Are Aman Resorts Worth It?
Are Aman Resorts Worth It? Honest Review + How to Make Them Worth It
Aman Resorts have achieved an almost mythic reputation in the world of luxury travel. For decades, “Aman” has been synonymous with ultra-personalized service, impossibly peaceful design, and a level of exclusivity that even five-star travelers often haven’t experienced before. But with nightly rates that regularly exceed $2,000–$5,000—and sometimes far more—the question naturally arises:
Are Aman Resorts worth it?
If you’ve ever debated whether to book an Aman stay or wondered whether the hype is justified, this full, honest review breaks down everything you need to know. We’ll cover the pricing, the experience, the hidden value, and—most importantly—how to make an Aman stay truly worth it, whether you’re a first-timer or a returning “Amanjunkie.”
What Makes Aman Resorts Different?
Before questioning the value, it’s essential to understand why Aman has such a loyal following. There are luxury hotel brands, and then there is Aman—many would argue it exists in its own category.
1. Space, Design, and Privacy
Aman properties are famously low-density. Meaning:
Fewer rooms
More acreage
Expansive villas and suites
A constant feeling of privacy and calm
No crowds. No noise. No lines at breakfast. No competition for sun loungers.
This rare sense of quiet luxury is the foundation of the “Aman feeling.”
2. Service That Feels Telepathic
Aman’s service philosophy is ultra-personal, intuitive, and quietly attentive—never intrusive.
Typical experiences include:
Staff greeting you by name after meeting you once
Remembering your coffee order
Planning your days without you asking
Anticipating preferences before you articulate them
Many travelers describe Aman service as being cared for at the level of a private home, not a resort.
3. Architecture That Melts Into the Landscape
Aman’s design is universally praised because:
It highlights local culture
Uses natural materials
Creates light, air, and open space
Blends seamlessly into nature
Examples:
Aman Tokyo: modern Zen minimalism in the sky
Amangiri: sandstone architecture carved into the desert
Amanoi: a temple-like sanctuary on Vietnam’s coastline
True luxury travelers love that Aman properties avoid the flashy or ornate style common in other ultra-luxury hotels.
4. Exclusivity and Cultural Authenticity
Aman properties are not meant to be “hotels.” They’re sanctuaries. They intentionally avoid:
Loud lobbies
Crowded restaurants
Busy pools
Mass tourism
Instead, they focus on:
Peace
Nature
Local immersion
Wellness and wellbeing
This level of exclusivity is a major part of their value.
Why Aman Resorts Are So Expensive
Nightly rates often exceed $2,500–$4,500+, and that’s before tax or service charges. So what drives the price?
1. Small Number of Rooms
Less inventory → higher operational cost per guest → premium rates.
2. Remote and Iconic Locations
Aman builds in places where few others can:
Private islands
Desert landscapes
Unspoiled forests
Hilltop sanctuaries
These locations cost more to:
Build
Staff
Maintain
3. High Staff-to-Guest Ratio
Aman maintains one of the highest in the industry. Some properties have 3 staff members per guest.
4. Villas Instead of Standard Rooms
Even the “entry-level” rooms often feel like full suites or villas.
5. Bespoke Experiences
Private hikes. Sunrise rituals. Off-menu dining. Cultural ceremonies. These aren’t add-ons—they’re part of Aman’s DNA.
So… Are Aman Resorts Worth It? (The Honest Review)
If you value privacy, service, space, and emotional connection to a destination—yes, Aman can absolutely be worth the price.
But not every traveler will value Aman the same way.
Here’s a breakdown based on different travel styles:
✔ Aman is worth it for:
Honeymooners
Privacy seekers
Wellness travelers
Design lovers
Travelers who want a “sanctuary”
People celebrating major milestones
Travelers who prefer quiet, understated luxury
✘ Aman is not the best fit for:
Families wanting kids clubs or resort entertainment
Travelers who prioritize dining variety
People who want a lively, social atmosphere
Travelers who compare everything on a cost-per-amenity basis
Guests who prefer brand consistency (every Aman is unique)
The Reality Check
Aman is not about:
Michelin-style food
Trendy energy
Ultra-modern tech
Big resort amenities
Dozens of restaurants
It is about:
Serenity
Authenticity
Connection to place
Personalized service
Design-driven calm
If these are your luxury priorities, Aman is one of the few brands that consistently executes at the highest level.
What You Actually Get for the High Price
To understand whether Aman is worth it, it helps to separate hype from reality.
1. Massive Room Space
Most Aman rooms start at:
800–1,200 ft² minimum
Many suites exceed 2,000+ ft²
Villas can be several thousand square feet
Even “entry level” rooms feel like private retreats.
2. No Nickel-and-Diming
While certain services cost extra, the general culture is:
Yes-trip personalization
Inclusions depending on property
Complimentary touches (snacks, activities, amenities)
3. Ultra-Smooth Arrival and Departure
Aman handles everything:
Transfers
Luggage
Customs assistance (at some properties)
Seamless check-in with no paperwork
4. Personalized Itinerary Planning
Before you arrive, the team typically:
Learns your preferences
Plans optional experiences
Coordinates meals, spa, and activities
Pre-stocks your room with preferred items
5. Wellness and Spa Excellence
Aman spas are world-class:
Holistic treatments
Local therapies
Multi-hour rituals
Wellness programs
Where Aman Is Truly Worth It (Best Value Properties)
Certain Aman resorts offer particularly strong value because of their setting, design, and relative pricing.
1. Amanjiwo (Indonesia)
Often considered one of the best-priced Aman properties in Asia, with:
Borobudur views
Massive suites
Incredible cultural experiences
2. Amantaka (Laos)
A peaceful sanctuary in Luang Prabang—less expensive but highly authentic.
3. Aman Sveti Stefan (Montenegro)
Seasonal, but one of the most spectacular island settings in Europe.
4. Amangiri (Utah)
Yes, it’s expensive—but it’s a bucket-list property like no other.
5. Amanpuri (Thailand)
The original Aman—exceptional beach, villas, and service consistency.
Where Aman Is Less Worth It (If Budget Is a Concern)
Some Aman properties offer a quieter or more subtle experience that may not justify the premium for all travelers.
1. Aman New York
Stunning but extremely expensive—with rates often exceeding $3,500–$5,000 per night.
2. Aman Venice
Beautiful but with fewer of the “Aman signature” elements like nature and space.
3. Aman Tokyo
Spectacular but more of an urban luxury hotel experience, not a sanctuary-style Aman.
These properties still offer world-class service—they just don’t provide the full “Aman escape” that many guests expect at that price level.
How to Make an Aman Stay Worth It
Even the most expensive Aman stay can offer tremendous value when you know how to book smartly. Here are the best strategies.
1. Always Book with an Aman Special Partner (VIP Program)
Aman works with select luxury travel advisors who can secure added benefits at the same rate as the Aman website, including:
Daily breakfast for two
Complimentary upgrade on arrival (subject to availability)
Resort credit ($100–$300 depending on property)
Priority for best rooms
Early check-in / late check-out
Personalized pre-arrival planning
These extra perks can easily add $300–$700+ in value per stay.
2. Visit During “Green Season”
Many Aman locations have strong off-season value:
Southeast Asia’s shoulder seasons
Japan before peak spring/fall
Caribbean months outside holidays
Mediterranean in May and October
You can save 30–50% without sacrificing experience.
3. Choose the Right Room Type
At many Aman's, the entry-level rooms are so large and well-designed that upgrading is unnecessary.
Great value room categories include:
Pavilion rooms
Casitas and suites
Garden or partial-view rooms
Only upgrade if:
The view matters to you
You want a private pool
You’re celebrating a major occasion
4. Leverage Multi-Night Offers
Aman occasionally offers:
Stay 4, Pay 3
Stay 5, Pay 4
Winter wellness packages
Inclusive experience rates
These can dramatically improve value, especially at remote properties like Amangiri or Amanwana.
5. Use Aman’s On-Site Experiences
The biggest “hidden value” is in the activities. Many guests miss out on what makes Aman special.
Examples:
Sunrise temple blessings
Private picnics
Desert hikes with guides
Cultural ceremonies
Marine excursions
Forest bathing
Night astronomy sessions
These experiences create the emotional value Aman is known for.
6. Combine Multiple Aman Properties
Aman highlights “journeys,” especially in:
Indonesia
Japan
Bhutan
India
Guest services can coordinate transfers and itineraries between resorts, often adding conveniences and perks.
7. Take Full Advantage of the Spa
If there is one place where Aman consistently exceeds expectations, it’s wellness.
Booking:
60–120 minute massages
Facial rituals
Holistic therapies
Sound healing
Yoga and meditation sessions
…will significantly enhance your stay’s value.
Final Verdict: Are Aman Resorts Worth It?
Yes—if you value silence, space, privacy, intuitive service, and architecture that brings nature into every moment of your stay.
Aman is the opposite of a traditional luxury resort. Its value comes not from quantity of amenities, but from quality of experience. It’s emotional, personal, and deeply restorative.
For travelers who appreciate this type of luxury, Aman offers something almost no other brand in the world can replicate.
But to make it worth the price, you must:
Book through VIP channels for added benefits
Choose the right property
Visit at the right time
Fully embrace the experiences on-site
When done correctly, an Aman stay becomes not just a vacation, but a memory you’ll carry for life.
