Aman Hotel New York: Greater Than the World’s Greatest City
“Bye-bye, New York” she said as she sauntered through the long hallway of our room at Aman New York. We wouldn’t be leaving it for almost 24 hours (except for an intimate dinner in the hotel and a visit to the on-site speakeasy buried deep underground). We’d only been in the city for a few hours, toured some sites, had plans to visit the Met and various other galleries, but now we would not leave — such was the allure of Aman. Such was its spell. Its seductive pull.
Understandable, to say the least. The Aman New York, like all Aman properties we’ve visited, has an unearthly calm, a welcoming breeziness unlike any other hotel. That’s by design. The unassuming entry, dark lobbies, pleasantly hushed dulcet of the staff all contribute to a transformative experience. Outside is Manhattan, the greatest city in the world, the city that does not sleep (or, as it seemed, stop honking). Once inside, however, the Aman New York is a museum-like oasis of serenity, calm, and soothing environments whether it’s the hallways, the rooms, the restaurants, or the spa.
Every room at Aman NYC is sublimely crafted from materials befitting a 150m yacht, mansion or luxury hotel. Warm and welcoming tones, patterns, art, and décor create a haven from the energy and noise of New York. Over and above its exceptional décor and design, however, Aman has something we’ve never seen before, anywhere: private spa houses.
We’ll get back to them (or you can skip ahead) but first, it’s necessary to discuss the room. Our room was the standard suite that’s anything but standard. Absolutely stunning, calming, beautiful, and commodious. There’s texture and pattern everywhere; every surface is covered with wood, fabric, stone, or artwork. A spa-style bathroom takes up half the space, equipped with not only a massive marble shower but a tub — a vessel — that’s more than enough for two. Like a sculpture in the MOMA, it’s perched behind a movable slatted wall.
Between the fireplace, the bedding, and the spa bathroom, there is scarcely a better place to spend your time. The same can be said about Aman’s restaurants. Our dinner at Arva was exceptional, easily an alternative to dining offsite. This is the concept: enjoy the energy and electricity of NYC, but come back to Aman New York for the world-class dining (or the oasis of your room). Spend time inside, and you’ve not missed out but enhanced your experience of the city. The other restaurant, Nama, rivals any in the city; similarly impressive, the Lounge Bar has a majesty befitting a NYC hotel lobby bar with high ceilings, a fireplace, and lounge seating.
Back to the spa. More specifically, back to the spa houses. We’ve been to a lot of hotels around the world, but this was a first. There are two private spa houses, each offering a double treatment room and outdoor terrace with a hot bath and cold plunge, as well as a Banya or Hammam. Each offers a full-day, half-day, or 2-3 hour, ‘treatment-only’ option. Imagine spa suites, about 1,200 sq ft each, with private outdoor terraces with hot tubs and a cold plunge. They’re “rooms” in the spa and they are simply sublime. Whether you utilize these unique spa houses or not, the Aman spa is capacious and luxurious with and unmistakably New York charm — the pool is especially art deco.
The one exception to the holistic wellness of the Aman NYC is the speakeasy. Buried deep under the hotel, it’s simply called The Jazz Club. We were escorted down by elevator and through service hallways, proper celebrity style. It’s a mellow and sexy underground club with notable local and visiting acts — the perfectly swish end to the night before returning to the comfort of the room, the spa bath, the giant tub, and the supple linens.
Aman hotels are an indulgence. They offer a level of serenity and comfort in an environment of high architecture and design. They’re unlike any other hotel we’ve experienced: a bucket list destination for most and a non-negotiable necessity for elite travellers. Either way, they are a unique and welcome experience that cannot be replicated.
Photos of Aman Hotel NYC provided courtesy of JGPR.
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