AMAN ANNOUNCES NEW EUROPEAN ADVENTURES FOR 2021
As Europe awaits the welcome arrival of summer, Aman’s hotels and resorts in the region are preparing to invite guests into their warm, Mediterranean embrace. |
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AMAN ANNOUNCES NEW EUROPEAN ADVENTURES FOR 2021
As Europe awaits the welcome arrival of summer, Aman’s hotels and resorts in the region are preparing to invite guests into their warm, Mediterranean embrace. |
Category: Worldwide - Exclusive experiences
- What's new?
This is a press release selected by our editorial committee and published online for free on 2021-03-09
Providing opportunities to relax and restore to all those able to travel safely, Aman’s spacious and peaceful sanctuaries are offering new experiences to help foster reconnection with the world’s natural beauty; from wellness initiatives to soothe the soul, to culinary experiences for the ultimate indulgence.AMAN SVETI STEFAN, MontenegroA spellbinding outpost stretching from Montenegro’s coast, the island of Aman Sveti Stefan re-opens for the season on 27 April. From helicopter tours over the Durmitor National Park to kickboxing sessions with the resort’s fitness coach, a 2021 stay among the cobbled streets of Aman Sveti Stefan is sure to be memorable.
An idyllic location from which to explore the region’s rich cultural history, the resort’s 19th-century villa, is now available throughout the season for exclusive occupancy, providing groups with the perfect excuse to reconnect. Once the summer residence of Queen Marija Karadjordjevic, Villa Miločer overlooks the Adriatic Sea from its position on the mainland, surrounded on three sides by dense forests. Home to characterful yet elegant suites as well as a bright communal living room, expansive meeting/dining room and a book-filled library, the villa is ideal for celebrating an occasion with loved ones or simply an overdue catch-up with friends. The residence is home to six elegant suites, with two further suites in a separate building ensuring ample private space all within near proximity.
The magnificence of Montenegro can now also be experienced by air with Aman Sveti Stefan guests able to take to the skies in an AW 709S helicopter, choosing from three flightpaths. Fly over Ulcinj Bay to Montenegro’s southern border with Albania, with views along the way of the peaceful Old Townof Ulcinj and Bar, as well the island Ada Bojana. Alternatively, venture to the Unesco-heritage site of Kotor Bay, with views of Budva and the surroundings, including the old fishing villages of Perast, and Lustica Bay. The final flight path takes guests high above the pink sandy beaches ofBudva, the Lovcen National Park and Cetinje (the old royal capital of Montenegro) before flying over the Durmitor National Park.
For those wishing to keep their feet on the ground, Aman Sveti Stefan’s own Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) Expert and certified Fitness Coach, Djordje Klac offers guests bespoke training sessions, noted for their positive effects on body and mind. Choose from a range of locations - from the expansive gym or in one of the resort’s gardens - where even a short session can help to relieve the stresses of the year-gone-by. Alternatively, for those who want to experience the great outdoors, a mountain hike with Djordje can lead to a kickboxing class with a difference, with sea views as the backdrop. Not only will MMA classes help to condition the body, but sessions can be tailored to individual needs for guests of all ages, whether seeking weight-loss and muscle-gain, skills in self-defence or even confidence-coaching.
Aman Sveti Stefan is also offering new experiences in the water. Suited to those seeking a challenge, strong swimmers will be able to take part in an early-morning swim from Sveti Stefan Island to King’s or Queen’s Beach. At around 560 or 800-metres respectively, the swim takes place in open water so is recommended for confident swimmers only, who will be rewarded with a freshly prepared beach breakfast. There is also the opportunity to paddle board around Sveti Stefan Island every morning. Each of these experiences is only available to those aged 14 and over and will be accompanied by a supervision boat to ensure safety on the water.AMANRUYA, TurkeyBodrum’s balance of Turkish heritage and beguiling shoreline makes Amanruya an idyllic location for those seeking cultural immersion. Opening its doors for the season on 1 April, there are several new experiences on offer to help guests fully experience the resort and its surroundings.
Explore the country’s vibrant culinary landscape with visits from award-winning guest chefs from the capital of Istanbul. Chef Turk FatihTutak, whose elegant restaurant Turk rose to fame using ancient techniques and traditional ingredients, will take over Amanruya’s kitchens twice in July, serving his famous contemporary twist on Turkish dishes. The chef is just one example of several chefs who will visit Amanruya during the summer months with a more detailed calendar coming soon.
Those who prefer a more laidback dining experience will enjoy Amanruya’s new Barbeque Pop Up every Wednesday and Sunday evening, running from 12 May until 24 October. On the resort’s rooftop terrace, chefs will serve a selection of delicious Turkish Mezzes, salads, freshly barbecued fish and seafood and Turkish shish kebabs or Sucuk. Guests can admire the sunset to the soft sounds of jazz music, pairing their dinner with a selection of Turkish wines recommended by the sommelier or craft beers from Bodrum’s boutique breweries. There is also the opportunity to make the experience private, with barbeques now available in the comfort of one’s own Pavilion garden. A great option for families or small groups, Amanruya’s chefs prepare specially tailored dishes which are then grilled by guests with wine pairing also available. Additional culinary adventures include a gourmet wine and cheese tasting at the Karnas Vineyard nearby where guests can spend the day supporting local artisans in a rural tranquil location, overlooking olive groves.
For those wishing to experience a further taste of local life, a 45-minute trip from Amanruya lies the village of Etrim, a place unchanged since ancient times. Known for producing one of the most intricate hand-knotted carpets in Turkey, a private visit allows guests the chance to witness the traditional process of spinning, dying and weaving in a local master’s home where a fine collection of carpets are offered for sale. After a tour of the village, a rustic farm breakfast, lunch or dinner will be served in a secluded outdoor setting. Guests can also experience local traditions from the comfort of Amanruya, with the resort’s in-house Tasseography specialist. The academic term for Turkish coffee fortune telling, Tasseography is a centuries-old ritual, passed down by generations as an ancient divination. The resort’s concierge can organise a session, best enjoyed in groups, where guests can enjoy a fresh cup of coffee before their leftover grounds are decoded by the fortune teller.
Finally, new boat trips taking place along the resort’s coastline can be arranged for morning, half-day, and full-day trips. Departing from Torba Marina - just five minutes’ drive from the resort - guests can sail through the turquoise waters of the Aegean Sea, stopping along the way to swim and to enjoy a picnic prepared by Amanruya’s chefs. Depending on the duration of the cruise, destinations can include Hattat Bay, Paradise Bay, Türkbükü, Apostol Island and Ikiz Island. Alternatively, guests can take a cruise at sunset, where the Captain will choose the perfect spot to anchor to admire the view.AMANJENA, MoroccoA tranquil retreat just outside the bustling fabled Red City of Marrakech, Amanjena is offering a range of new activities to celebrate the summer season - from wellness initiatives on property to experiences that immerse guests in the naturally beautiful surroundings.
A short drive southwest of Marrakech lies the magical setting of Lake Lalla Takerkoust. Marvel at the valleys and villages ofTahanaout,Asniand Moulay Ibrahim on route, with a winding narrow road through the plain leading to the Kik Plateau. The road crosses vast blue lakes and farmlands, offering astounding panoramas of the snow-capped High Atlas Mountains before reaching a serene secluded spot for self-reflection. Here, guests can take part in a rejuvenating yoga lesson followed by a delicious picnic prepared by Amanjena’s chefs.
Also new for 2021, guests can visit the Jarjeer Donkey & Mule Refuge Centre, where a private tour by the founders provides an insight into the incredible work that the refuge does for these beautiful creatures that have been a crucial part of Morocco’s society for generations. The secluded setting also affords wonderful views of the Atlas Mountains, where guests can take a seat and enjoy a fresh cup of tea before returning to Amanjena – a wonderful experience for the whole family.
Another way to experience Morocco’s wilds, the resort’s Into the Wilderness Experience takes guests deep into the Agafay Desert. For a truly memorable afternoon or evening, guests will travel by camel across the lunar-landscaped desert to a secret destination. A private Berber tent awaits, where a traditional Moroccan picnic is served with astonishing desert views. For the more adventurous, Amanjena also offers desert-based quad-biking, mountain trekking, hot air balloon rides and telescope stargazing which can be added-on to extend the adventure.
Finally, children and adults alike will enjoy Amanjena’s new local calligraphy lessons. An introduction to the diverse culture of Morocco, the two-hour session focuses on the beautiful art of Islamic Calligraphy teaching guests the history behind the craft along with how to write the alphabet and their names in Arabic. Learning a new skill is a wonderful way to bring together multi-generations and this experience is suitable for guests of all ages. Alternatively, experience a Moroccan storytelling session to help preserve the tradition of this ancient custom with master storyteller AhmedEzzarghani. Ahmed began his career collecting Morocco’s traditional fables during his youth and 50-years later he is committed to passing on the tradition to the next generation.AMANZOE, GreeceReopening on 1 April, the Grecian hilltop paradise of Amanzoe awaits those looking to switch off and connect with the resort’s breathtaking location, with new exceptional experiences available this season.
New for 2021, the resort has introduced new Wellness Retreats which run for four-nights or more. The first, the Restore & Rebalance Retreat, sees the focus placed on achieving a deep sense of inner balance, peace and relaxation while developing the skills for managing a stressful lifestyle. Though a range of wellness treatments and nurturing activities such as an Aroma Balancing Massage, Aquatic Bodywork, Movement and Mindfulness sessions and Sound Therapy, stillness is created in the mind and body leaving guests feeling lighter, more empowered and with a deeper sense of clarity, self-awareness and focus. Alternatively, the Sleep Enhancement retreat works on balancing the energy system through the combination of Sound Therapy, Thai Massage and Aromatherapy Massage to promote deep relaxation. Yoga & Yoga Nidra Meditation sessions - also known as dynamic sleep - help to align the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems by gently guiding guests through four main stages of brain wave activity to help them unwind. The third retreat focuses on Fitness in Nature with activities including hiking, cross-training, and ocean kayaking to increase fitness levels in the great outdoors. Each retreat includes a pre- and post-stay wellness consultation.
In fact, several new sport-orientated experiences will be available this season at Amanzoe. For 2021, the resort will also be partnering with the LUX Tennis Academy, to provide guests with personalised private tennis lessons and clinics for guests run by high-profile coaches. These will be available to guests of any age and at any level, allowing families to play together, or experts to hone their skills. Guests will also be able to explore the region on two-wheels, with new e-bikes now available on property.
For those seeking a more indulgent activity, from May onwards Amanzoe will introduce a Garden to Table Experience, where guests can enjoy dining with local ingredients from the resort’s newly extended organic gardens. Choose to assist in the meal preparation or simply sit back and satiate the appetite with a freshly cooked meal by Amanzoe’s chefs ina beautiful private setting.AMAN VENICE, ItalyHoused in one of the city’s eight great monumental palazzos on the Grand Canal, Aman Venice embodies its grand location. For 2021 the hotel is offering a handful of new experiences, allowing guests to marvel the skills of local artists and visit undiscovered locations.
Those with a love of architecture or simply an admiration for the beauty of the city can now take part in a private Discover Contemporary Architecture Tour, inspired by the Biennale Architecture Exhibition that takes place in Venice this year. While the city is often famed for its historic buildings, alongside an experienced guide, guests will learn about some of the city’s contemporary additions. The three-hour walking tour focuses on the works of Carlo Scarpa and Mario Botta, paying a visit to the Olivetti Store on Piazza San Marco and the Palazzo Querini Stampalia. On return to Aman Venice, the hotel’s head mixologist will serve a choice of cocktails from a specially curated menu inspired by Italy’s contemporary architects and their buildings – from the Auditorio della Musica in Rome to the Bosco Verticale in Milan - to end an afternoon of exploration in style. The cocktail menu will be available to all guests from 1 April until the Biennale Exhibition closes in November.
Another way to discover Venice on foot, the hotel’s new Venice of the Artisans Tour takes guests on a guided three-hour tour to discover the incredible work of the Bevilacqua andOrsoniateliers. The roots of the Bevilacqua family in the textile world date back to 1499 and during a private tour of their workshop, guests will have the unique opportunity to see the weavers at work as they produce refinedSoprarizzo velvet using ancient techniques. The tour will also visit the Orsoni atelier – a glassmaker that has created a legacy, handing down mysterious alchemies for four generations since 1888. Watch as they produce their 24K gold leaf mosaics and coloured gold and Venetian smalti in more than 3,500 colours.ROSA ALPINA, ItalyThe newest member of the Aman portfolio, the family-run Rosa Alpina rests in the peaceful village of San Cassiano, in Italy’s monumental Unesco-listed Dolomiti mountains. In the summer, the surrounding landscape comes alive, with Rosa Alpina the perfect base for those wishing to explore it.
With extensive trails winding throughthe mountains and an expert team of guides,guests are invited to experience the incredible terrain of the Dolomites on foot or by bike for a few hours or a full day. Different hikes are available for varying fitness levels and families, with easier routes that meander through villages and meadows and access tothe peaksby cable car. For keen trekkers, the more challenging renowned ‘Alta Via’ trails weave their way through the jagged mountains, with stunning views around every corner. A mini hiking backpack for children containing a magnifying glass and a book to identify wild flowers is also provided to help complete the journey and lunch can be incorporated into the day, with a picnic prepared by Rosa Alpina chefs or a well-deserved barbeque served at the resort’s own private mountain huts. In addition, Rosa Alpina offers a range of Via Ferrata routes upon request. The Dolomites is famed for this style of climbing, believed to have been founded here in the nineteenth century and now the home of over half of Italy’s routes.
For guests who wish to take a more relaxed approach to exploration, it is also now possible to experience the famous sunset (a phenomenon known as the ‘enrosadira’ in the local language, Ladin) from the Pizzinini family’s private mountain hideaway. Tours leave Rosa Alpina at around 18:30, with Jeep transportation to the Trugnei Mountain Cabin, where staff are on hand to welcome guests with their choice of wine, aperitivo or light dinner, served as the sun goes down.
The region can also be enjoyed by air, with helicopter tours departing directlyfrom the helipad just threeminutes by carfrom Rosa Alpina. New for 2021, The Silver Mirror Tour visits a location known by very few. A vast ice wall rising from the ground, guests can reach this secret place with a knowledgeable guide, rising over nearby peaks before landing to enjoy an aperitivo while admiring this natural wonder. Afterwards, choose to return to Rosa Alpina or visit Plan de Corones for lunch at restaurant, AlpiNN.
About AMANAman was founded in 1988 with the vision of building a collection of intimate retreats with the unassuming, warm hospitality of a gracious private home. The first, Amanpuri (place of peace) in Phuket, Thailand, introduced the concept and, since then, Aman has grown to encompass 33 exquisitely serene hotels and resorts in 20 destinations across the world, with a further seven under construction. The next Aman to open will be Aman New York. The introduction of Aman Skincare in 2018 and SVA in 2020 has continued the holistic journey beyond the perimeters of Aman’s havens. Offering a soothing journey to a place of beautifully scented repose and respite, Aman Skincare represents the spirit of Aman in a bottle. Meanwhile, SVA’s range of all-natural food supplements allow Aman guests to maintain optimum health, supporting one’s wellness journey from the comfort of their own home.
In 2020, Aman not only welcomed Aman Fine Fragrance, a sophisticated collection of scents echoing Aman destinations but also a new hotel brand, Janu - meaning ‘soul’ in Sanskrit. Janu offers a unique take on hospitality where genuine human interaction, playful expression and social wellness are at the core of the experience. Janu aims to bring balance to the head and heart and rekindle the soul. Janu launches with three forthcoming hotels which are already under construction: Montenegro (2022), Al Ula in Saudi Arabia (2022) and Tokyo (2023), as well as a robust pipeline of future hotels. Janu Montenegro will be the first hotel to incorporate the brands serviced residence concept, enabling guests to wholly embrace the Janu lifestyle.
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