Top 10 Best Aman Resorts in the World

Aman Resorts are legendary in the hospitality world. Most have only 40 or fewer suites or free standing villas, in a beautiful, peaceful setting (“Aman” means peace). Aman Resorts' most famous architect is Ed Tuttle, who designed the original Aman Resort, Amanpuri, as well as Amankila, Amanjiwo, Amanyara and Amanzoe.

But what really defines an Aman is the personalized service. The ethos is one of truly being a guest in the home of hosts, and not just a transaction. That's why, for example, you don't need to request or sign any bills during your stay. It's also how somehow your suite or villa is refreshed multiple times a day. No one is knocking at your door while you're sleeping in or getting ready for dinner–everything is done discreetly, when you're out exploring, enjoying a meal or relaxing at the pool or beach. Another thing that resonates with us, as a non-TV household, is that there are no TVs in Aman Villas and Suites. But even those that think they'll miss TV often find they enjoy the surroundings and relax better without one.

As you'd expect for ultra luxury resorts with only a few villas and often 4 staff members per guest, an Aman stay is pricey, but also so worth it for those seeking a beautiful, tranquil retreat and the ultimate in discreet yet friendly service.

Based on my clients' and my experiences at Aman Resorts, here are my picks for the Top 10 Aman Resorts in the World, and the Virtuoso amenities that are included when you book with TravelSort.

1. Amanpulo (Pamalican Island, Philippines)

The resort is a favorite for Aman junkies who love the beach, with its powdery white sand. There's also scuba diving offered, as well as sailing, cruises, and windsurfing. A private 19 plane takes you from Manila, since there's no other access to this private island. Don't miss swimming with giant sea turtles while snorkeling or diving, delicious Vietnamese at the Lagoon Club, and a massage at the Spa.

Book Amanpulo with TravelSort to Enjoy these Virtuoso Amenities:

Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
Continental breakfast daily for two
Complimentary lunch for two once during stay, excluding alcohol, taxes and gratuities

2. Amankila (East Bali, Indonesia)

I love spectacular views, and Amankila's tiered pools, framed by the blue sky and ocean, are simply stunning. From a luscious passionfruit welcome drink to a magical Balinese dance performance to live gamelan music at sunset that had even the super active munchkin rapt and in awe, we were smitten.

It was also as if we were virtually the only guests–we would never have believed the resort was at such high occupancy if we hadn't seen the other guests at the Balinese dance performance–somehow we were the only ones at the Beach Club, on the Aman Cruise and Snorkeling Trip, and only one of 3 tables at dinner, at the time we dined.

Book Amankila with TravelSort to Enjoy these Virtuoso Amenities:

Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
Continental breakfast daily for two
Complimentary lunch or dinner for two once during stay, excluding alcohol, taxes and gratuities

3. Amanbagh, Rajasthan, India

Nestled into lush green grounds that form a veritable paradise, with birdsong from green parrots, and elegant suites evoking a Moghul era palace, Amanbagh is stunning in design. But nature photographers will especially delight in photographing local wildlife, such as tigers, leopards, panthers, antelope, deer and other wild game at Sariska National Park, or even spotted owls in one of the trees by the resort. Don't miss visits to Ajabgarh Fort and Temple (connected by an underground passageway), perhaps by camel (or on foot or by jeep) and to the mysterious “haunted city” of Bhangarh.

Book Amanbagh with TravelSort to Enjoy these Virtuoso Amenities:

Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
Continental breakfast daily for two
Complimentary lunch for two once during stay, excluding alcohol, taxes and gratuities

4. Amanjiwo (Central Java, Indonesia)

Amanjiwo is in the heart of culturally rich Central Java. It's majestically designed to resemble nearby 9th century Buddhist Temple Borobudur, which is a must-see at dawn, followed, perhaps, by an al fresco breakfast on Mount Dagi with panoramic views. Amanjiwo is just 15 minutes from Borobudur, making it possible both to be among the very first visitors at dawn, and to easily return for further exploration. Watercolors and paper, provided in each room, can help bring out your inner artist.

Book Amanjiwo with TravelSort to Enjoy these Virtuoso Amenities:

Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
Continental breakfast daily for two
Complimentary lunch for two once during stay, excluding alcohol, taxes and gratuities

5. Amanwana, Moyo Island, Indonesia

Amanwana is the only resort on Moyo Island, in a remote area of Indonesia. Think glamping in luxury tents, with the major attraction the underwater world, via snorkeling and diving. While we didn't have time to venture out on one of Amanwana's luxury liveaboards, Amanikan, we still loved what we were able to see via short boat rides from the resort. And incredibly, given the remote location, food was some of the best we've had at any Aman Resort. Check out my Amanwana video, in the review linked above.

6. Aman Tokyo

The first “vertical” Aman is in the heart of Tokyo, and from its soaring lobby to the panoramic views of Tokyo from its vantage point on the top floors of the Otemachi tower, it's stunning. We were welcomed with a traditional cool refreshing towel and a plum drink, then escorted to our spacious Premier Room. Even entry level Deluxe Rooms are the largest entry level rooms in Tokyo, at 764 square feet (71 square meters), the size of suites at many other Tokyo hotels.

7. Amanoi, Vinh Hy Bay, Vietnam

Read my above linked Amanoi review, on one of the newer Aman Resorts properties perfect for those who love ocean views and enjoy fitness, wellness and spa programs.

TravelSort Clients enjoy these Virtuoso benefits:

Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
Continental breakfast daily, for up to two in room guests, served in the restaurant
30 minute Wellness Experience for up to 2 guests (choice of private 30 minute consultation with Wellness specialist or private Qi-gong session)
Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
Complimentary Wi-Fi

8. Amanzoe (Greece)

Strikingly designed by quintessential Aman architect Ed Tuttle, with Grecian columns and a great sense of light and space, Amanzoe is one of the newest Aman resorts and the open plan free standing marble pavilions reflect this. Each offers its own private swimming pool, with gorgeous views of either the Greek countryside or Aegean Sea. Even with its intimate size of only 38 pavilions (each with its own pool, heated in cooler months), Amanzoe offers both a main pool for adults, and one for kids, not to mention the Beach Club with its two lap pools. Those staying for two or more nights from now until 14 January 2014 enjoy all-inclusive dining and activities.

Book Amanzoe with TravelSort to Enjoy these Virtuoso Amenities:

Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
A la carte breakfast daily for two
Complimentary a la carte lunch for two once during stay, excluding alcohol, taxes and gratuities
Early check-in/late check-out subject to availability

9. Amandari (Ubud, Bali, Indonesia)

While Ubud proper is nowadays too hectic and touristy for my taste, Amandari is set outside it in the more peaceful village of Kedewatan and retains its beauty and serenity even for its many repeat guests. The free standing Balinese suites are open plan and spacious, with sliding glass doors on three sides to enjoy the garden courtyard and views of the village, valley or Ayung River Gorge. An outdoor sunken stone bath is enclosed, for complete privacy, while allowing you to gaze up at the sky.

Ask for Sang to be your guide for excursions, such as the morning market, a walk through the rice paddy fields, temples, or to off the beaten path village artisans, who can custom make a piece for you.

In the evenings, enjoy Balinese music or dance performances by local children, followed by a traditional Balinese feast. Amandari is known for offering one of the best Balinese dining experiences.

Book Amandari with TravelSort to Enjoy these Virtuoso Amenities:

Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
Continental breakfast daily for two
Complimentary lunch or dinner for two once during stay, excluding alcohol, taxes and gratuities

10. Amansara (Siem Reap, Cambodia)

Seeing the temples of Angkor is on many a traveler's wish list, and Amansara is a wonderful base. It's not the most stunning Aman architecturally, but is a warm and welcoming, peaceful oasis to come home to after busy and hot days visiting the temples and Cambodian countryside.

TravelSort Clients enjoy these Virtuoso benefits: