AMAN-I-KHAS

Aman’s exceptional experiences are founded in an ethos of cultural understanding. With 15 of their properties located close to or within UNESCO-protected sites, their boutique hotels and luxury wellness retreats pay respect to the environment and culture in which they reside.

To visit the Aman-i-Khas in Rajasthan, for instance, is to see the spirit of India embodied in Mughal-style luxury camping. Built on the threshold of Ranthambore National Park, a former royal hunting ground turned wildlife reserve, this resort is a network of airy canvas pavilions and groves of silvery dhok trees. To walk along its footpaths is to be delighted by the sight of wrought-iron lanterns and water-bowls filled with floating marigolds. By day, the resort’s swimming pool, modelled on a baori (ancient step-well) is the natural choice for recreation. By night, enjoy a crackling fire and intimate talks under the stars in the hotel patio’s cushioned conversation pits.

Emulating the travelling camps of the Mughal Dynasty, guests sleep under the soaring canopies of ten ultra-luxe, safari-style tents. The design of the rooms is elegant but unobtrusive, with panelled mahogany details, amritsar rugs, and a minibar – cleverly designed as a leather trunk – stashed at the foot of the master bed. The bathroom, which features a free-standing bathtub made from locally-sourced stone, is separated from the bedroom and living room by white cotton drapes. Each tent even comes with its own sundeck for the avid naturalist or daytime lounger. Moored in the Aravalli hills, Aman-i-Khas invites you to relive a bygone empire.

AMAN VENICE

If the cityscape is more your style, why not escape to Aman Venice? Located in the 16th century Palazzo Papadopoli and overlooking the bustling Canal Grande, this magnificent site gives the Aman brand a Midas touch. Guests feast on the sight of sweeping marble staircases, arched Venetian windows, and lofty ceilings decorated with gilded Renaissance frescoes. A grand ballroom, three dining rooms, and a series of secluded libraries lie waiting to be discovered. In this palace, it is the culinary tradition of cucina semplice that reigns supreme. Classic Italian dishes are made fresh every day from produce bought from the local Rialto Market – Venice is known, in particular, for its risi i bisi, a creamy risotto with crispy pancetta and peas.

Aman Venice has 24 rooms, each featuring the work of some of Italy’s greatest artists (including 18th century painter Giovanni Battista Tiepolo). Even when living like royalty, Aman does not lose their love for the understated. Expect sleek and contemporary furniture that allow the palace’s more opulent fixtures – a glittering chandelier, a Baroque marble fireplace, or the rich hues of Venetian damask wallpaper – to stand out. Aman captures Venice’s inimitable spirit and historic charm while still abiding by their own edict of uncomplicated luxury.

LUXURY HOLISTIC WELLNESS

It is no surprise that a brand taking its name from the Sanskrit word for ‘peace’ is a champion of wellness. Passing through the doors of an Aman property, all tensions should melt away in the warmth of the atmosphere. They take a holistic approach, focusing on four key pillars of well-being: nutrition, movement, psychological health, and bodywork. Wellness Concierges are dedicated to helping visitors build their own path.

Those seeking serenity may choose to pamper themselves at Aman Resorts’ state-of-the-art spas. Every spa is designed after the healing traditions and natural offerings of its host country. For example, the 2,000 square-metre spa at Amanemu, set within the rolling hills of Ise Shima National Park in Japan, features traditional Japanese Onsen Bathing. Originally a Buddhist cleansing practice, Onsen Bathing today involves luxuriating in mineral-rich waters sourced from hot springs and believed to have healing properties.

Amanemu guests can also enjoy beauty treatments that make use of in-season Japanese herbs and plants. The coming of spring offers the gentle aromas of neroli and green tea, while you can expect to leave any autumn treatment smelling of Japanese cinnamon, sweet gettoh (Japanese peach leaf), and crisp shisho (red mint).