is that for a rule?

They have two restaurants, one in the main lobby and a second one in the beach. Both can serve any dish you desire in addition to their standard delicious menu. My favorite dishes were the ceviche, cod and beef Wellington. However, you cannot go wrong with any item on the menu.

Amanera is perfect for anyone looking for a romantic getaway, golfers or family with small or big kids.

Amanera is the only Aman resort which offers a private golf course for guests only. Designed by Robert Trent Jones, and renovated by his son Reese Jones, it is expected to be one of the most scenic golf courses in the Caribbean.

The hotel also has plenty of activities for children to be entertained like pottery class, cupcake decorating, pizza making class, zip line, surfing and more.

All in all, this vacation was one of the most memorable stays in my recent years, and we cannot wait to go back this next winter.

Amanyara Hotel. Turks & Caicos

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During my five years of working as a travel curator, I have never come across a property so perfectly executed like Amanyara. The fact that Amanyara is only a few hours away from major cities like Miami, Dallas, New York and Boston, makes it my favorite and most desirable beach destination (specially during the cold winter).

When you enter Amanyara  you will easily understand why I consider it to be the most beautiful hotel of the Aman brand. You will be welcomed by a contemporary setting, with an infusion of Japanese architecture. It is located in a sensual tropical island; one you would want to be lost in forever with your better half.

When you walk into the lobby you might have to pinch yourself once or twice to make sure you are not in a wild dream. The hotel has 38 pavilions and 20 villas, which are equally as beautiful. If you are traveling with a big family a Villa might be the best option due to their size, they all range between 3 to 4 bedrooms. If you are on a romantic getaway, I suggest staying in either the Pool Pavilions 120 or 125.

As soon as you realize that the beautiful pavilion the manager is walking you to is yours, you might feel dizzy and extreme excitement all at the same time, they are absolutely stunning. Each features a private pool, not plunge pool, but a 30-foot pool, therefore there is no need to share it with strange guests and unwanted small humans.

The restaurant terrace is the perfect place to have a decadent breakfast before heading to one of the gigantic lounge sala´s next to the pool. If you get tired of tanning (not that anyone would get) the library is the perfect place to unwind and sip a delicious Mojito. If for dinner you want something extra special, get a private table at the picturesque cove right on the beach. Maybe, if you’re lucky, you will get to see famous celebs, such as Mary J. Blige and Sting, who usually perform at Amanyara’s holiday parties.

 

Photographs courtesy of the property.