Is Aman More Luxurious Than Four Seasons?
Is Aman More Luxurious Than Four Seasons?
When it comes to ultra-luxury travel, two names consistently rise to the top: Aman Resorts and Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. Travelers often ask the same question: Is Aman more luxurious than Four Seasons? The answer depends on how you define “luxury.” Both brands excel, but they offer distinct philosophies, styles, and experiences.
In this article, we’ll explore how Aman and Four Seasons compare in terms of service, design, exclusivity, amenities, value, and overall guest experience — so you can decide which brand aligns best with your style of travel.
1. Overview of Aman Resorts
Founded in 1988 with the opening of Amanpuri in Phuket, Thailand, Aman has grown into one of the world’s most exclusive ultra-luxury hotel brands. With fewer than 40 properties worldwide, Aman is synonymous with:
Secluded destinations (often remote, nature-integrated, or heritage-based).
Minimalist architecture blending with the environment.
High staff-to-guest ratios, ensuring personalized attention.
Privacy and discretion, attracting celebrities, royalty, and UHNWI travelers.
The name “Aman” comes from the Sanskrit word for “peace” — a fitting reflection of the brand’s philosophy.
2. Overview of Four Seasons
Established in 1960 in Toronto, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts has grown into a global powerhouse with more than 125 hotels and resorts across over 50 countries. Four Seasons is known for:
Consistent service standards recognized worldwide.
Iconic urban and resort locations (from Paris to Bora Bora).
Luxurious amenities such as Michelin-star dining, award-winning spas, and kids’ programs.
Strong loyalty among business and leisure travelers alike.
Four Seasons blends a sense of global consistency with local flair, ensuring every stay feels familiar yet destination-driven.
3. Service: Aman vs. Four Seasons
Aman: Service at Aman is famously discreet. Staff anticipate needs without intruding, often remembering guest preferences for years. Guests describe it as “invisible service” — you may never see your butler, but your room is refreshed, your favorite wine appears, and experiences are curated as if by magic.
Four Seasons: Four Seasons excels in personal warmth and professionalism. Staff are approachable, multilingual, and trained to remember guest names and preferences. Service is consistent across properties — you know what to expect whether you’re in Paris, Kyoto, or Maui.
Verdict: Aman feels more private and tailored, while Four Seasons is polished and approachable.
4. Design & Atmosphere
Aman: Think minimalist, serene, often with open-air pavilions, infinity pools, and architecture that disappears into its natural surroundings. Properties like Aman Tokyo, Amangiri (Utah), and Aman Venice are iconic examples of understated, place-based design.
Four Seasons: Four Seasons balances modern luxury with local influence. Interiors are sophisticated, often grander and more traditional than Aman. Resorts like Four Seasons Bora Bora or Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru in the Maldives are showpieces of indulgent luxury.
Verdict: Aman is minimalist and immersive; Four Seasons is opulent yet global.
5. Exclusivity & Privacy
Aman: With small key counts (often fewer than 50 rooms or villas), Aman guarantees privacy and exclusivity. Many properties are remote, accessible only by private transfer. It’s why Aman is nicknamed the “billionaire’s favorite hotel brand.”
Four Seasons: Larger in scale, Four Seasons properties range from 100 to 400 rooms. While suites and private residences offer privacy, the resorts attract a broader luxury audience, including families and business travelers.
Verdict: Aman wins for exclusivity; Four Seasons wins for accessibility.
6. Culinary Experience
Aman: Menus are often destination-driven, emphasizing wellness and locality. Expect fewer restaurants but more bespoke dining experiences (private dinners in remote locations, curated wellness menus).
Four Seasons: Culinary programs are world-class, with celebrity chefs, Michelin-starred restaurants, and diverse dining venues. Properties like Four Seasons George V Paris and Four Seasons Hong Kong are destinations for fine dining.
Verdict: Four Seasons dominates in variety and fine dining prestige; Aman excels in intimate, personalized culinary moments.
7. Wellness & Spas
Aman: Wellness is central to Aman’s philosophy. Many properties feature holistic healing, resident wellness experts, and bespoke retreat programs blending Eastern and Western practices.
Four Seasons: Four Seasons spas are consistently award-winning, offering high-end treatments, advanced therapies, and luxury facilities.
Verdict: Aman leads in deep, holistic wellness; Four Seasons offers the widest spa consistency.
8. Price & Value
Aman: Rates often exceed $2,000–$3,000 per night, with limited promotions. The brand relies on exclusivity, and discounts are rare. Value lies in privacy, personalization, and a sense of being in a “world of your own.”
Four Seasons: Still firmly luxury, but with a wider range. Standard rooms may start around $700–$1,500 per night, scaling up to exclusive villas and residences. Guests can also benefit from booking programs like Four Seasons Preferred Partner, which adds value at no extra cost.
Verdict: Aman is almost always more expensive. Four Seasons provides broader value options.
9. Loyalty Programs & Perks
Aman: Aman does not have a formal loyalty program. Repeat guests often receive recognition, but benefits are ad hoc.
Four Seasons: While Four Seasons does not have a traditional points program like Marriott Bonvoy, guests booking through a Preferred Partner advisor gain consistent perks: free breakfast, upgrades, credits, and VIP treatment.
Verdict: Four Seasons edges ahead for structured benefits.
10. Who Should Choose Aman vs. Four Seasons?
Choose Aman if you value:
Privacy and exclusivity above all.
Minimalist, serene design.
Ultra-personalized, discreet service.
Remote and unique destinations.
Choose Four Seasons if you value:
Consistency worldwide.
Variety of destinations (urban + resort).
Full-service amenities (kids’ clubs, fine dining, business facilities).
Added perks through Preferred Partner advisors.
11. Head-to-Head Comparison Table
| Feature | Aman Resorts | Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Hotels | ~40 worldwide | 125+ worldwide |
| Design Style | Minimalist, nature-integrated | Sophisticated, global luxury |
| Service | Discreet, invisible, personalized | Warm, consistent, approachable |
| Privacy | Very high (low room count) | Moderate (larger properties) |
| Dining | Local, wellness-driven, intimate | Michelin-starred, diverse, global |
| Wellness | Holistic, retreat-focused | Award-winning spas, consistent quality |
| Price | $2,000–$3,000+ per night | $700–$2,000+ per night |
| Perks | Personalized recognition | Preferred Partner benefits, VIP treatment |
| Best For | UHNWI, celebrities, privacy seekers | Families, business + leisure luxury |
12. FAQs About Aman vs. Four Seasons
Is Aman more luxurious than Four Seasons?
Yes — in terms of exclusivity, privacy, and personalized service, Aman is often considered more luxurious. However, Four Seasons offers broader consistency and a wider network.
Which is more expensive: Aman or Four Seasons?
Aman is typically more expensive, with entry rates often double that of Four Seasons.
Does Aman have a loyalty program like Four Seasons?
No. Aman does not run a points program. Four Seasons offers Preferred Partner benefits through select advisors.
Which brand is better for families?
Four Seasons is more family-friendly, with kids’ clubs, family suites, and broader facilities. Aman is better for couples or those seeking tranquility.
Which brand has more hotels worldwide?
Four Seasons has more than 125 properties, while Aman has fewer than 40.
Conclusion
So, is Aman more luxurious than Four Seasons? The answer is yes — if your definition of luxury is privacy, exclusivity, and bespoke service. Aman offers unmatched tranquility and seclusion, often at a higher price.
But if you want global consistency, family-friendly amenities, world-class dining, and valuable perks through Preferred Partner programs, Four Seasons may be the better choice.
For many travelers, the ultimate luxury is choosing the brand that aligns best with the type of trip. At Stars Desk, we help clients book both Aman and Four Seasons, ensuring access to the best perks, upgrades, and VIP treatment wherever you stay.
