Deep in the heart of an 18,000-acre nature preserve, just a short drive from the Providenciales International Airport, is a slice of heaven that feels as far from civilization as it does from reality.
This dreamy destination is Amanyara, a luxury retreat for all ages. Overlooking the turquoise waters of Providenciales’ North West Point Marine National Park and half a mile of white sand beaches, it’s nothing short of paradise.
A member of the Aman family of resorts, Amanyara joins the ranks of some of the world’s most exclusive and service-oriented properties. With 34 hotels, resorts, and residence developments in 20 countries, 15 of which are located close to or within Unesco-protected sites, each of Aman’s properties reflects the unique cultural heritage of its destination through sensitive design, inspired cuisine, and personalized wellness and experiential journeys, with every detail curated for it alone. Amanyara is a prime example of how each of those factors can come together to create a space that is organic to its surroundings at the highest level of luxury.
Guests arrive to the resort via chauffeur-driven SUV by way of a quick jaunt through town before pulling onto a gravel road that takes sweeping turns into the nature preserve. After a gorgeous tree-lined trek, the blacktop begins again and Amanyara appears like an oasis in the middle of a jungle. The gates part to reveal the resort’s chic-meets-discreet aesthetic. With soaring timbers, wood and glass exteriors, and dreamy open-air spaces, each structure at Amanyara fits in perfectly with its surroundings.
As a guest, you’re first driven to the main entrance pavilion where you’re greeted with a non-alcoholic cocktail or tropical juices. Next, join your concierge on a relaxing rid through the resort as you’re driven to your private accommodations.
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At Amanyara, guests have the option to stay in a pavilion or a villa. The pavilions are nestled in coastal vegetation, overlooking ponds or the waters of Northwest Point Marine Reserve. Overhanging eaves shade terraces on three sides of each pavilion, accessed via floor-to-ceiling glass doors that open to a combined bedroom and living area. Some offer private pools and two bedrooms, while others offer pathways that lead directly to the beach or private coves. If you’re traveling in high style with a group (large or small), the villas offer the height of coastal luxury. With chic shared living areas and two to six private bungalow-style bedrooms, these stunning spaces are set around a black infinity pool and hardwood deck. Overlooking reflective ponds and gardens, several feature ocean views while others offer direct beach access. All are serviced by villa hosts, and, in the three-to-six-bedroom villas, also by personal chefs. Both the villas and the pavilions are decorated in Amanyara’s signature design scheme with warm wood, crisp white linens, decadent soaking tubs, and tons of natural light. And each comes with a set of beach cruiser bikes on which guests can explore the full beauty of the resort.
But the accommodations are just the beginning. The resort also includes an infinity pool that looks out over the ocean (with prime sunset views), two restaurants and a bar, and a pristine stretch of white sand beaches with umbrella-shaded beach chairs, waiters at the ready to take drink and snack orders, and a watersports hut ready to set guests up with masks, snorkels, standup paddle boards, and so much more. And then there’s the resort’s wellness program—a world-renowned jewel in the Amanyara crown.
A sanctuary for personalized wellbeing, Amanyara, meaning “peaceful place,” is the ideal locale for an escape from the day-to-day to an immersive wellness experience. Leading this health-minded charge is wellness manager Toby Maguire. A health and wellness consultant, Maguire has been practicing the healing arts of the East for more than 20 years. His experience includes stints at several Aman properties as well as other wellness- focused resorts worldwide treating guests that have included Olympic athletes, Premier League football players, Formula One racing drivers, and British and Hollywood celebrities.
Those looking to truly find inner peace can embark upon a transformative wellbeing journey lasting three nights or more. Expertly tailored to individual health profiles and wellbeing goals, Wellness Immersions are devised by the Aman Spa’s team of expert therapists, nutritionists, and medical specialists to deliver lasting change. From mindfulness and stress management to detox and cleansing, each program is custom-crafted to give guests their best and most life-changing results. For those looking to incorporate wellness into their trip while also experiencing the resort’s other activities, Amanyara offers One-Day Wellness Immersions, as well as spa treatments and consultations on health and wellbeing on a by- appointment basis.
(Editor’s note: I had a chance to experience an Acugraph Consultation, during which Maguire assessed my personal needs using a device based on the principles of Chinese medicine to help me improve my physical and psychological wellbeing. Afterwards, he was kind enough to share his extensive knowledge on meditation—learned through years of training around the world—and gave me tools I have been implementing ever since my return.)
The spa pavilion is an oasis unto itself, with four treatment rooms, a relaxation pavilion, an outdoor yoga sala, and pool. Much like the rest of Amanyara, the spa is surrounded by tranquil ponds (all of which were man-made using seawater), which adds to the calming vibes and soothing sounds. (Pro tip: Check with the front desk to learn about daily pop-up classes at the spa. From yoga to sound baths, there are often opportunities for small groups to gather and learn from the resort’s experts.) Amanyara frequently hosts guest wellness practitioners to train the brain, and through its Amanyara Legends program, guests have the chance to train their bodies with the very best, as well. The resort features a series of clinics throughout the year with icons in the world of sports, including tennis great Maria Sharapova.
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Once you’ve been thoroughly relaxed and unwound (or worked out and exhausted), head to one of the resort’s three watering holes for a drink or a bite. For foodies, Amanyara is a true paradise with fresh seafood, incredible wine pairings, and a conch ceviche that will leave an indelible mark on both your memory and your palate in the very best way possible. Chef de Cuisine Christopher Terry has created two distinct menus at two distinct dining locations on the resort grounds. At The Restaurant, guests can enjoy breakfast and dinner from a seasonal menu showcasing fresh fruit, just-caught seafood, and organic produce from the resort’s aquaponic vegetable garden. The Restaurant offers indoor and outdoor pavilion dining, but as with all things Amanyara, the outdoor option is ideal. Guests can choose an ocean view or a pond view—both of which offer their own type of tranquil vibes.
For breezy seaside lunches and snacks (and decadent dinners), head to The Beach Club just steps from the sand. Here, freshly caught seafood on the grill, exquisitely prepared sushi (this writer’s favorite), and custom dishes from the stone hearth oven are specialties. Guests looking to enjoy a cocktail with sunset views (or an afternoon coffee al fresco) can visit The Bar. Serving drinks and light meals throughout the day beneath its soaring conical roof, the Bar is both a delightful watering hole and a showstopping focal point of the resort.
There are also opportunities for private dining, including a sunset-washed table for two on the beach, where a private waiter brings your favorite food and drink directly to your table. During dessert, bask in the light of a private bonfire under the stars. Activities and excursions abound at Amanyara. Kayaks, Seabobs, Hobie Cats, and more are always available to guests. There are also daily opportunities to snorkel nearby reefs. The resort’s surrounding waters are a scuba diver’s dream, and the resort offers diving opportunities for all levels.
Head off the resort grounds for horseback riding or kitesurfing or go big and charter a private yacht. Amanyara has access to a fleet of sailing vessels and luxury yachts of all sizes, allowing guests to arrange luxurious journeys around Turks & Caicos, organize fishing expeditions, and further explore the area’s hidden coastal gems. Families will find plenty of inclusive activities for all ages, including a Nature Discovery Centre, the Learn to Sail Academy, Swim Camp, and SEEK camps (Science Explorers and Environmental Keepers). The resort’s Clubhouse gives kids and teens a place to play soccer, beach volleyball, and more by day, and in the evening it transforms into a screening room with family-friendly films and freshly popped popcorn. There are even opportunities for kids to find their own Zen with mindful fitness for all ages.
At the end of the day, the Amanyara experience is about finding inner peace—be it through wellness and relaxation or adrenaline boosting activities. No matter which path you take, plan to leave the resort a changed person. And plan to celebrate that fact with a final sunset cocktail, watching the sun dip below the horizon as Amanyara is lit with a golden glow. A magical moment in a magical place. (aman.com/resorts/amanyara)