What’s in a name? In this case, everything. Amanyara means ‘peaceful place,’ and this resort is one that takes luxury escapism seriously.
Providenciales is already a huge down-pace from our everyday lives, so you can only imagine the tranquillity of Amanyara’s location, on the farthest, northwestern point of the island. Our Ocean Pavilion was perched up above a windswept, rugged and rocky natural stairway that led down to an impossibly turquoise sea. We really felt like we had left the world behind; there wasn’t much reason to venture out of our gorgeous teak structured, glass-walled, romantic cocoon. The champagne on ice amenity shouted a clear ‘drink me’ and when we were done with that, we raided the complimentary minibar (a highlight being the locally brewed craft beers which were thankfully replenished daily). We ordered breakfast to be delivered to our room each morning, sunbathed in the afternoon, watched the fiery sunset over the horizon at dusk and stargazed at night, all from the privacy of our villa. It really was the perfect honeymoon hideaway. Our candlelit, private dining experience at twilight in a charming beachside cove was executed perfectly.
Throughout the resort, the staff were clearly trained to be there when we needed them, but not seen when we didn’t; although there was the odd occasion, particularly at lunchtime, when it was hard to catch a server’s attention. But even as we took the complimentary afternoon tea in Amanyara’s marvellous rotunda bar, or as we lazed under a teak cabana by the volcanic rock swimming pool, or as we ambled down to the white sand beach, or rode our bikes around the resort, other guests were well hidden. In fact, for the more sociable traveller, the Amanyara may offer too large a dose of quiet. After a few days of keeping to ourselves, we started to take advantage of the resort’s communal facilities: the sublime spa, an early morning yoga class and paddle-boarding lessons on the beach. We also dined at the Japanese and Caribbean restaurants, which, while perfectly adequate, may actually fail to surprise guests night after night.
| Perfect for | Fly into | Right on time |
| The Escapist | PLS | GMT -4 |
| While you’re Out There |
| Afternoon tea here is a relaxed affair, with not too much ceremony – but it’s a gorgeous incentive to amble out of your villa and enjoy the sea breeze in the Rotunda bar. They test out new pastries, snacks and cakes on us more-than-willing participants daily, so each day provided a new treat! |
Photography courtesy of Aman Resorts
