Article and photos by Dylan Clements‍

Booking an Aman is not quite the same as booking most luxury hotels.

The resorts are often small, many are in remote locations and the room categories can vary more than you might think. They are also usually very quiet, which is one of the main reasons people love them.

We have stayed at several Aman properties ourselves and have more than 20 years of experience booking Aman and working directly with the Aman team. These are the things I would think about before confirming a stay.

1. Book through a Virtuoso advisor

Most Aman properties are part of Virtuoso, so you can often receive extra benefits while paying the same flexible rate as booking direct.

These usually include daily breakfast, a US$100 hotel or spa credit, and priority for upgrades, early check-in and late check-out, subject to availability.

The benefits vary slightly by property, so it is worth checking exactly what is included before booking.

2. Choose the room based on how much time you will spend in it

The most expensive room is not always the right choice.

When we stayed at Amanjena in Marrakech, we booked an entry-level Pavilion. We knew we would spend most of the day out exploring the souks and medina, and one of our days was spent doing an Aman Experience in the Atlas Mountains, so there was little point paying substantially more for a private pool or a higher room category we would hardly use.

The entry-level Pavilion was already very large and more than good enough for the stay.

Amanemu was different. We knew we would spend far more time at the resort and in the room, so I booked a Nagi Suite with the better view over Ago Bay.

The room itself is not dramatically different from the lower categories, but the view from the Nagi Suite is stunning. In that case, I thought it was worth paying more.

This is how I would approach room selection at Aman. Think about how much time you are likely to spend in the room and what you are really paying extra for.

3. Use an advisor who knows the room differences

Aman room categories can be confusing. At some properties, moving up a category gets you a private pool. At others, it may only mean a better view, a quieter position or more privacy. Even two rooms in the same category can feel quite different depending on where they are located.

The price difference can also vary enormously. At one hotel, the next category may cost only a little more and be well worth considering. At another, the jump can be substantial. This may come down to the room size, location, view, outdoor space, privacy, pool access or how limited that category is.

A good advisor should be able to explain exactly what you are paying extra for and whether it is worth it, rather than simply recommending the most expensive room available. They should also be able to arrange your transfers, spa appointments, private experiences and any special requests before you arrive.

It does not have to be us. There are many excellent advisors who know Aman extremely well, and others who do not know the hotels in enough detail. The key is finding someone who understands the properties, has a good relationship with the Aman team and works in a way that suits you.

4. Look at combining two Aman properties

Some of the best Aman trips involve staying at two properties that give you very different experiences.

Sri Lanka is a good example.

You can start at Amangalla in historic Galle Fort, where you are surrounded by old buildings, small streets, shops and restaurants. Then you can continue to Amanwella in Tangalle and spend a few days relaxing by the beach.

It works well because you get the historic city stay first, followed by time to slow down by the sea.

Aman can also arrange the transport between the two resorts, so you do not need to organise a separate driver or work out the journey yourself. Keeping with this Aman example the two properties usually do a special offer when staying at both.

There are similar combinations in Japan, India, Indonesia and China, so it is always worth checking whether a multi-property offer is available before booking just one hotel.

5. Book early

Many Aman resorts have fewer than 40 rooms.

That is part of what makes them feel so private, but it also means the best room categories can sell out quickly.

Christmas, New Year and other busy periods may need to be booked many months in advance. Even outside peak season, the rooms with the best views or private pools are often the first to go.

Booking early gives you more choice and avoids having to shape the whole trip around whatever is left.

6. Stay long enough

I would normally recommend at least three nights at the more remote Aman resorts.

Two nights can feel very short once you include the journey in and out. You may arrive late on the first day and have to leave early on the final morning, leaving you with only one full day at the hotel.

Three to five nights usually works better, especially if you want time for the spa, a few local experiences and some time doing very little.

Aman is not really designed for rushing.

7. Tell your advisor if you're celebrating something

If you're celebrating a honeymoon, anniversary, birthday or another special occasion, mention it when you book.

A good travel advisor will pass this on to the Aman team well before you arrive. While nothing can ever be guaranteed, Aman hotels are generally excellent at recognizing special occasions and may arrange a welcome amenity, a special turndown, a cake, champagne, flowers or another thoughtful surprise during your stay.

It is a small detail, but one that can make the trip feel even more memorable. It is also much easier to arrange before you arrive than after you've checked in.

8. Think carefully about the journey and the season

Some Aman properties are quite difficult to reach, and this is part of their appeal.

When we stayed at Amanemu over Christmas, we travelled by train from Tokyo. The journey took around four and a half hours, followed by a 20-minute transfer from the station to the resort.

The scenery was wonderful, and we passed through a part of Japan that very few international tourists see, but it still took a good half day to get there.

You also need to think carefully about the time of year. Peak season is not always the best time to visit, while shoulder season can mean fewer guests, better availability and a quieter experience.

Amanoi in Vietnam is a good example of a property where weather, humidity and sea conditions can have a big impact on the stay, particularly if you are planning to swim, take boat trips or spend a lot of time outside.

Always look at the full journey and the seasonal conditions before deciding when to travel and how many nights to stay.

9. Understand how quiet Aman can be

Do not arrive expecting the energy of Four Seasons Orlando or Andaz Maui.

Most Aman resorts are far more laid-back.

You may see very few other guests during the day. Breakfast can be extremely quiet, the pool may only have a couple of people around it and there may not be much happening unless you have booked an activity.

That is exactly what many people love about Aman.

The focus is on privacy, space, architecture and the location. Some guests become completely hooked on it, while others may find it too quiet.

It is worth knowing which camp you fall into before booking.

10. Book a spa treatment

The spa is one of my favourite parts of staying at Aman.

I would always recommend booking at least one treatment, even if you are only staying for a few nights.

Aman's brand is built all around wellness, and the spas are usually far better than the standard hotel spa you find at many luxury resorts.

At Amanemu, the spa is linked closely to Japan’s onsen tradition, while other properties bring in local ingredients and treatment styles.

They are not cheap, but in my experience they are worth every dollar.

Book before you arrive, especially if you want a late-afternoon appointment or a specific treatment.

Thinking About Booking an Aman?

The best Aman room is not always the most expensive one, and the best Aman itinerary is not always the most obvious.

We've stayed at several Aman properties ourselves and have more than 20 years of experience helping clients choose the right resort, the right room category and the right itinerary. We can also arrange transfers, private experiences and help ensure special occasions such as honeymoons and anniversaries are recognized by the hotel.

Clements Travel is a Virtuoso travel agency, and Aman is a member of the Virtuoso network. This means that, at most Aman resorts, we can offer the same flexible rates as booking direct, along with valuable complimentary Virtuoso benefits such as daily breakfast, a hotel or spa credit, and priority for upgrades, early check-in and late check-out, subject to availability.

If you're considering an Aman stay anywhere in the world, we'd be delighted to help you choose the right property, the right room and the right itinerary. Contact Clements Travel for a personalized quotation and expert advice.

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