AMANYARA 

A spring escape to a secluded sanctuary in the Turks & Caicos proved the perfect place to unplug and restore.

Aman is a collection of luxury hotels defined by omotenashi, a Japanese philosophy that emphasizes service delivered straight from the heart. I first fell in love with the brand at Amangiri in Utah—not just for the resort’s striking beauty, but for the way it made me feel completely at ease, entirely present. So, after a busy beginning to the year, I was looking forward to a reset at Amanyara, located on the remote northwest edge of Providenciales in the Turks & Caicos.

Every Aman hotel reflects a deep connection to its surroundings through architecture, cuisine, and experience. Set in a landscape shaped by windswept dunes, rugged coastline, and impossibly blue water, the hotel’s name combines the Sanskrit word for peace, “aman,” and “yara,” meaning “place” in the language of the indigenous Arawak people.

After a short 25-minute drive from the airport, we were greeted with eucalyptus-scented towels and a perfectly chilled welcome drink. Almost immediately, we had the distinct feeling we’d arrived at the private residence of a friend with impeccable taste.

Just beyond the welcome pavilion lay a labyrinth of overwater pathways, pavilions set deep within the landscape, and towering mahogany trees rising from the pond. The soaring architecture frames the environment, always drawing your attention to the ocean and sky.

One of the first things that impressed me about the property was the meticulously maintained woodwork. In a coastal environment, where salt air and relentless sun can quickly take their toll, maintaining this level of perfection is no small feat. Yet, everything appeared pristine, almost newly finished—a testament to Aman’s uncompromising standards.

The same reverence for materials and craftsmanship extends beyond the shared spaces and into the private accommodations. Amanyara offers its guests the choice of pavilions or villas. The intimate pavilions offer a breezy combined living and bedroom area; some overlook private pools or ponds, while others sit on pathways to the beach. Perfect for larger groups, the three-to-six-bedroom villas offer guests a villa host and a personal chef.

After following a curved stone pathway surrounded by lush tropical greenery, we arrived at our pavilion—a glass-and-wood sanctuary overlooking a tranquil pond. A king bed sat beneath a tented canopy and a soaring wood ceiling, while stone floors led to an expansive bath, study, and bar area. At night, floor-to-ceiling blinds descended to create a cocoon-like stillness, making for some of the most restful sleep I can remember.

Days settled into an easy pattern. Mornings began at The Restaurant, often with a wellness shot of ginger, turmeric, and cayenne pepper, a fresh detox juice, and avocado toast topped with two perfectly poached eggs and a light dusting of chili flakes. We enjoyed these leisurely repasts perched high above the coastline, soaking in the views and perusing the daily newsletter.

Lunchtime drew us to the Beach Club, set on a dune along Amanyara’s half-mile stretch of private shoreline. The menu featured an array of coastal and Mediterranean-inspired dishes—bountiful salads, chilled gazpacho, fresh ceviche, oysters, and a standout assortment of dips served with crisp vegetables over ice. As we marveled at the sea’s vivid blue hues, hummingbirds darted through the mangroves and tropical birds filled the air with song.

Our first lunch at the Beach Club was a memorable example of omotenashi. When my friend mentioned a sore throat, a server brought a teapot filled with fresh ginger and lemon with a side of honey. At our next meal, it appeared again—without asking. Soon, we were introduced to variations, including one with mint, peppercorn, green apple, orange, ginger, and lemon that was our server’s Turkish mother’s home remedy. It was a small gesture, but an example of the Aman service: personal and impeccable.

The resort’s striking circular Bar sits at the center of the property and is a natural gathering place for morning coffee, afternoon tea, or sunset cocktails. Each day at 3:00 p.m., we joined other guests here for tea, settling into luxe alcoves overlooking the infinite ocean. Beneath a hand-laid kapur-and-balau wood roof that radiated like the sun, bartenders poured beverages inspired by the Caribbean’s flavors, colors, and cultures.

When we returned to The Restaurant for dinner, we were delighted to find Caribbean ingredients mingling with Asian influences in dishes ranging from sushi and sashimi to fragrant curries and miso black cod (one of my favorites). Eating under softly glowing lanterns while listening to the gentle rustle of gumbo-limbo trees, we found our dinners continued the same unhurried rhythm that had defined our days.

Despite near-full occupancy, Amanyara never felt crowded. There was always space—whether by the striking black-bottom volcanic stone pool or along the beach where we never had to search for a chaise. On our oceanside afternoons watching the sunlight dancing along the waves, I felt completely removed from the urgency of everyday life and the ever-present pressure of to-do lists.

For those feeling a bit more energetic, the resort offers countless ways to engage with its extraordinary setting. Guests can take out kayaks, paddleboards, and sailboats to explore the dramatic rocky iron shore, hidden coves, and tidal pools that line the coastline. Amanyara also embraces the protected Northwest Point Marine National Park, an area known for some of the world’s best reef and wall diving. Beyond the water, the resort’s expansive sports complex offers tennis, pickleball, padel, and more, along with the Amanyara Legends program, which brings in elite athletes for training and clinics. Wellness programming also includes initiatives connected to global ambassador and tennis great Novak Djokovic.

As my friend wasn’t feeling one hundred percent, we opted for the resort’s quieter pleasures. One afternoon with the chef, we learned the art of sushi-making, working with beautiful cuts of tuna, salmon, and hamachi. We left feeling inspired (and perhaps overly confident) about recreating the experience for friends at home.

Whether you choose relaxation or high-energy movement, a spa visit is a must. The spa reflects the same thoughtful layout as the villas, which resemble private compounds with a central living and dining pavilion opening onto expansive outdoor spaces, and separate bedroom pavilions connecting via overwater pathways. The spa mirrors this design, with separate pavilions serving as treatment rooms, and the main structure welcoming guests at reception. It was here that I took a private outdoor Pilates class overlooking a pond filled with waterfowl, surrounded by lush greenery, creating a setting that made movement feel as restorative as rest.

Amanyara captures the essence of Aman: luxury is defined not by excess, but by intention. Where days are measured by sunshine, sea air, and the precious feeling of contentment. With several deadlines looming, I find myself dreaming of a return to this “place of peace.” In a world that rarely pauses, Amanyara reminds you of what it feels like when everything does.

For more information, visit aman.com/resorts/amanyara.