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Across The Aman Globe: Festive Season
As the year draws to a close, there is no better time to celebrate and make lasting memories with loved ones. Whether finding solace in a spacious villa or enjoying festive traditions from across the globe, Aman’s sanctuaries provide the perfect place for friends and families to gather and reconnect. This year, Aman’s festive programming is designed to invite guests to discover the rituals of Aman hotels and resorts around the world, with on-property experiences that pay homage to other destinations in the brand’s portfolio.
AMANYARA, Turks & Caicos
As the festive season comes to the island shores of Providenciales, heralding Amanyara’s customary calendar of festive events and celebratory experiences, the resort welcomes guests seeking an escape to warmer climates. The daily activity programme runs from 20 December to the 2 January and includes a plethora of activities for multi-generations, from group Pickleball tournaments at the Clubhouse, to family outdoor movie nights, staff versus guest soccer games and culinary classes hosted by the resort’s talented chefs. The festive spirit really shines at Amanyara over Christmas and New Year, where elaborate events imbued with island flair include a Christmas Eve Pool Party, followed by Santa’s arrival on the beach on Christmas morning. A Christmas Day Scavenger Hunt for children is accompanied by indulgent multi-course dinners with live entertainment to ensure every day is celebrated to the fullest.
AMANGIRI, North America
In the sublime wilderness of the Utah desert, Amangiri works closely with its neighbours providing support for the community with various fundraising initiatives. This December, to support the elderly community guests can marvel the delicate craft of rug weaving as passionate Navajo artist Charlene Isaac Hunt weaves a traditional Navajo blanket in Amangiri’s Main Pavilion. Guests are invited to enter a raffle to win the intricate creation, with all proceeds donated to the Adopt-a-Native-Elder charity that supports the wellbeing of Navajo elders. Further opportunities to show support include the chance to purchase a teddy bear that will be donated to CUDDLE Outreach, a local organisation that aids children in foster care and will share the bears as much-needed Christmas gifts.
AMAN VENICE, Italy
Throughout the month of December, an enchanting sense of excitement fills the air in Venice and the city’s cobbled streets, charming squares and romantic canals come alive with a magical festive feeling. In Aman Venice’s Palazzo home, festivities begin on 6 December, when, in Christmas tradition, guests are invited to leave a shoe outside their door at night, in hope that San Nicola may visit and leave behind an early gift. The traditional theme continues with a ceremonial lighting of the tree and multi-course Christmas Eve and Christmas Day tasting menus making for an opulent stay.
On New Year’s Eve, the hotel is also planning a memorable event, where the celebrations begin with a Blue Note themed Aperitivo in tribute to the future opening of Aman New York. The jazz-inspired refreshment is followed by an exquisite dinner with a variety of musical entertainment. As the time nears midnight, guests can choose to be whisked away by boat to watch the fireworks over the Salute before returning to enjoy yet another Italian tradition, Zampone e Lenticchie, for a truly unforgettable start to 2022.
AMANBAGH, India
Over the festive season, the serene garden estate of Amanbagh sets out to immerse guests in the culture and heritage of Rajasthan and the Aravelli Hills, showcasing local crafts and cuisine. Guests can learn the unique regional art of Lac bangle making at a pop-up artisan’s workshop in the hotel’s grounds and discover how the natural resin can be heated and shaped to make colourful jewellery. Alternatively, they can enjoy the traditional Indian art form of rangoli, whereby intricate patterns are created from coloured rice and sand, representing good fortune.
Further opportunities to experience the inextricably connected trinity of food, faith and medicine that have shaped Indian culture for millennia await, including the chance to try Rajasthan’s own ‘sport of kings’: camel polo. On 31 December, guests are invited to join the Amanbagh team in celebrating the arrival of 2022 with a traditional Indian fair, featuring fortune tellers, fire dancers, traditional Manganiyar singers and an elaborate seven-course feast showcasing a choice of Indian or European cuisine.
AMAN VILLAS at NUSA DUA, Indonesia
Within easy reach of Bali’s Denpasar Airport, Aman Villas at Nusa Dua is an idyllic retreat for groups of friends and family to reconnect together in consummate privacy over the festive period. This year, a range of special festive private dining options are offered, including a Megibung, or a traditional Balinese feast designed to be enjoyed family-style. Alternatively, on Christmas and New Year’s Eve, guests can enjoy a touch of luxury and privacy with a refined tasting menu prepared by a private chef and served alongside bespoke musical entertainment, all arranged by the Villa Concierge. Guests are also able to donate to Aman Villa’s community initiatives this season, by supporting the efforts of the Catholic Church Community in Nusa Dua’s Puja Mandala worship complex, who are working to support local families that are struggling following the pandemic.