Divine Duo: Discover an enchanting winter sun escape at Aman’s two Caribbean properties

Villa guests also enjoy a live-in host and chef, who are on hand to cater to their every need – whether that’s a cocktail and nibbles by the pool, an after-dinner bubble bath or a buggy to the spa. Unsurprisingly, it doesn’t take me long to settle into Amanyara’s way of life. The feeling of isolation at the resort is also owed to the expansive reef – thought to be the third-largest in the world – that surrounds Turks and Caicos like a protective barrier. Intricate coral formations not only shield the shores from powerful Atlantic waves, but form the beaches’ powder-white sands and filter the waters to create a glass-like quality. The reef is home to a wealth of vibrant marine life, so snorkelling is a must. Off the shores of Providenciales are several top-tier scuba diving spots, where the reef drops dramatically to cavernous depths. Over the next few days, I spend my afternoons hopping between lazing on the shores of the beach and topping up my tan by the pool. My mornings, however, are a little more active as I enjoy the wide[1]ranging activities on offer for guests. From a boxing class to a pickleball tournament, I embrace the joy of moving my body and getting my endorphins flowing. But my favourite activity is a yoga session in the resort’s spa. Our class takes place on a small deck atop a lake, with the symphony of awakening birds and rustling trees as our soundtrack.

Back to nature

The next stop on our Caribbean odyssey takes us to the Dominican Republic’s northern coast, where Amanera lies amid swathes of unspoilt wilderness. The property’s remoteness means guests arriving from Turks and Caicos via an hour-long flight to Santiago de los Caballeros have a two-and-a-half-hour transfer to the property. The fastest route is a private charter to Presidente Juan Bosch airport in Sanama, followed by a 15-minute helicopter flight. However guests make the journey, it’s worth it. Sandwiched between lush green jungle landscape on one side and dramatic beaches on the other, Amanera makes it impossible not to feel completely connected to nature. After a few days on the immaculate shores of Amanyara, the rugged natural beauty of Amanera’s coastline is the perfect change of scenery. This ethos of immersion in nature is embedded in the guest experience at the resort, alongside a healthy dose of Dominican culture.

mangroves. The sun filters through the dense canopy of trees, glinting off the water in the most mesmerising way, while herons glide gracefully around us. Soon, we come to a small, sheltered cove where we moor our kayaks to sit on the sand, drinking cool Presidente beers – the beverage of choice for Dominicans – and paddling in the warm ocean. Guests can also embark on a nature hike through the rainforest, where a jungle breakfast will be waiting with breathtaking views overlooking Playa Grande beach, or go horse riding along the secluded sands. At the spa, ingredients from the Earth ignite and soothe the senses with remedies inspired by those from local communities. I’m booked in for a treatment that promises to energise me and awaken my creativity using larimar, a rare blue gemstone believed to encourage physical and emotional healing. Beginning the ritual with a traditional palo santo ‘smudging’ ceremony, I breathe in the fragrance of the burning wood, and close my eyes as I listen to the nearby sounds of waves crashing against the shore. Over the next two hours, my body is refreshed with a coffee, black pepper and rosemary scrub, and a warm coconut wrap. Every moment at Amanera feels invigorating as I bask in the simple yet often overlooked pleasure of switching off and being absorbed in my surroundings.

Thoughtful details

My stay at Aman’s Caribbean properties is made all the more special by attentive service and extravagant gestures – characteristics of the brand that make every guest’s stay unique. Every evening is a night to remember, as staff prepare intimate dinners in beautiful settings: a clifftop overlooking the crystalline waters of Turks and Caicos, as the sunset tinges the sky with pink and orange hues; a table in our villa adorned with handpicked shells from the beach, with a glorious Asian-inspired spread lovingly assembled by our private chef; and a lantern-lit walkway that leads us to Amanera’s stretch of beach, where we feast surrounded by flaming torches. On each occasion, my attention is torn between the delicious medley of dishes that decorates our table and the stunning views. When I return to my suite each night, I find a turndown gift on my pillow – souvenirs to add to a treasure trove of memories from a trip that has been nothing short of magical. Each thoughtful token – a larimar stone bracelet, a piece of framed artwork and a selection of bath scents – captures the essence of the Caribbean and of Aman, reminding me of the warm hospitality and complete serenity that have defined an unforgettable getaway.

The facts

Amanyara is home to 38 pavilions and 20 villas with between two and six bedrooms, each offering total privacy. There are several accommodation types, including pavilions set on serene man-made lakes, some with private pools or pathways leading directly to the beach. Villas also boast gyms or yoga salas. Guests can dine in their villa, with meals prepared by their private chef, or opt for The Restaurant’s Asian-inspired menu or The Beach Club, which serves Mediterranean dishes. As well as extensive fitness facilities and water activities, there’s a nature discovery centre, clubhouse and movie nights to keep children and teenagers entertained. With just 25 casitas, Amanera is an exclusive haven. Each accommodation offers stunning views of the bay and many feature private pools. There is also one Two-Bedroom Bay View Casa for families. The hotel has two dining venues – the main restaurant, Casa Grande, and laidback eatery The Beach Club. Guests can enjoy private barbecues in their casita, rum tasting and cooking classes. A range of activities, from exercise classes to sand sculpting and fishing, will have children spoilt for choice.

Book it: Abercrombie & Kent offers seven nights with Aman in the Caribbean from £12,250 per person on a full-board basis. This includes four nights at Amanyara in an Ocean Pavilion and three nights at Amanera in a Casita, with private flights between islands and international economy flights.
abercrombiekent.co.uk