Amanyara

Ultimate Luxury in the Turks and Caicos

By McKenna Mears | Photography courtesy of Aman

A symphony of birdsong, gentle water sounds, and a soft breeze embraced us as we stepped onto the enchanting grounds of the perfectly named Amanyara resort. Meaning “peaceful place” in Sanskrit and Arawak Indian, Amanyara is so tranquil, stunning, and secluded it almost doesn’t feel real. Multiple smiling faces were waiting as we approached, their uniforms and calming demeanor perfectly matching the resort’s environment. “Welcome to Amanyara!” they greeted us in unison. That warmth echoed in our ears as we were handed a refreshing wellness cocktail. I glanced around, pinching myself to ensure it was all real. My trip to Amanyara, a dreamy sanctuary within an eighteen-thousand-acre nature reserve on the Turks and Caicos Islands, accompanied by my coworker Sally Neal, turned out to be a blissful escape unlike anything I have experienced. Sharing the details of this luxurious stay makes us yearn to return.

Descending into Providenciales airport, we were greeted by breathtaking views of crystal-clear waters shimmering in vibrant hues and mesmerizing reefs waving hello. A private driver whisked us away, gliding down a winding road that left behind bustling hotels and busy streets. The journey through lush greenery on a desolate white desert road led to the secluded villas and pavilions of Amanyara.

Buzzing with excitement, we marveled at the stunning landscape as our driver pulled into the welcoming area. The Amanyara team greeted us, making us feel like the only people at the resort, then swiftly whisked away our bags to prepare the room for our arrival. Sipping on our delightful welcome drink, we were led on a brief property tour. The end of it brought us down a sandy path until we arrived for lunch at the Beach Club, Amanyara’s seaside restaurant, boasting stunning views of turquoise waters sparkling in the sunlight.

Lunch was served with delicious Amanyara signature cocktails, each sip and bite showcasing the freshness and flavor of meticulously curated ingredients. After a leisurely stroll along the beach, we soaked in the mesmerizing views and whispered to each other, “I can’t believe we are here!”

The resort is rich in opportunities to savor a meal beneath the open sky.

After lunch, a golf cart picked us up—villas and pavilions are just a short bike or golf cart ride from the main resort amenities. The Ocean Pavilion, our private sanctuary, featured a king bed canopy and windows offering views of our private water area. The rocky beach provided a perfect setting for waves to crash gently, creating a soothing sound that enhanced the serene atmosphere. The seclusion of the bungalow further made us feel like the only people at the property or maybe even the only people in the world.

A bottle of champagne, sweet treats, and a handwritten note awaited us in our pavilion. We popped the bottle, sharing our excitement for the days ahead. Feeling cheerful, we rode bikes to The Bar, the resort’s striking centerpiece with Brazilian teak ceilings and 360-degree views. Cocktails flowed as freely as the conversation, and the bartenders whipped up drinks for the few guests inside the circular bar and those enjoying the pool terrace. Although we were told the resort was almost at capacity, no matter where we went, we only bumped into two or three other couples. After savoring a freshly blended mojito, Sally and I walked along the tranquility pond to The Restaurant for dinner with sea views and exquisite cuisine. We opted for the Chef’s Moriawase Sushi and the Fish in Banana Leaf—a perfect end to our day.

Meaning “peaceful place” in Sanskrit and Arawak Indian, Amanyara is so tranquil, stunning, and secluded it almost doesn’t feel real

The bright blue water shimmered even more brilliantly as the sun rose, painting the sky in pinks and oranges. Coffee delivered to our pavilion allowed us to soak in the stunning sky and crashing waves without leaving the comfort of our room. Our itinerary included a trip to Amanyara’s spa, so we headed to breakfast to fuel up. Fresh green smoothies and omelets filled our plates as we read the Amanyara newspaper, which included daily happenings, weather, events, news, stories, and a crossword puzzle.

A brief bike ride through lush greenery led us to the Aman Spa at Amanyara. Overlooking a large pond, the Spa exuded even more tranquility and serenity than the rest of the resort, a feat that seems nearly impossible. With four double treatment pavilions, a spa boutique, a wellness studio, a yoga sala, relaxation areas, an aqua therapeutic pool, and sun loungers, the offerings and space are truly unparalleled. The spa concept, carefully curated with four pillars of wellness in mind—nutrition, movement, psychological health, and bodywork—aims to achieve Integrated Holistic Wellness for every guest.

Upon entering the Spa, Amanyara’s resident wellness specialist, Aga Niestoj, guided me to a covered pavilion next to the pond and pool for a guided meditation. Her expertise led me to a deep state of relaxation, further than I ever thought possible as a beginner in meditation. Following this mindfulness session, Aga took me to a pavilion for the Amanyara signature massage. Using aromatherapy oils, the massage therapist tailored the treatment to my needs. The Spa is a necessary part of the Amanyara experience, welcoming world-leading experts for dedicated wellness programs, including masters of therapeutic bodywork, sports therapists, stress-management coaches, and professors of mindfulness and meditation. Tea and cookies were served as we exited our massages, and Aga offered a warm farewell.

A symphony of birdsong, gentle water sounds, and a soft breeze embraced us as we stepped onto the enchanting grounds of the perfectly named Amanyara resort.

Another brief bike ride led us to the beach, where the staff set up towels and chairs and shared menus with food and drink offerings. We waded into the water, enjoying snorkeling, paddleboards, kayaks, and Hobie Cats—all accessible from Amanyara’s beach. For the kiddos, a world-class Kid’s Club is on the way to the shore. Other experiences include horseback riding, clubhouse tennis, golf, house reef snorkeling, kite safaris, kiteboarding, diving, eco-tours, cooking classes, movie nights, yacht charters, and more.

While we thoroughly enjoyed our Ocean Pavilion, it’s just the start of the available accommodations at the resort. The Villas are the largest, perfect for retreats, family gatherings, or friendly hangouts. Each room in these villas is separate, creating a private and comfortable setting for everyone, with shared hangout spaces. Some come with pools, water views, and even a Villa chef and host. These accommodations are grand and jaw-dropping, with every detail carefully considered.

These accommodations are grand and jaw-dropping, with every detail carefully considered.

For meetings and special events at Amanyara, there is a venue to suit every occasion. A dedicated team can oversee even the smallest details, allowing you to relax before even stepping foot on the property.

As we bid adieu to the dreamiest resort, we added other Aman properties to our travel list. The luxury brand currently encompasses thirty-five hotels, resorts, and residence developments across twenty countries, each more beautiful than the last. As a final treat, the Amanyara team waved goodbye, sending us off with chocolates from four of these Aman properties worldwide.

Amanyara, we’ll be dreaming about you.

— V —

To learn more about Amanyara or to book your stay, visit Aman.com/resorts/amanyara and follow Amanyara on Instagram and Facebook.