Designed to minimise guests’ time spent at the airport in light of the Covid-19 pandemic, the brand said the move was seeking ways to make the journey to Aman more relaxing, and attempting to make “a flight as stress-free as possible”.
In partnership with Luggage Free, Aman guests will now be able to have their bags collected from wherever they wish and taken to any of the group’s hotels in advance of their arrival, leaving them with one less thing to worry about on the journey.
Luggage Free ships luggage to 120 countries, with the two brands saying this would allow them to be “collectively dedicated to a discreet and seamless service”. Everyday luggage can also be joined by larger items such as golf clubs, skis, snowboards and bicycles via Luggage Free, reducing time spent at the airport and – the firm says – preventing loss or damage when handling.
Items can also be collected from pro-shops and ski lodges, easing the transportation of personal sports equipment around the world. This could include shipping golf clubs to play on the courses surrounding Amanjena in Marrakech, or making sure a bespoke snowboard makes it to the slopes around Aman Le Melezin in Courchevel.
“Aman is constantly exploring new ways to enhance the guest experience not only while staying with us, but from the moment a booking is made,” said Roland Fasel, chief operating oficer at Aman. “Luggage Free provides us with the opportunity to streamline the journey which in turn, makes for a more ‘Aman’ style travel experience both pre- and post-stay.”
Luggage does have to be ready to ship one-two days in advance of the guest’s actual departure for their trip, but Aman hotels of course handle it until the guest reaches the property.
Luggage Free utilizes shipping networks such as FedEx, UPS, and DHL and collection services can also be arranged as non-contact, to set minds at ease, the company said. Real-time tracking and guaranteed on-time delivery are also part of the “premier white-glove luggage shipping service”.
One of the destinations luggage is sent to could well be New York, where the brand will open its huge urban project this spring.
Aman New York is within Manhattan’s iconic 100-year-old Crown Building at the crossroads of Fifth Avenue and 57th Street, and has 83 guest rooms and suites, which start at 70 square metres and have functioning fireplaces.
Designed by Jean-Michel Gathy of Denniston, Aman New York also features the first urban Aman Residences worldwide, with 22 of them in the building, many with large outdoor terraces and including a five-storey penthouse.
Whether resident or guest, anyone staying at the £1.3 billion project will be able to enjoy three dining venues, a jazz club, and three-storey Aman Spa, which will also be home to an Aman Club for members. “New York is a tipping point for the brand and will take us to the next level,” said Fasel.
Elsewhere in the Aman portfolio, Amanyara, Aman’s resort in Turks & Caicos, has completed a refurbishment of all 38 of its pavilions.
The resort – set on the shores of a 7,200-hectare nature reserve on the island of Providenciales – will also be marking its 15th anniversary this year and has launched a family programme as part of a new partnership with the renowned Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science (Frost Science) in Miami.
The new youth activity programme, Science Explorers and Environmental Keepers (SEEK), will include eight camps at Amanyara this year (tailored for children aged between 5-10 and teenagers aged 11-14) focusing on three primary themes: Coastal Conservation, Reef Rescue and Sun, Moon and Stars, with hands-on science activities and “out in the environment” guided experiences, such as kayaking and snorkelling led by Frost Science Educators.
The daily rate per child is $95, and in addition to participation in the programme, young guests receive a tote bag, reusable water bottle, and complimentary tickets to visit Frost Science in Miami. Parents booking a trip to Amanyara and a SEEK camp to celebrate a child’s birthday will also receive a celebratory surprise gift box in advance of their stay.
Meanwhile, for those who want a workcation or extended stay, the resort is now offering the 30-day At Home with Amanyara programme offers, with a pavilion stay costing around $38,850.
Among the inclusions are laundry service, airport transfers, free long-distance calls and WiFi, in-room mini bar and snacks, daily afternoon tea, non-motorised watersports, use of a bike on-resort, exercise classes twice a day, movie nights, and children’s programmes at the Nature Discovery centre.
