Experience the exceptional at these South-East Asian resorts by Aman

From gold-steeped stupas to sparkling blue waters; grand cities to remote islands; South-East Asia has all the ingredients to make a luxury holiday special. It’s no surprise, then, that high-end hotel group Aman has sought out prime locations in this region for its five-star resorts. Whether you’re jetting off to Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam or Thailand – or on a whirlwind tour of all four – discover what these Aman resorts have in store for the most discerning clientele.  

Amanoi, Vietnam

Amanoi is worthy of its namesake – a portmanteau of ‘peace’ and ‘place’ in Sanskrit and Vietnamese. This sanctuary of calm amidst Nui Chua National Park blends stylish, contemporary design with classic Vietnamese elements. Relax and enjoy broad views of the green hills and charming coastline below. You have a choice between 31 Pavilion suites, each with a different view of the scenic surrounds, or five villas – ideal for families and groups seeking greater privacy. Your Amanoi villa even comes with a live-in housekeeper and cook, so you needn’t lift a finger. Leisure facilities include a Beach Club for water sports, Pilates studio, fitness centre and tennis courts. The on-site spa is up to Aman’s usual high standards, offering treatments which draw from local tradition and use natural, aromatic ingredients.

Room for perfection:

Amanoi Ocean Pool Villa: Drink in ocean views from the timber sundeck at this exquisite 280-square-metre villa. The private infinity pool makes this accommodation choice extra-special.

Winning dish:

Traditional vietnamese pancake: Known locally as banh xeo, this sizzling, savoury pancake is served packed full of flavourful ingredients such as fresh seafood, meat and vegetables.

Treat yourself:

Your choice of treatment at Amanoi's spa houses: The resort boasts two spa houses, Thuy Lien and An Son, each offering treatment rooms, plunge pools, ice fountains and more. Enjoy an indulgent spa treatment whilst overlooking a lotus-covered lake, or the lush green hills of the surrounding national park.

Amanpuri, Thailand

Amanpuri nestles in a coconut grove, paces from soft sandy beaches looking out to the Andaman Sea. Situated on the west coast of central Phuket, it’s everything you could wish for in a tropical Thai hideaway. The property’s jutting rooftops evoke the ancient buildings of the Ayutthaya kingdom, and the palm-fringed pavilions are full of richly coloured wood and bespoke, hand-crafted furniture. You have the choice of garden or ocean views, and many of the pavilions include luxurious, black-tiled private pools. During your stay, take a cruise around the coast, enjoy holistic treatments at the spa and sample international cuisine ranging from Japanese washoku to Italian cucina del raccolto. Amanpuri is also child-friendly, with babysitting services and a dedicated pool on the beach for young ones. 

Room for perfection:

Premium Ocean Pavilion or Villa: Opt for this accommodation to enjoy individually designed décor, a private pool, plenty of space to lounge in and your own housekeeper and Thai chef. Ranging from one to nine bedrooms, there’s a choice for all group sizes. 

Winning dish:

Wagyu sirloin: The NAMA restaurant at Amanpuri brings premium Japanese cuisine to Phuket. We highly recommend sampling world-famous wagyu beef, grilled at the table over charcoal and served with moshio mineral salt, wasabi and miso sauces.

Treat yourself:

Amanpuri Awakening: This two-hour, aromatic experience combines massage with heat from herbal compresses and steam. First, you’ll enjoy a dry Thai massage to relax the muscles, before a cleanse of herbs and spices in the steam room. With the body warm and relaxed, it’s back to the massage bed where the therapist uses heated herbal compresses and aromatic oil to ease away any left-over tensions.

Amansara, Cambodia

Amansara comes with a royal stamp of approval. This stylish 24-suite property, a perfect example of New Khmer modernism, was once used to host guests of Cambodia’s king. Its sleek, bright interior and muted colour palette contrasts with the jumble of jungle-green encircling it; it’s a comfortable, calming space for you to relax in. Situated on the outskirts of Siem Reap, Cambodia’s cultural hub, Amansara is the perfect base for guided excursions to Tonle Sap lake, as well as the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom. Toast the sunset during a cruise aboard Amansara’s boat, visit jungle temples by private helicopter, or unwind after days of exploring the scenic surrounds with an indulgent spa treatment (Aman’s forte).

Room for perfection:

Pool Suite: This contemporary suite features a large private courtyard, 25-square-metre pool and a seamless flow of indoor and outdoor spaces.

Winning dish:

Traditional Khmer breakfast: Served at Amansara’s authentic village house, tuck into nom ben chok – spoonfuls of fresh noodles with green curry, cooked over charcoal – accompanied by Khmer red bean and coconut beignets.

Treat yourself:

Apsara scrub, wrap & facial: This guest favourite commences with a steam, followed by a full-body scrub using an aromatic blend of Khmer herbs to exfoliate, stimulate and hydrate. Choose a natural clay wrap with either sandalwood to soothe or lemongrass to energise. Next, enjoy a traditional Khmer mask and warm rice compress before your nourishing facial.

Amantaka, Laos

Laos’ colonial-era grandeur is on full display at Amantaka. Located in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Luang Prabang, the resort encompasses handsome French colonial buildings – formerly part of a provincial hospital. Although Amantaka wears its history on its sleeve, there are plenty of modern facilities and contemporary comforts to enjoy here. Plunge into the 26-metre swimming pool, work up a sweat on the nearby tennis court – or at the spa’s sauna, and practice your asanas in the yoga studio. Situated a short walk from Luang Prabang’s central street, you’re perfectly placed for trips to the local eateries, markets and boutiques, as well as a cruise along the Mekong. 

Room for perfection:

Amantaka Pool Suite: These freestanding suites boast a wraparound veranda, as well as a bright, spacious interior; manicured garden, and 45-square-metre outdoor pool.

Winning dish:

Lon Sam: Indulge in this authentic pink curry from Luang Prabang. Fermented fish roe lends the dish its unique colour and flavour, and is complemented by coconut milk, pork, local vegetables and fresh herbs.

Treat yourself:

Baci cleansing ceremony: The Baci is a traditional Lao chanting ceremony for harmonising mind, body and soul. During this signature treatment, your body is exfoliated, while a massage ensures you’re relaxed before the ceremonial chanting begins.

Feeling inspired? Discover our range of suggested South-East Asia itineraries and accommodation, or contact one of our travel specialists to start planning your tailor-made holiday.