Named the world’s most visited city four years in a row, it’s hardly surprising that Bangkok was chosen to be the next home of Aman Hotels and Resorts with the announcement of Aman Nai Lert Bangkok. It’s a homecoming of sorts for the Aman brand, which began its story when it opened Amanpuri in Phuket over 30 years ago, which set a new standard in luxury hospitality and continues to inspire the way resorts are fashioned today.
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“I stayed at Amanpuri many years ago and immediately felt as if it was my home away from home. Personally, I’ve been hooked since then and I stay at an Aman whenever and wherever I can,” notes Naphaporn "Lek" Bodiratnangkura, CEO of Nai Lert Park Development, Nai Lert Group.
She added that the family had long wanted to create a hotel and residences in Bangkok, but it really crystallised when Vladislav Doronin, Aman's Chairman and CEO, visited and was enamoured by Nai Lert Park, which opened up the opportunity for the two companies to work together. “Aman has always sought the finest locations in the world, and we recently expanded our vision to include select cities. We look forward to opening this world-class development which celebrates the exquisite legacy and gracious traditions of the Nai Lert family and fusing it with own unique formula," says Doronin.

URBAN OASIS
The idea of establishing city hotels and resorts is a strategic move for the brand—it started with Aman Tokyo in 2014 and is continuing with the opening of Aman New York later this year, which will house the first urban Aman Residences. Set to launch in 2023, Aman Nai Lert Bangkok will consist of 52 hotel suites and no more than 50 residences across 18 floors. The formal sales launch for the residence arm began in September, and to date over 50 per cent of the property's branded residences have been sold including its highest-priced unit: the 2,200-square-metre penthouse acquired at USD26,000 per square metre. The entire development will perpetuate the brand’s urban resort concept but will have its own distinct look rooted in Thai heritage conceived by the designer and frequent Aman collaborator, Jean-Michel Gathy.
The psychological changes brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic, which includes a shift away from dense locations, begs the question of whether living or vacationing in a city is something that people want to invest in. Bodiratnangkura is confident there is still a strong demand, especially for a property that offers a respite from the city as well as one that’s designed consciously.