Since heading West via the Middle East seems a tad risky right now and with flight prices up in the air, it is time to go east.
What better place to spend a relaxing stay than Japan?! In fact, Aman Tokyo is one of the best hotels to relax and unwind from the chaos in the world.
Occupying the top six floors of Otemachi Tower, the lobby is a breath of fresh air, being one of the largest hotel lobbies in Tokyo. Coupled with the six-story-high washi paper lantern ceiling, sunlight streaming in from the floor-to-ceiling windows and the seasonal ikebana arrangement, the lobby is a sanctuary by itself. It takes a minute to simply get used to it and take it all in.
Aman Tokyo is less of a hotel and more of a wellness retreat, if the lobby did not make that obvious.
It has a 30-metre black volcanic rock heated swimming pool, which is ginormous by Tokyo standards, offering a gorgeous panoramic view of the city. This is just one of the best places to spend a lazy afternoon, with the views and a small snack, delivered daybed-side. The pool floor also houses a state-of-the-art fitness centre, the Aman Spa that blends modern beauty science with traditional therapies, and studios for Pilates and yoga. Even the changing rooms are equipped with onsens that, after an afternoon swim, offer the ultimate relaxation before dinner.
Minimalist design is infused with traditional Japanese touches all around the hotel. Even in walkways, you’ll notice ikebana arrangements placed decoratively around the natural timber and stone. Calming is the word that comes to mind.
The floor-to-ceiling windows are a design that is carried into the 40 guest rooms. I love bright hotel rooms and Aman Tokyo doesn’t disappoint. Boasting the city’s largest suites, the ryokan-style rooms fuse wood, washi paper and granite with modern technology and fabrics. Each suite offers a dynamic view of the city, from each side. Some face the Imperial Palace Gardens with magnificent Mount Fuji appearing on the horizon on clearer days and some offer city views for miles. The Grand Suite is what you’re after for a complete immersion into the bliss that is Aman.
Offering 141m², the Grand Suites feature an expansive separate living room, powder room, dining area and pantry. A spacious desk and workspace can be configured as an extension to the room or concealed for privacy via a sliding pocket door. The bedroom and main bathroom, accessed via traditional shoji sliding screens, feature a double vanity and stone furo tub for traditional bathing overlooking the city skyline. Both rooms in the suite are lined with tatami so you are encouraged to take off outdoor footwear and let the tatami work its magic on your feet.
The star of the room is the massive bathroom and the traditional-style volcanic gembu-rock bathtub, which comfortably fits two #triedandtested. If you’re not familiar with the Japanese style of bathing, fear not. There is a leaflet to guide you through the process. The soaking tub is ideal for baths any time of the day or night along with the hotel’s hinoki scented bath salts. The addition of fresh yuzu helps with relaxation as I tend to throw it into the bath and then poke a hole in it to let all the freshness out. At the end of the bath, your skin is tingling from the citrus as it improves circulation and soothes skin. A fragrant purification of the body and mind.
Arva, Aman’s signature Italian restaurant, is perfect for romantic dinners. The views at sunset are mesmerising. It is here that seasonal ingredients are turned into simple and flavourful dishes by Venetian-trained chef Masakazu Hiraki and his team. Coupled with a wine pairing, Arva is the place for an untraditional welcome to the city. The open kitchen is one of my favourite views. So whether I looked left or right, I had great views all around!
Make sure you save room for dessert as the Mousse al ciccolato or Chocolate mousse with raspberry sorbet is what you are after. This was so insanely good, I had it for breakfast and for tea with a cocktail at The Lounge.
The Lounge is known for its afternoon tea, which is a meal quite popular with the local women, but since it overlooks the Imperial Garden, it's hard to get a seat. Should you have that problem, grab a seat at the bar. If afternoon tea isn't your thing, The Lounge menu offers Western classics and Japanese dishes, including bento boxes and the popular Aman Tokyo Wagyu burger.
Arva is also where the most important meal of the day is served and on a clear morning, please ask for a window-side seat if only to gaze at Mount Fuji in all its glory. Aman Tokyo offers an exceptional breakfast featuring a choice between a traditional Japanese breakfast set and a Western-style menu with à la carte options. The Japanese breakfast offers seasonal ingredients like fish of the day, miso soup, fruit and other small bites that are delish.
Aman Tokyo is the best stay to end a trip to Japan, simply because of its peaceful and relaxing atmosphere, and outstanding service. It is hard to tell that the hotel is just over 10 years old.
I make no bones about the fact that I am an #amanjunkie and once you’ve experienced Aman Tokyo, you’ll be one, too.
