Elite Traveler Spring 2022

EXPLORE NEWHOTELS

Below The Garden Terrace has dreamy views across the city

Opposite page, from top The Residence bathroom; the hotel’s grandiose exterior

by Luke Abrahams AMANNew York NEW YORK When Aman opens a new hotel, it’s a big deal — especially when it’s the brand’s fi rst urban retreat in North America. Where is it? New York City, of course. Housed in the glorious Beaux-Arts Crown Building, former home of the Museum of Modern Art, the sky-high addition to the Aman portfolio sits on the roaring crossroads of Fifth Avenue and 57th Street, overlooking the lush and grandiose expanse that is Central Park. Ask a local, and they’ll tell you that this is where New York comes to life — where tourists marvel over the madness of the city; where lovebirds enjoy pre-museum dates; where performers chase a lucky buck; and where the movies and shows of Hollywood take their cue. It’s everything Aman is not: exuberant madness. So it’s only natural that a peaceful oasis preaching a calming Asian philosophy pops up here. Anyone who has visited recently will tell you the city has changed. The energy is still there, perhaps a little fl at and moody these days, but as always, the city remains hopeful, and this stellar new opening proves it. STAY In typical Aman style, it’s all about those muted tones and minimalist interiors. The guest rooms, by

usual American fare you fi nd at many other New York City spots. The menus take their lead from nama , the Japanese word for ‘raw’ (also the reverse spelling of Aman, as the slick sta ff proudly proclaim). Under the direction of master chef Keiji Matoba, all things Asian-inspired take center stage: rich smoky fl avors, tender meats (go for anything with beef) and excellent servings of sushi and sashimi. The tasting experiences are well worth the splurge. Visit the stylish Piano Bar in the sky lobby for a drink and a show, and if you’re still standing, the Wine Library will test even the most seasoned grape a fi cionados this side of the Western hemisphere. RELAX The subterranean Jazz Bar is a decidedly cool, sophisticated spot that serves good, sti ff drinks. Up in the heavens, the Garden Terrace wows with its panoramic, Instagram-ready views of Central Park.

New York City standards, are huge — suites start at a very impressive 750 sq ft. The aesthetic? If you are a devoted Amanite, you’ll know that true luxury exists in all those subtle, calming details. Belgian designer and longtime collaborator Jean-Michel Gathy hones in on the brand’s healing and very minimalist philosophy. The o ff set lighting and nuanced hues give o ff an almost cocooned, Sunday- spent-under-the-covers vibe that keeps you feeling cozy throughout the space. Furniture is contemporary and stylish, and original Beaux-Arts features, from fi xtures to paneling, remain untouched in some rooms. Bathrooms are roomy, with jetted tubs and impeccable showers, and stocked with products courtesy of the Aman spa. DINE Here, there’s so much to choose from. The food pays homage to Aman’s Asian roots, so don’t expect the

Photos Aman