WELCOME THE LUNAR NEW YEAR WITH AMAN

WELCOME THE LUNAR NEW YEAR WITH AMAN

A time of new beginnings, auspicious feasting and, most importantly, being together, Aman’s destinations across the globe celebrate the arrival of the Lunar New Year with meaningful ceremony and fanfare. As we bid farewell to the Year of the Tiger, Aman’s sanctuaries – from the heart of Central Java to France’s snowcapped peaks – anticipate all the peace and good fortune promised by the upcoming Year of the Rabbit, the fourth animal in the zodiac considered the luckiest of all.

AMANKILA, BALI

Amankila, Bali – View of Resort

Resting on a lush hillside beneath sacred Mount Agung, Amankila’s frangipani-lined walkways wind through the treetops, connecting stilted suites that offer unrivalled views of the Lombok Strait, while a three-tier infinity pool cascades at the property’s heart and the Beach Club leads to a private black-sand beach.

Capturing the elegance and serenity symbolised by the rabbit in Eastern cultures, celebrations begin on the eve of the new moon, the 21 January with guests invited to try their hand at drawing a rabbit on traditional lontar, a type of palm-leaf manuscript, at Amankila. Visit Bali’s first Chinese temple and later experience a Kang Hi Wei dance performance and a family-style banquet beneath the stars.

Enjoy a three-night stay on Bali’s breathtaking coastline filled with celebratory surprises and making memories with loved ones for a fulfilling start to the year ahead. Stays include roundtrip transfers, daily breakfast for two, in room refreshments, a delicious Lunar New Year dinner for two at The Main Restaurant and either a complimentary 60-minute spa treatment for two or an East Bali Tour, cycling or trekking.

AMANDARI, BALI

Amandari, Indonesia – Experience, Private Dining at sunset

Presided over by a sacred stone tiger, Amandari’s designed is inspired by a traditional Balinese village on the verdant lip of the Ayung River Gorge. Close to the artistic centre of Ubud, this place of peace invites both reflection and the exploration of Bali’s cultural heart this Lunar New Year.

To welcome the Year of the Rabbit, Amandari has designed an itinerary that includes daily wellness sessions, a series of cultural performances and distinctive culinary experiences including Chinese Afternoon Tea. On 22 January, guests are invited to receive a Balinese blessing at Amandari Temple, before enjoying a live Barong dance performance by the Youth Organisation of Kedewatan Village and a multi-course Peranakan Dinner.

AMANJIWO, JAVA

Amanjiwo, Indonesia – Prambanan Temple

Overlooking the ancient Buddhist temple of Borobudur and bordered by the mystical Menoreh Hills, Amanjiwo breathes with tranquillity and reverence of its surroundings, making it the perfect retreat for welcoming the Lunar New Year.

With anthropologist Patrick Vanhoebrouck in residence this year, guests will be treated to lectures and guided through the ancient temples around the region. The Rotunda Bar presents itself as an idyllic spot to admire the sun rising and setting through the peaks of the Menoreh Hills, where local drinks awaken the tastebuds and craft-making classes enrich the mind and soul. On 21 January, Lunar New Year’s Eve celebrations will twinkle with traditional Javanese dances and performances, while the awe-inspiring form of Candi Borobudur on the horizon is toasted for good fortune for the year ahead.

AMANOI, VIETNAM

Amanoi, Vietnam – Aerial, Central Pavilion at sunrise

Claiming a spectacular stretch of Vietnam’s coastline within the verdant embrace of Nui Chua National Park and Unesco Biosphere Reserve, Amanoi is a natural paradise overlooking Vinh Hy Bay. From its remote location, the resort’s clifftop restaurants, lakeside Aman Spa and private golden sand beach offer limitless opportunities for cultural immersion and serene moments of reflection ahead of the Lunar New Year.

To celebrate Vietnam’s most important holiday, the team at Amanoi have designed an extensive itinerary that includes daily wellness sessions, traditional performances, cultural children’s activities, and local dining experiences. Begin New Year’s Day with a Buddhist blessing led by local monks at Vinh Hy Pagoda, before enjoying a seafood dinner menu in the Main Restaurant and traditional lion and dragon dance performances throughout the evening. Meanwhile, active hikes in Nui Chua National Park, private Cham sunset blessings and tennis tournaments set the tone for a healthy, prosperous year ahead.

AMANTAKA, LAOS

Amantaka, Laos – Resort, Main Swimming Pool, night time

Amantaka rests at the foot of sacred Mount Phousi amid the golden spired wats and quaint lanes of this charming Unesco World Heritage Site. A stroll from the banks of the mighty Mekong, the resort is set on an historic garden estate with a shimmering pool and serene Aman Spa.

Guests are invited to usher in the Year of the Rabbit in Luang Prabang, where the ancient capital’s slower pace encourages moments of reflection and an altogether restorative start to the New Year. Alongside a programme of specially curated celebrations – including a traditional Lao cooking class on our organic farm, a private sunset cruise on the majestic Mekong and excursions to the most sacred temples – daily dips into Amantaka‘s shimmering pool and rejuvenating wellness treatments in Aman Spa ensure the Lunar New Year is welcomed with peace and joy.

AMANSARA, CAMBODIA

Amansara, Cambodia – F&B, Khmer Village House, Twilight dinner candles setup

Set in spiritual Siem Reap, Amansara‘s manicured gardens, a tranquil spa, curvilinear pool and canopy of mature trees add to tangible tranquillity that inspired its name – ‘heavenly peace’. Khmer healing traditions and a programme of yoga and meditation certainly set the tone for peaceful and serene beginnings.

Amansara invites guests to welcome the Lunar New Year in the former residence of Cambodia’s king with a specially curated calendar of festive feasting, spiritual blessings, performances and cultural experiences to celebrate the Year of the Rabbit. Events range from a Lotus High Tea with traditional Khmer music to a Jasmine Blessing ceremony followed by a candlelight dinner under the stars.

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About the author

Thomas has a university background in the UK and in Latin America, with studies in Languages and Humanities, Culture, Literature and Economics. He started his Asian experience as a publisher in Krabi in 2005. Thomas has been editing local newspapers and magazines in England, Spain and Thailand for more than fifteen years. He is currently working on several projects in Thailand and abroad. Apart from Thailand, Thomas has lived in Italy, England, Venezuela, Cuba, Spain and Bali. He spends most of his time in Asia. During the years Thomas has developed a great understanding of several Asian cultures and people. He is also working freelance, writing short travel stories and articles for travel magazines. Follow Thomas on www.asianitinerary.com

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