Nicaragua is brimming with natural experiences: here are our top picks

November 11, 2022 No Comments

Nicaraguan tourism officials say it can be incredibly uplifting to rapidly go downhill in the Central American nation.

Ana Garcia of the Nicaraguan Tourism Board noted during a recent Toronto event that adventurous sorts vacationing in her homeland can spend some 45 minutes hiking up 728-meter-high active volcano Cerro Negro and then slide down its steep slopes on a sled made in part of plywood and partly of metal, possibly hitting speeds of around 93 kph while doing so.

The sledders wear special suits and goggles to protect themselves from what’s described as a “gravelly, basaltic surface.” And, continued Garcia, that sort of exhilarating activity underscores Nicaragua’s adventurous side, with adventure tourism being one of many sides to her homeland.

The board is also promoting the natural side of a country that has 26 volcanoes, 7 of them active; a freshwater lake with sharks; 74 protected areas; 4 biospheres; and 200 private wildlife retreats.

“We’ve come out of the shadow of Costa Rica and Nicaragua can stand on its own,” Marlon Moreno of Moreno + Co. — which represents Nicaragua in this country — told those on hand.

Nicaragua borders Costa Rica, which is widely seen as a pioneer in eco-tourism. Nicaragua offers the same types of landscapes and wildlife that have long been attracting people to Costa Rica.

Moreno added that Nicaragua has beautiful beaches and is a “very cultural” part of the world, with colonial architecture being found in the cities of Leon and Granada. He said Nicaragua has a thriving farm-to-table scene and the country also is producing quality rum, coffee and cigars. Nicaragua’s Pacific coast is home to the 293-unit, all-inclusive Barcelo Montelimar — part of Spanish chain Barcelo — but Moreno said the country is more focused on boutique hotels.

Among those on hand for the gathering was Roberto Yanqui of Martour International, who labelled Nicaragua a “very unspoiled” part of the world with nice beaches and colonial cities. Nicaragua is one of the world’s premier surfing destinations, Yanqui continued and added it offers a lot of spa and yoga retreats, among them the Canadian-owned Coco Loco, which Martour recently took a group booking for.

Michele Martinson of Aeromexico in turn said Nicaragua is a “really great option for people looking for a new vacation opportunity.” Moreno said those vacationing in Nicaragua will encounter lodging options that range from backpacker retreats that may be available for as little as $10 a night to the incredibly swank Leading Hotels of the World member Calala Island, an exclusive island retreat.

Nicaragua can be reached from Mexico City with Aeromexico, Copa Airlines from Panama City, El Salvador and Miami with Avianca and American Airlines will return to Managua in November. Those wanting to enter the country must show proof of vaccination or receive a negative PCR test no more than 72 hours before their departure.

Nicaragua saw political unrest several years ago but Moreno and Garcia said the country is now quiet and there’s no need for tourists to be uneasy about their visit.

BY: IAN STALKER

Nassau’s only boutique beach hotel is now taking reservations

November 9, 2022 No Comments
Goldwyn Resort is now accepting reservations for arrivals beginning Feb. 1, 2023.
 
Perched on a pristine stretch of Cable Beach, this resort is an intimate, modern retreat that stands in contrast to the large resorts of Nassau and departs from the traditional beachside aesthetic.
 
A member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, Goldwyn Resort is designed with a nod to the seaside travel of yesteryear combined with the best in today’s luxury travel. Designed to celebrate the nostalgia of a grand era of travel, Wynn Hospitality LTD. presents their spin on a luxury Bahamian holiday with privacy and personal service, world-class cuisine and an epic sea side location.
 
“It is with very good reason that we welcome Goldwyn Resort & Residences to Small Luxury Hotels of the World as our one and only property in the Bahamas: the new beachside luxury retreat offers a more authentic, boutique island resort experience than the much larger neighboring Nassau properties,” said Kenan Simmons, Senior Vice President, Americas, of Small Luxury Hotels ofthe World. “From its beautifully appointed oversized rooms and contemporary island living philosophy, Goldwyn is an ideal partner to continue to bring discerning SLH members the smaller, independent luxury travel experiences that they desire.”
 
Goldwynn Resort will feature 81 studios, one- two- and three-bedroom suites, and three expansive Edge suites. The three-bedroom signature Goldwynn Suite is the ultimate in an oceanfront resort stay, with 1,940 square feet of interior space, three balconies, two terraces and 270 degrees ofunobstructed ocean views. All studios and suites feature full kitchens or kitchenettes, private balconies and views of the Bahamian ocean or manicured golf course. The inviting accommodations showcase locally curated artwork, rich textures, bespoke design elements and a dazzling palette of bright whites, cool blues, and sun-kissed metallics that capture the colour journey of a typical Bahamian day.
 
 
The resort’s signature restaurant, OIA, will offer a fusion of flavors influenced by MediterrAsian specialties, and rooted in Japanese traditions of preparation and presentation. OlA’s panoramic oceanfront views are shared with Bar Paul, a casual lounge by day and energizing space by night. Amara, an open-air eatery located on the infinity-pool deck, serves light fare and libations overlooking the Cable Beach coastline. Guests can opt to dine poolside in a private, butler-serviced cabana, just steps from the water’s edge. Atria is a stylish, yet unpretentious casual hub infused with natural light and showcases the world’s tallest indoor relief sculpture – a spectacular five-story art installation by Bahamian master artist, Kishan Munroe.
 
Mangrove Spa welcomes guests to a holistic ecosystem where they can stabilize and maintain their well-being through the power of touch, ancient rituals and mind body wellness technologies. Treatments are designed with Pevonia, Dermalogica, and Biologique Recheche products to deliver a high-quality spa experience, bringing guests to a new level of peace and relaxation. This intimate and sophisticated sanctuary includes three treatment rooms (including one couple’s suite), a nail and hair salon where guests can enjoy multiple simultaneous salon treatments and an outdoor cabana where guests can bask in the beautiful Bahamian seaside atmosphere.
 
The stunning beachfront location, merely 50 feet away from the turquoise waters, will accommodate small weddings, corporate events and a wide array of special occasions, celebrations and memorable
escapes. The Goldwynn Resort’s private yet prime location is just fifteen minutes from Linden Pindling International Airport and ten minutes from downtown Nassau. Goldwyn Resort is dedicated to providing the best in-class luxury service and experience in the region. Guests are invited to make every minute on property second to none.

Global hotel brands team up to offer one-of-a-kind experiences

November 7, 2022 No Comments

Fairmont Hotels & Resorts has released an exciting new collection of first-of-their-kind, awe-inspiring experiences available exclusively at iconic Fairmont properties, and other ALL – Accor Live Limitless hotels, across North & Central America. 

Beyond LIMITS’ is designed to defy convention, shatter the boundaries of expectation, and elevate the luxury experience beyond what was previously thought possible. Each highly exclusive, immersive experience is as unexpected as it is unforgettable, carefully crafted to lead travellers on a journey of discovery, to find something new within the destination, the hotel and themselves.

‘Beyond LIMITS’ kicks off the first week of November 2022, with signature limited-time

experiences slated through March 2023 – including:

Symphony in a Cenote: In the lush Mexico jungle, Fairmont Mayakoba reimagines one of Riviera Maya’s famed limestone caves as a spectacular candlelit concert hall. | November 2022 & January 2023

Pauoa Bay Underwater Ballet | Guests at Fairmont Orchid in Hawaii will have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to dive into a magical underwater world and witness a daring, mesmerizing live ballet performance beneath the sea. | January & February 2023

The Vertical Stage | Fairmont Century Plaza transforms its famed Los Angeles façade into the world’s first 19-story vertical dance floor for a troupe of gravity defying performance artists. | Early 2023

Fire & Ice | In a tiny log cabin, at the edge of frozen Lake Louise, surrounded for miles by nothing but Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise and a wintry snowscape, a master chef delivers an exclusive, intimate fireside culinary experience for only 10 lucky guests, inspired by the Japanese cooking style of Robatayaki | January & February 2023

Christmas with Candace | Emmy award nominee, director, actress, New York Times best-selling author, producer, ‘Queen of Christmas’ and “Full House” star, Candace Cameron Bure shares some of her favorite holiday tips and tricks, including how to decorate the perfect Christmas cookie, at a special holiday tea and photo moment at Fairmont San Francisco. | December 2022

Haute O2 | High in the Canadian Rockies, where the air is pure and the views extend as far as the eye can see, Fairmont Banff Springs is popping up a cliffside oxygen bar at 7,000 feet, accessible exclusively to just 8 guests per day, to refresh the mind, body and soul. | January 2023

Enchanted Forest | Perched atop Fairmont Waterfront’s garden terrace with majestic views of downtown Vancouver and the city’s stunning harbor, awaits a world of fantasy, a magnificent forest overflowing with lush sprawling trees, a dreamy musical performance, and a hint of magic | Early 2023

Après Scottsdale | In the heart of the Sonoran Desert, sits an unexpected luxury winter chateau, nestled amidst the ultimate holiday playground at Fairmont Scottsdale Princess; entry is only granted to a select few adults, who choose to celebrate the holidays with more grown-up pursuits, from culinary delights to the finest sparkling champagne | November & December 2023

Tea Noir | Fairmont Olympic Hotel’s playfully dark twist on high tea promises a journey through tea-infused sensorial delights, from savory to sweet, with a dash of spice, worthy of slipping into something a little glam | November 2022 through March 2023

To learn more or to book a ‘Beyond LIMITS’ experience, visit www.ALLbeyondLIMITS.com.




This hotel in Grand Cayman is home to the island’s only sushi spot

November 4, 2022 No Comments

With travellers permitted to enter the Cayman Islands without the need of any additional documents or health-related steps due to COVID-19, the destination is open for business and Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort & Spa is welcoming all travellers looking for a luxurious and memorable Caribbean getaway.   

Occupying the most expansive stretch of Grand Cayman’s famed Seven Mile Beach, the beachfront Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort & Spa features 343 guestrooms and suites, boasting the island’s largest inventory of guest rooms on Seven Mile Beach with Caribbean Sea views.  

Guests also have access to an array of wellness amenities including a daily activities schedule, morning beach yoga, a 24-hour WestinWORKOUT Fitness Studio, The Hibiscus Spa, featuring 13 treatment rooms and a menu of over 60 wellness treatments, as well as a recently renovated freshwater pool – the largest in Grand Cayman. With Red Sail Sports located on the property’s beach, guests are also just steps away from an array of watersports activities.  

Travellers arriving to Grand Cayman will now have access to the island’s only restaurant specializing in sushi, ceviche, and poke with Westin Grand Cayman’s woto, which officially opened in June 2021. Led by Chef Ronald DeLa Torre and his award-winning culinary team, woto offers the freshest and most delectable chef-crafted sushi, ceviche, and poke the island has to offer. A new Sunday Brunch offering, available for hotel guests and locals, is available at woto from 12 – 3 p.m. with a choice of three menu items, a dessert and bottomless prosecco for $75 per person. Woto is also open daily from 12:00 pm – 9:00 pm. 

The property is also home to the Cayman Coffee Exchange, which recently underwent a one-million-dollar renovation. The grab-and-go café is the perfect place for guests to stop by for a quick pick-me-up as they head off for a day of sightseeing in the Cayman Islands. Cayman Coffee Exchange offers freshly brewed coffee, pastries, breakfast burritos and more.  

News of the removal of travel restrictions comes at a perfect time as Cayman Airways will start offering nonstop flights to Grand Cayman from Los Angeles International Airport on Nov.5, 2022, making travel from the West Coast to the Cayman Islands much easier.  

In honor of the new flight option, Westin Grand Cayman is offering a 20 per cent discount and a $300 resort credit per stay (with six-night min) now through Nov. 30 for guests booking a stay from Nov. 6, 2022 – March 4, 2023 traveling via Cayman Airways’ new direct flights. The promotion can be accessed with promo code YX1 as well as via booking page and boarding passes must be presented upon check in. 

A legendary property gets a Mayan makeover in Mexico

November 2, 2022 No Comments

On 25 May 2023, the Riviera Maya will welcome the much-anticipated return of Maroma, A Belmond Hotel, the storied hideaway in the beating heart of the Riviera Maya.

Nestled between 200 acres of lush tropical jungle and the secluded white sands of Mexico’s Caribbean coast, the legendary property has been completely reimagined with Mayan culture at its core – and will be the first, extensive transformation within Belmond’s North America portfolio, under LVMH ownership.

This new chapter of Maroma will reveal 10 new waterfront suites, a nature-focussed wellness experience in partnership with Guerlain, ground-breaking sustainability initiatives and a new gastronomic era under Mexican-born Executive Chef Daniel Camacho.

A Mayan legend, reborn

Internationally renowned designer, Tara Bernerd, is at the helm of the comprehensive restoration, working hand-in-hand with local artisans to honour Mexican heritage. Blending contemporary craft with the careful sourcing of indigenous materials, the team will create timeless spaces that are authentic to their roots and channel the healing energy of the locale. The original design and architecture of the property have been preserved, including the white stucco buildings, aligned to the Sacred Geometry of Mayan masonry.

Curved lines and organic forms inspired by the property’s wild surrounds inform the harmonious indoor-outdoor flow of rooms, suites and villas. An unrivalled beach resort, each of the 72 accommodations are spread across Maroma’s private stretch of sand – of which three quarters now have ocean views, including a spacious new waterfront suite complete with private pool and garden.  The property’s three pools have been completely redesigned, featuring Sukabumi tiles hand-made from volcanic stone, in the same vibrant turquoise tones as the region’s many natural cenotes. 

Colourful & contemporary cuisine

Mexican-born Executive Chef Daniel Camacho will continue his legacy of celebrating his country’s rich culinary diversity at Casa Mayor restaurant. Working on a sustainable provenance approach, 90 per cent of ingredients will be sourced from Mexico and almost half from the Yucatán peninsula.

A proud member of #PescaConFuturo, promoting sustainable fishery and aquaculture, freshly caught seafood will be sourced from Amigos de Sian Ka’an. Reinventing traditional Mexican cuisine, colourful dishes will range from seafood towers and Michoacan corundas, to Jalisco-style Birria and chocolate cake with Oaxacan black mole, flamed with house mezcal.  

For the perfect sundowner, Bambuco offers a more casual affair, where seasonal herbal drinks made fresh from the garden sit alongside Mexican wines, tequila cocktails, and an extensive selection of Mezcal. The legendary beach hangout, Freddy’s Bar will continue to channel the vibrant spirit of the Riviera Maya, filled with live music and DJ sets, fresh seafood and cocktails. 

For more information, click here. 

In the Cayman Islands, you’ll find a rum that’s been aged 42-feet under the sea

October 31, 2022 No Comments

The Cayman Islands is home to a rum with a unique aging process. Seven Fathoms rum — which takes its name from the depth at which the rum has been aged — is the only spirit producer in the world to age its rum underwater.

“The term Fathom is a unit of measurement, roughly the length of one’s outstretched arms. This was most commonly used to measure rope, which was once one of the main industries of the Cayman Islands many years ago,” says Walker Romanica, owner and distiller of Cayman Spirits Co., which produces the rum. “So Seven Fathoms, or 42 feet, is the approximate depth at which we aged a portion of the rum that goes into every blending of Seven Fathoms Rum.”

The rum is aged under the sea in American white oak bourbon casks where it is rocked by underwater currents to mimic a concept that dates back to the golden age of rum.

“The concept of aging underwater goes back to a time when there was something called Ocean Rum, or Dock Rum, which was a term given to barrels of rum that had made a voyage in a barrel across the ocean,” he says. “People knew this rum had aged better because on the ship it had been rocked by the sea. This stirring of the barrel and the rum is called agitation and it is something many distilleries seek to achieve today, we are just doing it in a unique way, using what we have naturally available to us here in the Cayman Islands.”

Although some European wineries and cava producers have started aging their products underwater, Cayman Spirits Co. remains the exclusive spirit producer to use this method. 

“A few whiskies and even some beers have also ventured to ship their liquid in barrels on ships circumventing the globe, to achieve a similar effect,” he says. 

To get a taste of the unique rum firsthand, the distillery offers tours Monday through Saturday “where you can come and get the full experience of the rum at Cayman Spirits Co. Distillery.”

In addition to Seven Fathoms Rum, visitors can also sample a variety of spirits that are only made and sold in Cayman, including some seasonal specialties only available certain times a year like Mango Brandy and Scotch Bonnet Vodka.

 

Ritz-Carlton’s upscale yacht collection sets sail

October 28, 2022 No Comments

Envisioned to perfectly blend the lifestyle of The Ritz-Carlton resorts with the casual freedom of a yachting vacation, Evrima, the first of three custom-built yachts from The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, set sail on October 15, 2022, with a voyage from Barcelona, Spain, to Nice, France, delivering highly tailored getaways for travelers seeking to wholly immerse themselves in the culture of each destination. 

“We are thrilled to introduce The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection and usher in an exciting new chapter for this beloved brand,” said Chris Gabaldon, Senior Vice President for Luxury Brands, Marriott International. “The Ritz-Carlton has long been rooted in innovation and service excellence, guided by a commitment to be at the forefront of delivering transformative travel experiences. As we continue to evolve our legendary brand, we could not be more excited to give our guests the opportunity to experience The Ritz-Carlton in a new way.”

An exclusive experience at sea

Unveiling unique itineraries and immersive experiences, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection carves out an exclusive space within the industry while exemplifying the brand’s forward-thinking approach to luxury hospitality. Stopping at both intimate and signature ports of call, most voyages range from 7 to 10 nights, with no two journeys alike so that guests can combine itineraries without repeating a destination. Depending on the season, Evrima visits the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, Central America, and South America. Destinations along the way range from Spain’s Balearic Islands and coveted havens along the French Riviera, to the aquamarine shores of Aruba and the tropical coastlines of Costa Rica. The intimate size of Evrima also allows unique access into some of the most sought-after ports of call, delivering yacht-style cruising in destinations such as Mykonos, Saint-Tropez, and St. Barts.

The specially designed yacht measures 190-meters and can accommodate up to 298 passengers. The onboard experience reflects the sublime comfort and legendary service for which The Ritz-Carlton brand is renowned, with one of the highest staff and space ratios at sea. The design of the yacht’s 149 suites is one of the many tone-setting elements. In addition to offering a high percentage of large suites, Evrima also features several innovative two-story loft suites, a unique duplex accommodation. All rooms feature a private terrace and floor to ceiling windows, resulting in some of the most airy and expansive guestrooms at sea. Through a blind wall, select suites also have the option to be combined into larger, open-concept spaces, allowing for more flexibility when selecting accommodations. All suites feature the luxurious amenities that visitors expect from Ritz-Carlton properties around the world, including a king bed, double vanity bathroom, luxury linens, and more.

Travellers aboard Evrima can access the following:

  • curated menu of ESPA and 111SKIN spa treatments
  • a sauna and steam room
  • watersports from the yacht’s marina
  • an infinity pool
  • a fitness studio
  • a breadth of dining options

Enriching entertainment on board includes intimate performances by in-house jazz and classical musicians, discussions led by renowned experts, and partnerships with local arts and music communities. Families exploring the world together can enjoy a dedicated space on board for Ritz Kids. The Ritz Kids programming, tailored for young guests between the ages of four and twelve, has been crafted to appeal to children’s curiosity and innate love for discovery, with an emphasis on marine conservation.

In each destination, guests can choose from a selection of unique experiences within The Shore Collection that align with their interests or utilize the services of the Concierge Ashore to customize their own private tours. Experiences on shore range from a guided tour in a world-class museum with its curator and visiting a UNESCO World Heritage site, to yoga on a private beach, zip-lining through a rain forest, truffle hunting, and more. By working with local guides who were selected for their insider knowledge and subject matter expertise, guests enjoy a singular journey. On select itineraries, guests can deepen their experience mid-voyage through an overnight tour, promising an unforgettable and uniquely immersive cultural experience, before rejoining the yacht at their next destination.

The yachts of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection are also available for private charter. For more information, click here.

 

Hotel brand seeks foodie “CEO” for new job sampling food on all five continents

October 26, 2022 No Comments

Sampling Mexico’s sizzling street tacos, inhaling the bold aroma of Turkish coffee, uncovering the tangiest chimichurri in Argentina – it’s a job any foodie would covet and now, it could be yours. Ramada® by Wyndham, one of the world’s most well-known hotel brands, is searching for its first-ever Chief Eats Officer (“CEO”), a newly created role that will take one lucky job-seeker around the globe as they help the brand uncover and share some of the world’s best culinary and cultural delights. Best of all, the gig comes with a $10,000 payday and bragging rights as the most mouth-watering job ever.

Known for its diverse portfolio of award-winning hotels in more than 63 countries around the globe, Ramada helps travelers sample the world. The appointed “CEO” will be tasked with uncovering the culture and cuisine throughout five different continents and creatively showcase their finds on the brand’s social media and marketing channels. In exchange, the selected candidate will receive $10,000 and a $150 daily travel stipend to help them make the most of their globetrotting adventure. The “CEO Comp Package” also includes paid accommodations and air travel, an upgrade to Wyndham Rewards Diamond membership and bucket-list travel experiences.

Known for its diverse portfolio of award-winning hotels in more than 63 countries around the globe, Ramada helps travelers sample the world. The appointed “CEO” will be tasked with uncovering the culture and cuisine throughout five different continents and creatively showcase their finds on the brand’s social media and marketing channels. In exchange, the selected candidate will receive $10,000 and a $150 daily travel stipend to help them make the most of their globetrotting adventure. The “CEO Comp Package” also includes paid accommodations and air travel, an upgrade to Wyndham Rewards Diamond membership and bucket-list travel experiences.

For more information and how to apply, visit www.ramada.com/ceo.

This credit card company now offers a luxury hotel and airport lounge collection

October 24, 2022 No Comments

Credit card company Capital One recently announced that cardholders will soon be able to access an exclusive hotel booking platform with the launch of Premier Collection for Capital One Venture X Rewards later this year.

Through the rewards program, cardholders can also look forward to two new airport lounges with “chef-driven” experiences.

With the launch of the Premier Collection, travellers can enjoy perks including a $100 experience credit to be used during the stay, complimentary breakfast for two each day, free WiFi throughout the stay, room upgrades, early and late checkout, and the opportunity to earn 10 times the miles on Premier Collection bookings.

Some of the luxury hotels included in the Premier Collection include 1 Hotel South Beach (Miami Beach); Crans Ambassador (Switzerland); Hotel Cafe Royal (London); Chable Yucatan (Yucatan); Faena Miami Beach (Miami); and Montage Healdsburg (California).

Alongside the new luxury hotel collection, Capital One Travel cardholders will also gain access to two new airport lounges, two at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) and one at New York’s LaGuardia Airport’s Terminal B (LGA), curated by chef, humanitarian and bestselling author, José Andrés.

Travellers who visit the lounge can enjoy an espresso and coffee bar, grab-and-go eats and curated cocktails, all inside a comfortable and thoughtfully-designed space.

For more information, click here. 

At $3,000 per night, this hotel is one of the most luxurious in NYC

October 21, 2022 No Comments

Aman New York opened its doors on Aug. 2, 2022.

The culmination of a monumental transformation of the iconic Crown Building in Manhattan, the 83-suite hotel and its 22 branded residences bring the peace promised by Aman’s Sanskrit-derived name to the heart of New York. The hotel is the second in a new, pioneering generation of Aman properties in urban settings, following in the footsteps of Aman Tokyo and taking the brand to 34 properties worldwide.

Resting on the corner of 57th Street and Fifth Avenue, the storied Crown Building was built in 1921. Designed by Warren & Wetmore, architects of some of New York’s most influential buildings – including Grand Central Station and the Helmsley Building – the building has undergone a significant restoration, marking its next chapter as an urban Aman sanctuary. Through a combination of its original architectural splendour and Aman’s harmonious design language, the inimitable tranquillity of Aman is extraordinarily reimagined in this urban environment, transporting guests away from the frenetic pace of the city below.

On entering Aman New York, guests ascend to the hotel’s 14th floor, where a double-height atrium instantly instils a sense of grandeur while connecting exceptional spaces for socialising, designed by Jean Michel Gathy of Denniston and guided by the pulse of the city. Restaurants include Arva, Aman’s convivial Italian restaurant, and Nama, Aman’s interpretation of Japan’s washoku dining tradition, which features a Japanese Hinoki wood counter for omakase-style fine dining, alongside a Wine Library, all linked by a verdant wraparound Garden Terrace. Featuring reflective pools and dramatic firepits, the 650-square-metre outdoor space benefits from a retracting glass roof allowing year- round access. Meanwhile, the exclusive Jazz Club offers world-class live performances, reinventing a classic New York experience and serving as a nightly gathering place.

Elsewhere, a flagship Aman Spa covers three-storeys (2,300 square metres) defining an entirely new and all-encompassing approach to rejuvenation in the city. The most comprehensive realisation of Aman’s wellness philosophy in the Western Hemisphere, the spa offers a full spectrum of wellness- enhancing facilities, centred by a 20-metre indoor swimming pool flanked by firepits and daybeds and warmly lit by the glow of magnificent copper light installations. For those seeking a dedicated wellness experience, two vast Spa Houses comprise double treatment rooms, Banya and Hammam rooms, and private outdoor terraces with hot and cold plunge pools, daybeds and fireplaces. Available for private use, the Spa Houses are comparable to those of Aman’s remotest retreats and introduce a totally new concept to the city.

Ideal for business or leisure guests alike, the hotel’s 83 suites are among New York’s largest and are inspired by the airy architecture of Aman’s properties in Southeast Asia. An invitation to switch off from the outside world, every suite also offers a functioning fireplace, a first in New York City, while bathrooms are opulent and oversized with oval soaking bathtubs, marble rain showers and double vanities. Large windows offer dynamic views, and the use of organic, natural materials and muted tones brings a sense of balance and harmony reminiscent of that found in Aman resorts of the East.

On the building’s 11th and 12th floors, 11 Grand Suites can be configured with additional bedrooms to create family-sized spaces, while two Aman Suites offer the pinnacle of urban Aman living with views of 57th Street and Fifth Avenue, living and dining areas with tables for six, kitchenettes with counter seating and large walk-in wardrobes.

In a further nod to the brand’s roots, each suite also features a large-scale mural by contemporary Japanese artist Ryoko Adachi and inspired by the 15th-century masterpiece Pine Trees (Shōrin-zu byōbu) by Hasegawa Tōhaku. One of Japan’s most celebrated works, Pine Trees, owned by the Tokyo National Museum, was designated as a National Treasure in 1952 and is internationally acclaimed. Adachi’s recreation of the piece perfectly captures its eminent pre-Edo influence, and is a homage to Tōhaku, printed on delicate rice paper and spanning the walls as a captivating focal point.
Vlad Doronin, Chairman and CEO of Aman says: “Following the success of the multi-award-winning Aman Tokyo, our strategy to bring the coveted Aman lifestyle to urban destinations continues apace. A milestone opening, Aman New York marks our greatest investment into a single destination to date. The hotel introduces an entirely new concept to the city through expansive and unmatched amenities, which propels the brand forward, delivering a guest experience like no other.”

Aman New York joins Amangani in Wyoming and Amangiri in Utah as the brand’s third destination in the United States. Part of Aman’s robust future pipeline, the trio will soon be accompanied by Aman Miami Beach (2024).

Aman New York hotel reservations open on 25 July 2022, with stays commencing on 2 August 2022.