Aman Loyalty: What Exists, What Doesn’t & How to Maximize Value
Aman Loyalty: What Exists, What Doesn’t & How to Maximize Value in 2025
For decades, Aman has represented the pinnacle of ultra-luxury hospitality—boutique sanctuaries, intuitive service, serene locations, and a deeply loyal global following often referred to as Amanjunkies. Yet unlike most of its competitors, Aman has never launched a traditional points-based loyalty program. Travelers who are new to the brand often ask: Does Aman have loyalty? Do they offer elite status? How do I get upgrades or perks?
In this comprehensive guide, we explore exactly what Aman loyalty looks like, what doesn’t exist, and how you can unlock the highest value from this ultra-luxury brand—even without points and miles. Whether you’re a first-time guest or a long-time Aman devotee, you’ll find strategic ways to elevate your stay, save money, and secure premium amenities that most travelers don’t realize are available.
1. Does Aman Have a Loyalty Program? The Short Answer: No—But Also Yes, in a Different Way
Unlike Ritz-Carlton, or luxury brands under Marriott or Hyatt, Aman does not have a public points program. There is:
No earning points
No redeeming nights
No published elite tiers
No credit card
No “buy 10 nights, get 1 free” model
Aman’s philosophy has historically been that loyalty is earned organically: guests return because the experience is consistently extraordinary, not because of points economics.
But here’s the nuance that most people don't know:
Aman has internal loyalty recognition programs that reward high-value guests—just not publicly. These include:
Aman Inner Circle (informal VIP tier for top spenders)
“Frequent Guest Recognition” used by individual properties
Special offers extended to repeat guests upon request
Global notes that follow you across properties
These are not published programs, but they exist behind the scenes and can provide powerful value.
2. The Aman “Inner Circle”: The Closest Thing to Elite Status
Aman’s Inner Circle is the brand’s unofficial top-tier guest recognition program. It is not advertised and has no public qualification criteria, but hospitality insiders generally agree that:
It is invitation-only
It is based on annual spend and frequency across multiple Aman properties (often ~$30,000+ per year, though this varies)
Invitations often come after 20–30 nights per year spread across the portfolio
Benefits of Aman Inner Circle can include:
Priority room upgrades
Early access to limited accommodations (e.g., Amanpulo casitas, Amanzoe villas)
Preferred pricing for villas and residences
Complimentary experiences or amenities
Personalized welcome gifts based on guest preferences
Priority access during peak seasons
Direct contact with dedicated guest experience teams
Each property has flexibility in how it delivers Inner Circle perks, which is why recognition can vary, but elite guests consistently note a noticeable enhancement to their stay.
Important: You cannot request Inner Circle. It is assigned discreetly based on guest history.
3. What Aman Doesn't Offer (and Why That Matters)
Understanding what you won’t get helps set expectations, especially for travelers accustomed to traditional luxury chains.
No Free Breakfast by Default
Unlike Virtuoso or Marriott STARS properties, Aman does not automatically include breakfast unless you book:
A special offer
A package
Through an authorized Aman preferred partner program (more on this below)
Given breakfast at many Aman properties runs $50–$100+ per person, this matters.
No Standard Upgrade Mechanism
There is no guaranteed upgrade method like:
Hyatt Globalist
Marriott Suite Night Awards
Hilton Diamond
However, upgrades are possible through:
Repeat guest history
Low occupancy periods
Booking through an Aman preferred partner
Your travel advisor advocating for you
No Late Check-Out Privileges
This is at the discretion of the property and depends heavily on availability.
No Points Redemption
Aman has not embraced the loyalty/credit-card ecosystem, likely to maintain exclusivity and avoid devaluing the brand.
4. What Aman Does Offer: Hidden Perks & Value Opportunities
Even without a points program, Aman provides several avenues to create value, upgrades, and savings.
A. Preferred Partner Benefits Through Elite Travel Advisors
Aman partners with a small circle of ultra-luxury advisors (including Stars Desk) who can offer benefits such as:
Complimentary daily breakfast for two
One-time resort credit (typically $100–$300)
Priority upgrade on arrival (subject to availability)
Early check-in / late check-out (subject to availability)
VIP arrival notes to enhance recognition
Special offers or added amenities on select villas
These perks closely mirror what you’d get from programs like Marriott STARS or Four Seasons Preferred, but for Aman they are even more valuable since the brand offers so few other ways to secure benefits.
B. Seasonal Offers & Promotions
While Aman rarely discounts heavily, they do run:
Stay 4, Pay 3 (popular in Asia and Europe)
Stay Longer promotions
Wellness retreat packages
Villa credits
Airport transfer savings
Booking during shoulder seasons (especially April–June in Asia, October–December in Europe) can unlock excellent value.
C. Multi-Resort Credits
Some itineraries—like combining multiple Aman properties in Japan, Bali, or Bhutan—may include:
Special pricing
Complimentary transfers
Additional inclusions
These are not widely advertised but can be accessed through a travel advisor.
5. The Power of Property-to-Property Recognition
Aman is known for “remembering you,” even across continents.
If you’ve stayed at one Aman, you’re often treated as a repeat guest at future properties.
Guest profiles follow you globally and include:
Room preferences
Dining preferences
Allergies
Special dates
Amenity preferences
Service style preferences
Even if you are not Inner Circle, frequent guests are quietly prioritized for:
Better room assignments
Personalized gifts
Tailored activities
Proactive service touches
Aman staff are trained to study guest profiles deeply, which is why service feels anticipatory and customized.
6. Do Travel Advisors Really Add Value at Aman? Absolutely—Here’s Why
Because Aman has no loyalty program, the best way to unlock value is by booking through an authorized luxury travel advisor.
A reputable advisor can:
1. Add complimentary breakfast (worth ~$100–$200 per day)
This alone can save $600–$1,200+ on a weeklong stay.
2. Apply resort credits
Useful for spa, dining, or experiences.
3. Secure better room placement
Aman often prioritizes guests with advisor representation because:
Advisors bring repeat business
Advisors know how to communicate preferences
Advisors help ensure smooth, high-spend clients
At many properties, advisors also receive:
Access to priority waitlists
First access to sold-out categories
The ability to request more favorable upgrade paths
4. Gain access to private promotions
These are not published on Aman’s website.
5. Assist with complicated itineraries
Especially in Japan, Bali, Morocco, and the Alps—where transfers, timing, and inter-property coordination matter.
6. Advocate for recognition as a repeat guest
Aman values relationships; advisor-led clients are often flagged as “VIP,” improving the stay experience.
7. How to Maximize Value: 10 Expert Strategies
Here is how to stretch value, secure upgrades, and access hidden perks when staying with Aman.
1. Book Through a Preferred Partner Advisor
This is the #1 most effective value strategy.
You’ll get perks equivalent to elite status, without the need to earn anything.
2. Time Your Trips Strategically
For the best rates and highest chance of upgrades, consider:
November–December (Bali, Vietnam, Japan pre-peak)
April–June (Europe pre-peak)
May–October (Caribbean)
Spring and autumn (Utah, Wyoming)
Avoid Christmas/New Year unless price is irrelevant.
3. Consider “Stay Longer” Offers
If spending 6–10 nights, a 4-for-3 or 5-for-4 promotion can save thousands.
4. Let the Property Know Your Interests
Aman is service-driven. Guests who communicate preferences get curated experiences and additional care.
5. Combine Multiple Aman Resorts in One Trip
Aman Japan, Aman Bali, and Aman Bhutan offer excellent multi-resort itineraries with extra inclusions.
6. Book Villas When Rates Are Favorable
Aman villas come with:
Dedicated butler
Private pool
Premium inclusions
Better privacy
Yet villa promotions can sometimes make them only marginally more expensive than suites.
7. Use an Advisor to Request Better Room Assignment
Upgrades at Aman are subtle—often about placement, view, or size, not category jumps. Advisors can quietly push for the best available option.
8. Join Aman’s Mailing List
This gives you access to rare offers, new openings, and pre-sale opportunities.
9. Take Advantage of Airport Transfer Packages
Many Aman properties offer:
Complimentary transfers
Discounted round-trip transportation
VIP arrival assistance
This can be a savings of $200–$500+.
10. Avoid Third-Party Booking Sites
Booking via Expedia or non-preferred OTAs leads to:
No recognition
No benefits
No upgrades
No advisor advocacy
Worse room placement
Always book direct or through an authorized advisor.
8. Is Aman Worth the Price Without a Loyalty Program?
For many travelers, especially those familiar with points-driven hotel stays, Aman pricing may initially feel steep. But the value comes not from free nights or upgrades—it comes from:
Unmatched service consistency
Ultra-private architecture designed for serenity
Exceptional food programs
Deeply personalized experiences
Strong staff-to-guest ratio
Genuine emotional connection
Aman is not competing with other luxury brands on points. It’s competing on:
Space
Privacy
Intuition
Exclusivity
Design
Wellness
And for many guests, that’s more than enough.
9. Final Thoughts: How to Get the Most Out of Every Aman Stay
Even without a classic loyalty program, you can maximize value significantly by strategically booking and leveraging the tools available.
The best way to unlock value:
Use a preferred partner travel advisor
Stay during shoulder season
Look for “Stay Longer” offers
Communicate preferences early
Combine properties for added perks
Aman’s version of loyalty is subtle, bespoke, and relationship-driven—not transactional. There are no points to chase or elite tiers to maintain, but there are meaningful, consistent benefits available to travelers who know how to navigate the brand’s ecosystem.
