Overview
Depending on your tax bracket — or how open-minded you are about your spending — the shape of your next holiday could depend on whether an ultra-luxe Aman hotel or resort is right where you need it. If this weighs into your decision-making, put Mexico to the top of your list, because the lavish hospitality brand has unveiled a brand-new hotel on the shores of Baja's East Cape, a dramatic 100-kilometre stretch of desert coastline.
Defined by the Sea of Cortés and its coastal landscape, Amanvari offers 18 casita sanctuaries, each providing serenity, privacy and wall-to-wall luxury immersed in nature. And with the hotel's name translated to 'peace' and 'water' in Sanskrit, guests can expect an abundance of both during their stay. In fact, the resort's contrasting water and desert landscapes are a defining feature of the guest experience.
Dotting the water's edge — some elevated, others closer to shore — Amanvari's standalone casitas, meaning 'little house' in Spanish, offer spectacular views made even better by expansive private terraces complete with ten-metre heated pools, outdoor showers and fireplaces. Connecting inside and out, each retreat brings an earthy palette of wood and stone that heightens the sense of nature and keeps guests grounded within it.
Dining at Amanvari is equally special, with the resort exploring Baja's seasonal bounty alongside Aman's global culinary outlook through three standout restaurants. Here, Luma offers coastal Mexican cuisine through the lens of open-fire cooking, while Sensui explores Japan on the East Cape thanks to its intimate ten-seat omakase. Finally, Arva is an Italian concept restaurant focused on cucina del raccolto, where farm-to-table cuisine is shared around a convivial table.
Besides the oceanfront lounge bar and pool, Amanvari offers an extensive spa and wellness program that draws on Mexico's ancestral healing rituals. For instance, a modern interpretation of the temazcal sweat lodge — originally used by Indigenous peoples in Mesoamerica — is complemented by two signature hydrotherapy facilities. These include a traditional banya and hammam, six private treatment rooms, a 24-hour fitness centre, beauty salons, outdoor relaxation areas and an open-air yoga pavilion.
Of course, Amanvari also offers an extensive selection of experiences to connect guests with the landscape further. To call out just a few, you might journey into the Sierra de la Laguna mountains, go horseback riding throughout East Cape or take a private boat to the coral reefs of Cabo Pulmo National Marine Park for seasonal whale watching. For a trip to Mexico, this stay sets a new benchmark.
Amanvari is now open at 23570 East Cape, B.C.S., Mexico. Head to the website for more information.
Like what you see? Subscribe to the Concrete Playground newsletter to get stories just like these straight to your inbox.
Images: Supplied.