The Art Of Relaxation

Aman New York Takes Serenity To A Whole New Level

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In the heart of the city that never sleeps, a sanctuary awaits.

Situated in Manhattan’s landmark Crown Building on 57th Street and Fifth Avenue, Aman New York, much in tune with its Sanskrit-derived name, provides a peaceful, relaxing and pampering escape from the hustle and bustle of New York City. The third U.S. location (the other two being in Utah and Wyoming), Aman, founded in 1988, boasts a total of 34 properties worldwide, each with the goal of providing unassuming, warm hospitality in a luxe setting.

Those seeking a getaway to The Big Apple will do well opting for this destination. The 83 suites are spacious (particularly for New York City standards) and each come with their own functioning fireplace, the only hotel in Manhattan to offer such a luxury. Muted tones, textured ceilings and organic, natural materials, create both a calming and unassuming feel paired with the Zen-like vibe characteristic of Aman’s sister properties in Southeast Asia. Bronze, brass, stainless and blackened steel add warmth and natural, textured stone, wooden floors and walls bearing natural fabrics and flower arrangements are attributes taken from Japan’s Ikebana artform, whose sole purpose is to bring nature inside. No opportunity for relaxation is lost: prepare to soak in an oversized tub or wash worries away under the soothing cascade of a marble rain shower.

There are so many tempting offerings within the hotel, we wouldn’t be surprised if you find leaving its embrace a challenge.

Let’s start with the dining options, both decadent and elegant. While there may be a chill in the wintery air, we suggest you explore the 14th floor wraparound Garden Terrace where there’s a reflective pool bordering the edge of the terrace and a fire pit in its center (as well as an additional one further on), making for an ambiance that is both dramatic and welcoming.

You may want to start at the Lounge Bar (which opens onto the Garden Terrace) for a handcrafted cocktail with a Japanese twist. Lavanda, made with gin, lavender, pea flower, lemon and charged water is a favorite. A masterpiece of design engineering, the retractable glass roof allows for year-round alfresco dining with spectacular city views. Arva, the property’s Italian eatery, serves dishes like Branzino with Sugar Loaf Chicory, Rainbow Chard and Lemon and signature specialties like Creekstone Farms Tagliata Di Manzo (Dry Aged Strip Loin), created in the restaurant’s centerpiece Josper charcoal oven. There’s an array of housemade pastas and floor-to-ceiling Grand Cru wine cabinets as testament that the wines are just as exceptional as the dishes they are paired with.

For a completely different, yet equally meaningful experience, head to Nama, the Japanese restaurant whose omakase (a chef-curated tasting menu of top sushi selections) will transport you to Tokyo. The restaurant celebrates the principles of washoku – Japan’s culinary tradition (recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage) defined as “the essential spirit of respect for nature that is closely related to the sustainable use of natural resources.” Meaning “raw” in Japanese, dish preparations under the skilled direction of Chef de Cuisine Takuma Yonemaru adhere to age-old preparation techniques of the Japanese kitchen, presented in dramatic simplicity. Whether sampling exquisite nigiri or sashimi, sweet miso black cod or premium Wagyu sirloin grilled over a tabletop charcoal brazier and served with Moshio mineral salt, dishes here are a thoughtful nod to revered culinary ritual, blending local ingredients with Japanese delicacies.

After that, late-night entertainment at The Jazz Club beckons with performances that have flagged the hotel as a music lovers’ destination.

Aman New York prides itself in its uncompromising commitment to the care of its guests, most notable in the impressive Aman Spa, a holistic mecca which spans three floors.

Whether you long to do laps at the indoor 20-meter pool, keep up your workout routine at the top-of-the-line gym or indulge in the ultimate pampering with a treatment in one of the 10 available rooms, offerings abound to accommodate every guest’s ritual of self-care.

Want it all? Then head to one of the two Spa Houses, the first of its kind in the city. Here you’ll find the ultimate escape with a double treatment room, spacious living area with fireplace and large private outdoor terrace with a warm bath and cold-plunge pool, fire pit and daybed covered by a canopy for year-round use as well. Each Spa House also features either a hammam — a marble steam room, or a spacious banya — a wood-clad sauna.

Beyond the hotel, the property also is home to the Aman Club, which offers members access to a Club lounge, a private Garden Terrace, as well as a Cigar Lounge and Wine Room. Twenty-two private residences are also housed in the building, for those who wish to embrace Aman’s philosophy of living full time.

Aman New York’s spectacular attention to detail and unparalleled service establish it as a top choice for those seeking the utmost luxurious Manhattan hotel.

Aman New York is located at The Crown Building, 730 Fifth Avenue, New York. For more information, call 212-970-2626 or visit amannewyork.com.