It’s not often that we’re floored by the sight of a new hotel opening. Even in the current market we’re bombarded on a daily basis with invitations to visit new properties around the world: from five-star grande-dame hotels given the modern makeover, to quirky boutique bolt-holes with award-winning spas.
However, the latest property from the lauded Amanresorts group, Amangiri, stopped us in our tracks. It wasn’t just the awe-inspiring setting that caught our breath, but also the incredible design and architecture which manages effortlessly to bring the stunning, expansive 200 million-year-old desert backdrop into each of its stunning suites.
Sitting where the states of Utah, Colorado, New Mexico and Arizona meet, Amangiri is ideally located for daytrips out to the Grand Canyon, Monument Valley and the Colorado River. We doubt, however, that even a Wonder of the World could drag us from our luxuriously-appointed suite or, indeed, from the 2322-square-metre Aman Spa with its treatment ‘venues’. Nor will the Dining Room’s locally-sourced, seasonal menu and cellar of 900 wines do much to lure you away from Amangari; and with its dramatic views, the Pavilion – the centerpiece of the hotel – is the ideal place to while away even more hours, with a beautifully-mixed drink in hand, eyes skyward as you try to spot an endangered California condor swooping overhead. The pool area, too, acts as the perfect distraction from the outside world, as it wraps itself around a giant rocky outcrop and beckons you to its hot tub. The most gorgeous hotel opening we’ve seen this year, and the ultimate oasis escape.

+DETAILS
By plane: Amangari is a 25-minute drive from Page Municipal Airport, Arizona. Great Lakes Airways operate direct flights from Denver and Phoenix. The airport has full service facilities for private aircraft.
By car: four-hour drive from Phoenix, five hours from Las Vegas, six hours from Salt Lake City.
Prices start from £372 per night, which includes complimentary transfers
For more information contact: www.amanresorts.com

Luxury resort operator Amanresorts has introduced the Amanikan, a custom-built 32-meter coastal cruiser. Based at the Amanwana resort in the Indonesian island of Moyo, the vessel will host the 2009 Komodo Expedition, a 5-night exploration of the islands and waters of Komodo National Park coupled with a 2-night stay at Amanwana.

Constructed to the specifications and style of a traditional Indonesian wooden vessel known as the Phinisi, the Amanikan is equipped with 3 air-conditioned cabins offering modern amenities to complement the charm of spice trading ships. A large master cabin is located on the upper deck at the stern of the vessel, furnished with a king-sized bed and surrounded by wraparound windows offering panoramic 270° views of the surroundings. There are also 2 other cabins, located on the main deck and equipped with queen-sized beds and private sun decks. Guests enjoy the convenience of ensuite bathrooms with double vanities, wardrobes, showers and separate toilets.

Amanikan’s bow incorporates its main lounging area where guests can gather to sunbathe, enjoy the food and drink or sleep under the stars as the ship sails the waters of Indonesia through the Nusa Tenggera chain of islands. Guests enjoy a variety of activities from snorkelling and diving to the wildlife encounters with buffalo, deer, monkeys, wild horses and the famed Komodo dragons in their natural habitat, before returning to Amanwana.

Featuring 20 air-conditioned hardwood-floor tents, Amanwana is situated in a cove on the western edge of Moyo island overlooking Amanwana Bay and the Flores Sea. Surrounded by lush tropical rainforest, the resort brings guests back to nature, whilst delivering the luxury and comfort synonymous with Amanresorts. An open-air dining room and bar, library, music pavillion, dive center, spa and gift shop are available to guests.

Amanresorts operate 23 world-class properties across the world, including resorts in Bhutan, Cambodia, China, France, French Polynesia, Indonesia, India, Laos, Montenegro, Morocco, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Turks and Caicos Islands, USA and the flagship Amanpuri resort in Phuket, Thailand.

For more information, visit www.amanresorts.com.

Luxury resort operator Amanresorts has announced the opening of its latest property, Amantaka, in the former Laotian royal capital of Luang Prabang. Situated south of Phousi Mountain, the resort is housed in 15 French colonial buildings and within walking distance to many of Luang Prabang’s attractions.

Amantaka offers 24 suites ranging in size from 70 square meters to 120 square meters to guests. These include 8 Suites, 4 Pool Suites, 8 Khan Suites, 2 Mekong Suites and 2 spacious Amantaka Suites. Each suite features bright, roomy living spaces and are furnished with a king-sized bed, bathroom with separate bathtub and shower, LCD television, high-speed internet access, writing desk, chaise lounge and cabinet containing a private bar. Guests can enjoy access into the outdoor areas shaded by mango trees, with most of the suites also offering a private pool and the 2 standalone Amantaka Suites featuring private lounging areas and spa treatment rooms.

The resort boasts several dining options for guests to experience diverse cuisines, from traditional Lao and French-influenced specialties to international favorites. The Dining Room offers an airy, colonial ambience while the Lounge Bar provides an ideal location to unwind over drinks in the evenings. For casual dining, there is the Pool Terrace which serves light meals all-day. The resort can also cater for private dining at one of many secluded locations or in the comfort of the suites.

Recreational facilities at the Amantaka include the  luxury Aman Spa, which features steam and sauna facilities including hot and cold plunge pools. There are 4 private treatment rooms where guests can enjoy treatments, massages, facials and scrubs incorporating Southeast Asian wellness techniques and utilizing organic spa products. Other fitness facilities at the resort include a swimming pool, tennis center, gymnasium and yoga studio. Guests in search of a cultural and intellectual experience can do so at the library, as well as the boutique and art gallery showcasing unique handicrafted works from the local artists and hilltribes.

The Amantaka joins more than 20 other Amanresorts properties located around the world. A collection of intimate retreats in exotic locations, the Amanresorts portfolio include Phuket’s Amanpuri and the Amansara located in Siem Reap, Cambodia. Other properties can be found in Bhutan, China, France, French Polynesia, India, Indonesia, Montenegro, Morocco, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Turks & Caicos Islands and the USA.

For more information, visit www.amanresorts.com.

I’m currently doing some research on ski hotels. I’m planning a trip in February, on my way down to Spain to pick up Henry, my Great Dane. The last ski trip I went on was a day trip when I was touring Rioja this February. It was a real, old-school resort, with not a fur-clad Russion billionaire in sight. I was in heaven – I’m not the world’s most accomplished skiier, so the gently sloping nursery slopes were perfect for me and my snow plough technique (which I like to think I’ve mastered).
It was a far cry from my ski trip the year before, which took me to Courchevel 1850 and its five-star slopes. I stayed at the beautiful Le Mélézin (an Amanresort property), which was the most perfect example of why I’ll only ever stay in ski hotels that boast a member of staff to put your boots on for you. Every morning I’d pad down in my slippers to find my boots and ski socks pre-warmed and waiting the arrival of my feet. Delightful. Just outside the door were my skis, perfectly positioned, and just metres down the slope was the ski lift up to the higher, more frightening runs.
The problem is that if I opt for Courchevel again (just to eat at Le Chabichou, the town’s incredible three Michelin star eatery), I’m going to need a whole new ski wardrobe as my Decathalon specials just won’t make the grade. I doubt I’ll opt for Victoria Beckham’s fashionista-crazed Chanel all-in-one leather number, but what I do know is that I’ll be dressing up my outfit with some seriously sexy accessories and hardware from Indigo. From bamboo helmets and seriously cool goggles, to mirrored skis (pictured), bright green snakeskin snowboards and beautifully made backpacks, I’m going to opt for a basic all-black affair and jazz it up with some well-chosen items.

www.indigosnow.de