The world’s most exclusive and luxurious hotel brand is opening its doors in the UAE. Here’s all we know about Aman Dubai
Isabella Craddock
Aman is the ‘if you know, you know’, of hotel groups. Their lack of advertising and unrivalled feeling of exclusivity means their 34 hotels across the world are the perennial favourite of the world’s elite. The brand is best known for its secluded resorts like Amanpuri in Thailand, Amankila in Bali and Amangiri in the Utah desert, but its city hotels are just as enticing. In 2022, Aman opened the highly anticipated Aman New York – dubbed as the world’s most expensive city hotel – joining favourites like Aman Venice on the Grand Canal (the setting for George and Amal Clooney’s 2014 nuptials), Sri Lanka’s Amangalle and Aman Le Melezin on Courchevel 1850’s manicured Bellecote piste. Now, the ultra-luxe brand has announced it’s opening in Dubai, with Aman Dubai set to open on the beautiful coastline of Jumeirah Beach in 2027.
What will undoubtedly be a stunning resort, the property will open on Jumeirah 2 on a 350-metre stretch of private beach. The property will be designed by KHA (Kerry Hill Architects), popular with the Aman brand thanks to its tropical modernist and Japandi-inspired aesthetic, and will feature nine acres of manicured gardens providing intimacy and exclusivity and positioning it as one of the most probative resorts in Dubai. Inside, the property will have a 2,300 square metre Aman Spa, Aman Club and Aman-branded residences and villas (of which only a small amount will be sold), and, in a unique move to Dubai’s other five-star resorts, will be vertical – not horizontal. The three-hectare stretch of the garden will be the hotel’s biggest pull, sitting at the heart of the project and embodying the botanic gardens being created at the group’s one opening in Los Angeles. The property will sit next to Four Seasons Resort Dubai and construction is already underway.
Aman is known for its exclusive properties appealing to the world’s elite, recently opening the world’s most expensive city hotel, Aman New York, in 2022, and with plans on the horizon for Aman Beverley Hills, Aman Los Angeles, Aman Nai Lert Bangkok, Amanvari Mexico and Aman Dubai. Speaking to The National, Aman Chairman and CEO Vladislav Doronin speculated Aman Dubai will be ‘probably be the most expensive hotel in the UAE,’ – following on from its room rates in New York City. Speaking about the pipeline and his vision for growth, he added: ‘Dubai stands as a global city, leading the charge in dynamic evolution, offering an array of experiences for both visitors and residents alike. Responding to the requests from Aman guests for our presence in Dubai has long been part of my growth vision. Securing the optimal site was paramount to ensure the delivery of our unparallelled service and authentic experiences, for which we are world-renowned. I am delighted that we have collaborated with Bright Start who have a profound understanding of this market, to bring to life the essence of Aman in this exceptional location.’
Aman Dubai is the latest in Aman’s foray into the Middle East, with multiple openings in Saudi Arabia falling under its new, playful, younger Janu brand – set to launch this year in Tokyo. Like Aman hotels, Janu properties will follow the same minimalist, with Asian influences and connections to the locale. There will be a focus on social dining – such as open kitchens and countertop eating – and culinary experimentation like low-temperature cooking and fermentation. Janu will launch with three new hotels, already under construction, in Tokyo (already home to an Aman property), in AlUla, Saudi Arabia in 2027 and Saudi’s Diriyah Gate development. Janu Diruyah will be located near the heart of the US$63.2 billion development – which centres around the UNESCO World Heritage Site of At-Turaif (the birthplace of Saudi Arabia). While Aman Wadi Safari will be small, discreet and peaceful, sister brand Janu Diriyah will be more vicious and soulful. The property will have 120 keys, a Janu spa and several vibrant restaurants.
On top of its slew of new openings and the imminent launch of Janu, Aman has been investing in enhancing its already sublime guest experience, from the launch of new skincare and accessories range, Aman Essentials, to Aman Interiors – allowing Aman guests to bring the distinct feeling of an Aman property to their own home. The brand also partnered with Maria Sharapova, announcing the former pro tennis player as their wellness ambassador – intermittently hosting once-in-a-lifetime wellness escapes at its portfolio of tropical resorts.
