Al fresco dining space in the main restaurant. Photo: Amanyara
Despite being blessed with exquisite beaches and crystal-clear waters, Turks and Caicos were not on the radar of most luxury-minded travelers back in 2006, when Aman unveiled its first Caribbean property, Amanyara, on an unspoiled corner of the British territory. But the distinguished hospitality brand, founded 36 years ago in Thailand, didn’t develop a dedicated following by using a cookie-cutter template.
Indeed, Aman vaulted to the top of the industry by embracing an elevated aesthetic of minimalism informed by its Phuket roots, methodically opening a chain of Zen-inducing retreats in far-flung locations such as the Philippines, Morocco, and Bhutan. Not surprisingly, the gamble in Turks and Caicos paid off: Amanyara—comprised of 36 timber-clad pavilions and 20 villas—became a must-visit destination for a legion of so-called “Aman junkies,” as brand loyalists are lovingly nicknamed.
The main resort arrival pavilion. Photo: Amanyara
Now, as the hotel approaches its 20th anniversary, the Aman team brought back longtime collaborator and the original architectural designer, Jean-Michel Gathy of Denniston, to oversee a spirited refresh of its communal spaces—including the reception area, restaurants, and beach club—along with several private villas. The lush, tropical gardens also underwent an update courtesy of award-winning landscape architect Raymond Jungles, who installed a grove of lush mahogany trees at the soaring entry pavilion, which also features refurbished reflecting pools and a suite of new furnishings.
The main resort bar. Photo: Amanyara
The main dining area’s spruced-up look includes bespoke fixtures by lighting firm The Flaming Beacon, which has also worked across several Aman properties as well as the brand’s newly opened Janu Tokyo. At the adjacent beach club, meanwhile, guests can sip specialty cocktails and enjoy sunsets on the new pergola-shaded deck, designed to take advantage of the panoramic ocean vistas.
Three of the resort’s private villas have also undergone renovations, including the largest—called the Artists Villa. Equipped with five bedrooms, the ultra-luxe accommodation is set on three acres of private gardens and comes with a 108-foot infinity-edge pool overlooking the water as well as its own recording studio and fitness center featuring a cold plunge pool and steam room. (It should be noted that all of the hotel’s 20 villas are serviced with a dedicated chef, housekeepers, and private pools.)
A living area of one of Amanyara’s newly renovated villas. Photo: Amanyara
Of course, it wouldn’t be an Aman outpost without a state-of-the-art wellness program, and on site are four double-treatment pavilions, a full spa menu, private swimming pool, and open-air yoga room, as well as a schedule of rotating heath specialists and fitness instructors that offer personalized assessments and programs. A club house also incorporates a boxing studio, volleyball court, soccer field, and tennis courts.
The beach club bar. Photo: Amanyara
Snorkeling can be done directly off the beach, where an artificial reef is teeming with sea life, or on a boat excursion that can be organized by the hotel, which also offers scuba diving, fishing, whale watching, and water sports. There are even half-day sojourns to island landmarks including the rock carvings at Sapodilla Hill and a 50-foot limestone sinkhole. But given the bounty of bliss available on the serene property, most are more than content to just stay put.
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