Armed with views to thrill, the Amanera in the Dominican Republic looks like a set from a James Bond movie.
The luxury hotel, beloved by celebrities and well-heeled travelers alike, makes for the perfect villain’s lair, enveloped by thick jungle and set on a peninsular jutting out into the Atlantic Ocean.
Jetting in for a weekend break from New York, the calm surrounds are a world away from the bustle of the city, with honking firetrucks replaced by bird song and the constant drone of traffic outdone by rolling waves.
On walking into the minimalist lobby area, the views are left to do the talking, with matchstick-like struts propping up the ceiling and no walls.
From the property, the Playa Grande beach curves below, like a golden smile framed by swaying palm trees.
Armed with views to thrill, the Amanera in the Dominican Republic looks like a set from a James Bond movie
On walking into the minimalist lobby area, Sadie says ‘the views are left to do the talking, with matchstick-like struts propping up the ceiling and no walls’
‘It never gets old,’ one staff member who has worked on the property for more than five years tells me, as we stand transfixed by the panorama.
From the lobby, we snake our way around in an electric golf buggy to our villa (or ‘casita’ as they are called at the Amanera), and the wow factor continues.
As with the rest of the properties in the Aman portfolio, the Amanera boasts slick interior design, with natural woods, polished stone and a neutral color palette running throughout.
All of the abodes – which start from $1,400 a night – feature flat, turfed roofs, so it is difficult to spot them amid the lush surrounds.
Perks of our casita include a pool, manicured gardens, spacious walk-in closet, deep bath tub and separate lounge area.
Adding to the James Bond feel of things, the window shades are operated by the touch of a button, as is the TV, which stealthily emerges from a sideboard in front of the bed.
As there are just 25 casitas at the Amanera, the hotel has an effortless calm about it and it feels pretty much like you have the place to yourself.
When I visit with my partner, it is only at 35 per cent occupancy, and we occasionally see another couple at lunch or dinner but down at the beach we seem to have the entire stretch of sand all to ourselves.
As with the rest of the properties in the Aman portfolio, the Amanera boasts slick interior design, with natural woods, polished stone and a neutral color palette running throughout
All of the abodes – which start from $1,400 a night – feature flat, turfed roofs, so it is difficult to spot them amid the lush surrounds
Sadie said perks of her casita included a pool, manicured gardens, spacious walk-in closet, deep bath tub and separate lounge area
There are two restaurant areas to choose from, with one located below the lobby with a generous terrace area and the other down by the beach for a more relaxed atmosphere
While relaxation is the word of the day at the Amanera, there are a range of activities catering to the more active traveler.
One morning we embark on a sweaty hike through the jungle up to a treehouse-like structure for breakfast, with yet more stunning views to feast on along with our morning fare.
Meanwhile, walking the length of the beach serves as our daily workout instead of hitting the indoor gym.
Kayaking and sailing are other activities which catch our eye, but somehow time evaporates and we happily resort to lolling by the pool instead.
On the food side of the things, the hotel (unsurprisingly) does seafood well, with local catch reeled in on a daily basis.
One morning, Sadie embarked on a sweaty hike through the jungle up to a treehouse-like structure for breakfast
On the food side of the things, the hotel (unsurprisingly) does seafood well, with local catch reeled in on a daily basis
For a true action hero arrival or departure the hotel can arrange helicopter transfers
As there are just 25 casitas at the Amanera, Sadie says the hotel has an ‘effortless calm’ about it
There are two restaurant areas to choose from, with one located below the lobby boasting a generous terrace area and the other down by the beach for a more relaxed atmosphere.
During our stay, standout dishes include grilled shrimp the size of my hand, juicy octopus, and a local Dominican fish curry, which is bursting with flavor.
The ‘coco locos’ – a combination of coconut rum, fresh coconut water and coconut cream served in a coconut – also go down a treat, but at the end of the stay, we discover the $35 a piece price tag on our check is yet another feature fit for James Bond.
For a true action hero arrival or departure, the hotel can arrange helicopter transfers.
But alas, we bid a fond farewell, wheeling away on four wheels with the mission to explore one of the world’s most beautiful hotels accomplished.
