EAST MEETS WEST

Expectations are everything. After years of anticipation, Aman New York—the newest addition to the ultra-exclusive, boutique hospitality and resort chain, including the stunning Amangiri in Utah and glorious Amangani in Wyoming—finally opened its doors late last year in Midtown Manhattan.

The city’s historic Crown Building was thoughtfully reimagined as Aman New York, where the city’s original architectural splendor meets Aman’s harmonious design language. With a year-round Garden Terrace, flagship Aman Spa, and some of the largest suites in the city, this is the hotel to book for any New York City sojourn.

From the moment of your arrival, expect everything to be on brand—down to doormen sharply dressed in Tom Ford suits and a corridor of glimmering walls with an East meets West inspiration.

Throughout the hotel, and especially in the lobby, you’ll be inspired by a contemporary design that blends soft light and natural materials with profuse floral arrangements inspired by the Japanese art of Ikebana.

The lobby offers a warm, comfortable, inviting area, around the corner from the bar, and entry to Arva, the hotel’s Italian restaurant, and the real showstopper—the Garden Terrace with a retractable roof and windows that stream with sunlight.

There appears to have been a driving desire to pull the outdoors inside as the 7,000-square-foot garden oasis is filled with plush but casual seating and understated elements of greenery—including potted trees—and a fireplace in the middle of a tranquil pool.

Our first dining experience on this decadent weekend will be at the hotel’s Japanese restaurant, Nama. A traditional washoku Japanese restaurant, expect to feast on such delicacies as Wagyu beef, sweet miso black cod, and nigiri or sashimi.

Quickly it becomes apparent that you could eat and enjoy every meal on this Manhattan escape without even leaving the Aman. The food was so exceptional that outsiders were coming in from outside to dine here, a rarity for hotel restaurants.

With 83 rooms, the property feels like a boutique hotel yet offers an astounding variety of facilities for a hotel of its size. And despite being part of an international chain, there isn’t a set formula to the décor or amenities. Everything is on brand, yet unique. Rooms and suites are beautiful, well thought out, and comfortably luxurious.

World class spas, however, are synonymous with the Aman brand and no doubt it’s one of the many highlights of this New York property. Aman New York’s “vertical spa resort” occupies three floors and 25,000 square feet. The 65-foot heated indoor pool (with lounge chairs and cushioned daybeds that feel like they are taken from a spa relaxation room) is the perfect space to start the day.

Heading into the locker rooms, the sauna and steam room are in separate male/ female changing rooms, but they’ve got you covered if you do want to share them, as you can rent a Spa House! Featuring a double treatment room with a living area, sauna, Vichy shower, and an outdoor terrace with a hot tub and plunge pool, you can rent a Spa House for a full- or half-day experience.

As for the spa’s treatment offerings, if you want it done, they probably offer it. Freeze away your physical stress in the double-capacity cryotherapy chamber try a not-so-traditional Fotona4D facial (which is basically a nonsurgical facelift) or opt for an Aman Signature Facial.

On our final evening, we opt to dine at Arva—a tribute to Italy’s rich culinary heritage that you will also find at Aman’s Venice location. Helmed by Chef Dario Ossola, dishes are created with sustainable ingredients. After a meal of fresh, housemade pasta and salt-crusted black sea bass, we head to the speakeasy-style Jazz Club for a night to remember. The acoustics alone are something you need to hear with your own ears.

Two nights go quickly at Aman New York but that just means it’s time to book your next visit.

As for expectations, they are exceeded in every way. The hotel is filled with beautiful, smartly designed public areas and rooms, and you can feel the exclusivity from every corner of the property. For New York, the combination of a terrace, amazing spa, spacious rooms, exceptional location (did we mention that Bergdorf Goodman is right across the street?), Michelin star quality food, and impeccable service is a grand slam home run.

Until the next time, you might say upon checkout, knowing it won’t be long until you grace that fabulous 57th street doorstep once again.

For more information about Aman New York, visit aman.com/hotels/aman-new-york.