Impeccably designed to frame their natural settings, Aman destinations are renowned for their space, privacy and service. Each Aman welcomes guests as if to the home of a close friend, instilling a sense of peace and belonging amid some of the world’s most diverse raw and historical landscapes. To celebrate a milestone event with Aman – be it a wedding, an anniversary or a birthday – is to make an Aman your own for an unforgettable escape.
Best for Weddings: Amanpuri, Amanyara and Amangiri
Claiming an entire peninsula and one of Phuket’s finest white sand beaches, Amanpuri offers the idyllic Thailand escape of days gone by. Designed to reflect the country’s classic architectural style in harmony with its idyllic natural surrounds, the property provides the space, peace and discretion of a private island with exceptional villas and guest pavilions. Amanpuri’s private haven has a host of venues for special events of up to 450 guests. Ceremonies can be held indoors or out in a location that resonates with the bridal couple, including the beach, Pool Terrace, lush glades within the coconut grove, the resort’s iconic stone steps at sunset and the outdoor terraces and ocean-side pools of the resort’s 40 private villas.
Setting itself apart and inspired by a cornucopia of the freshest locally sourced ingredients, Amanpuri’s authentic dining venues explore cuisines from across the globe, including Thai, Italian, Mediterranean and Japanese with an emphasis on fresh seafood. Any can be served in the resort’s Villas and outdoor locations, with exclusive use of all restaurants also an option.
Resting on a rocky bluff above a magnificent private beach, Amanyara is a remote coastal retreat on the northwest coast of Providenciales. A picture-perfect Caribbean escape with all-encompassing ocean views, the resort is made up of 38 timber-framed pavilions and 20 villas tucked along the coast, setting the scene for an unforgettable experience. Ideal for destination weddings, honeymoons and group retreats, the resort offers multiple venues both indoors and out for up to 225 guests.
The striking architecture and natural beauty of Amanyara means that almost every turn reveals yet another spot suitable for the exchanging or renewing of vows. Ceremonies can be held on the beach at sunset, alongside the main swimming pool or the spa’s swimming pool and yoga pavilion, on the terrace of a Villa and at the Beach Club, where guests can dance until dawn with a beach reception and fireworks over the ocean.
Ochre in the morning light, apricot by midday, dazzling pink at dusk, the geology of the Grand Staircase-Escalante couldn’t be more dramatic. Residing in 600 acres of the Colorado Plateau, Amangiri blends into countless untouched square miles of red rock country. In the last remnant of the truly wild West, this ‘mountain of peace’ consists of 34 suites, situated in two elegant wings, and the ten tented Pavilions of nearby Camp Sarika, making for venue like no other.
The cuisine is inspired by the culinary heritage of the Navajo and the American Southwest, created from locally sourced produce and enjoyed in one of the world’s most dramatically secluded settings. Ceremonies can be held across the resort, from on the resort’s patio to the desert, framed by the surrounding dunes, mountains and plateaus.
Best for Intimate Celebrations: Amanpulo, Aman Venice and Amanjena
Fringed by a powder white beach and the pristine reefs of the Sulu Sea, the entire island of Pamalican is dedicated to Amanpulo. Exclusive use of the resort therefore provides guests with their own private island paradise. 42 casitas and 16 villas are set along the shoreline and hillside, each with an electric buggy to explore the island, its hilltop Aman Spa and numerous dining venues. Wedding blessings can take place at sunset on the sandy shore beneath palm arches, onboard a bamboo raft floating on the turquoise waters, or atop a rocky cliff with stunning views of the sea. Alternatively, tucked into the hill under the shade of trees, lies an intimate grotto for a more traditional religious ceremony.
Housed in a 16th-century Palazzo on the Grand Canal, Aman Venice boasts lavish interiors and two private gardens, rare features in this iconic floating city. From the gracious Piano Nobile and its unrivalled views of the Grand Canal, to elegant dining rooms and salons with historic architectural details, Aman Venice provides period elegance for the most sophisticated and memorable of events. In a city of grand romantic gestures, the hotel caters to small and large occasions from weddings to private celebrations with 24 impeccably appointed rooms and suites giving guests unmatched views of the historic glories and modern-day cultural highs of the city. Obtainable for romantic elopements and symbolic wedding ceremonies inside or outside the Palazzo to exclusive use of all public spaces for celebrations such as a milestone birthday, an anniversary or a family reunion, Aman Venice is draped in elegance and history, a venue like no other.
Imbued with the romance of Marrakech, Amanjena is a gracious estate dotted with date palms and olive trees. Lying alongside the Amelkis Golf Course, the resort’s 40 pavilions and maisons radiate from a central basin. Glowing with candles and moonlight, the reflective water, located at the heart of Amanjena, provides a magical backdrop to any event. Aglow with lanterns, the resort’s atmospheric dining venues cater to all, serving cuisines ranging from Japanese to authentic Moroccan and Mediterranean. Erected in an olive grove, the Caidal Tent is a unique venue where guests can enjoy traditional dinners accompanied by live music and fireworks.
Best for Group Retreats: Amanruya, Amanzoe, Aman Sveti Stefan and Amangani
On the peaceful hillside of Turkey’s Aegean coast, Amanruya offers a welcome solace from the bustle of nearby vibrant marina town of Bodrum. Surrounded by lush acres of olive trees, the resort’s pebbled pathways link stone buildings reminiscent of traditional ottoman architecture.
Reconnect with friends and family gathering next to the dazzling waters of the beach club, where numerous water sports activities keep children and adults of all ages entertained. For celebratory meals, the beach club’s sheltered dining area with its soft sea breeze are accompanied by a Turkish feast and sunset cocktails. By night, retreat to a pavilion with a private plunge pool; the perfect way to end a day of making memories with loved ones.
Across the Aegean Sea in Greece, Amanzoe’s collection of villas, ranging from one to nine bedrooms, offer an altogether different experience when it comes to group retreats. With access to all the resort’s facilities, Villa 20 provides a special gathering place, offering a private piece of the Peloponnese Peninsula to explore.
Overlooking the nearby artistic and cultural hubs of Spetses and Hydra islands, the villa has nine bedrooms sprawled across six floors forming an architectural masterpiece that cascades down the hillside, providing endless space and catering to multi-generational groups. Known as the ‘Garden of Greece’ the Peloponnese offers a bounty of ingredients from the largest olive groves, to cheese and honey, all of which are used in the dishes made by Villa 20’s chef. With Epidaurus, a sacred centre of healing, less than an hour away, wellbeing is at the heart of the experience at Amanzoe and as such, Villa 20 comes complete with its own 650m2 spa. Art enthusiasts can explore the gardens dotted with sculptures, while sun worshipers can lounge around one of six pools before sitting down to dine together al-fresco at a table seating up to 18.
Situated on Montenegro’s coastline, Aman Sveti Stefan incorporates the historic island of Sveti Stefan and Villa Milocer on the mainland. With numerous locations to host visiting groups, the resort’s palatial setting is enveloped by nature, history and the Adriatic Sea. For smaller groups, Villa Milocer – the former summer residence of Queen Marija Karadjordjevic – has eight elegant suites and can be privately hired for intimate retreats. Overlooking the Adriatic, the property also houses an airy communal living room, expansive meeting room and book-filled library with room enough to entertain whatever the occasion.
Alternatively, larger groups can exclusively book the island of Aman Sveti Stefan along with Villa Milocer, allowing for private use of the extensive facilities including the 1,600-square-metre spa. Suited to those who wish to balance social space and privacy; the island’s cottages and suites are linked by cobbled streets and charming courtyards forming a village of ones very own.
Heading across Atlantic, where better to experience the great outdoors as a group than in The Americas with its dramatic landscapes, biodiversity and miles of open plains to explore. In easy reach of the airport, Amangani is situated in one of the USA’s most spectacular locations in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. With skiing terrain that is among the best in North America and two premier national parks nearby, the resort is ideally positioned to take advantage of the region’s outdoor offerings in both summer and winter. From alpine sports to nature treks and guided tours, as well as heli-skiing, dog sledding, white-water rafting, fishing and cycling there’s something for all groups, large or small, to enjoy.
When it comes to accommodation, Amangani’s Homes are just that, offering a private haven in the wilderness. With four to six bedrooms, spacious living areas and floor-to-ceiling windows framing spectacular views, a stay at the resort is guaranteed to inspire. Providing a warm, home-like shelter following the day’s activities, a group trip to Amangani will leave guests with unforgettable memories of adventure.
Best for Family Adventures: Amanera and Amansara
Perched above the gold sands of legendary Playa Grande Beach Amanera offers a base to explore the captivating backdrop of the Dominican Republic. A beach, jungle and adventure paradise, with kite surfing, mountain exploration and even a golf-course nearby, the resort provides entertainment for the whole family. Start the day with invigorating team water sports, enjoy a refreshing group lunch with feet in the sand and retreat for the afternoon in the spa.
Alternatively enjoy a private horseback ride across the beach or a family excursion to the forest; friends and families alike will find sanctuary here be it on sand, sea or soil. Finally, retire to a spacious two-bedroom Casa overlooking the ocean for a moment of calm; a welcome solace in Amanera’s nature-immersed environment.
For an alternative family adventure, Cambodia’s culture makes Amansara an inspiring location for those with older children to discover a new way of life. Between the city and Angkor Archaeological Park, the resort’s base next to the UNESCO-protected ruins of the once-mighty Khmer empire, provides families with privileged access to the spiritual and historic riches of world’s largest temple complex.
Whether discovering the Jungle Temples by bike or a guided tour of Angkor Wat, followed by breakfast at the hotel’s Khmer Village and a cooking class learning how to make rice noodles, staying at Amansara is a culturally immersive experience. A jeep ride into the countryside is a journey back in time where families can try their hand at using a traditional Ox cart across the land, followed by archery and a picnic amongst the lush fields. Alternatively take a cruise among the floating villages of Tonlé Sap lake and discover the rich Buddhist culture of Siem Reap – directly from the monks who shape it. An evening tasting menu in the hotel’s restaurant reflects both Khmer and Western culinary traditions and is the ideal way to end a family stay at Amansara.
Best for Villa Seclusion: Aman Villas at Nusa Dua, Amandari and Amanyangyun
A gateway to Indonesia hidden in palm-fringed gardens, the Aman Villas at Nusa Dua, flanked by aromatic frangipani trees reflect traditional Balinese architecture. Each villa embraces serene garden views and a beautiful natural setting, designed around an inviting swimming pool and terrace. Two bedrooms are housed in the main two-storey structure with open living areas, while two or more-bedroom pavilions are set in the gardens.
Each villa offers a large open-air dining pavilion for up to ten guests alongside a library for hours of relaxation. With the vibrant districts of Sanur, Jimbaran, Kuta, Legian and Seminyak within easy reach, the Aman Villas at Nusa Dua offer a peaceful base from which to explore.
In Ubud, sitting alongside Amandari with its own private entrance, the Amandari Villa is composed of five pavilions with three bedrooms, a landscaped garden and a two-tiered swimming pool, surrounded by cascading rice terraces and offering beautiful views of Bali’s Ayung River Valley.
Groups will have easy-access to Ubud, Bali’s artistic heart, full of galleries and home to many artists, while those who wish to feel at-one with nature can create lasting memories, discovering the landscape with a local guide. Trek along a ridge high above the river, with banyan trees framing views across the gorge, or mountain bike through forests with spectacular views before stopping for a well-earned private picnic. With adventure on one’s doorstep, Aman’s collection of villas in Bali cater to every kind of traveller offering secluded sanctuaries in inspiring locations.
For a more unusual villa experience just a 50-minute drive from downtown Shanghai, Amanyangyun resides in a rescued forest of camphor trees next to a tranquil lake. The generosity of space is unique to the area with vast exteriors and extensive gardens creating the perfect setting for special occasions and weddings. Ideal for groups, the four- and five-bedroom Antique Villas are a collection of 13 re-mastered Ming and Qing Dynasty buildings that have been carefully restored, safeguarding a piece of Chinese history.
Each of the villas combines contemporary comforts with a restful, nature-inspired aesthetic with each suite offering a private courtyard from which to enjoy the forested surroundings in peaceful seclusion.
Dedicated to Chinese art forms and the pursuit of knowledge, the Nan Shufang cultural centre is at Amanyangyun’s heart, standing majestically in the centre of the villa collection. A modern-day recreation of the scholars’ studios of 17th-century China’s literati, the centre offers groups a space to learn together through contemplating and practising traditional crafts such as calligraphy, music or painting. With a focus on discovery through the arts; Amanyangyun also houses the art space of Chinese-American fashion designer Han Feng which invites guests and art connoisseurs alike to appreciate her private collection of Chinese contemporary art.
Unparalleled privacy and seclusion define the Aman collection. Architecturally designed with intimate spaces, a limited number of rooms, and intuitive, personalised service, each Aman tells its own story of the culture in which it is immersed, and it is this convivial spirit that makes them the finest venues for these special occasions.
