Green vs Grey: An International Edition (English)
The traces of the hotel’s founding family can be seen everywhere in the Aman Nai Lert Bangkok. However, they have been incorporated magnificently and elegantly. Upon entering their suites, visitors first encounter a two-story atrium adorned with an ebony-black water feature and a tranquil arrangement of white rocks, reminiscent of a traditional Japanese Zen garden complete with raked gravel patterns. Above this serene space rise subtle yet striking stucco walls decorated with undulating striped textures. Contrary to what one might assume, these designs do not represent desert landscapes; instead, they depict scaled-up versions of Thanphuying Lursakdi Sampatisiri's actual fingerprints — a homage to her pioneering grandmother who played a pivotal role in shaping modern-day Bangkok's Nai Lert Park.
Launched at the beginning of this month, Aman Nai Lert Bangkok is nestled within one of the city’s rare private oases — located in Nai Lert Park along the lush Soi Somkid. This marks the inaugural instance where an Aman property incorporates a neighborhood moniker—Nai Lert—in its title instead of using the city name as seen with properties in Tokyo and New York. Born in 1872—a key detail to remember—Lert Sreshthaputra, also known as Nai Lert, was a pioneering business figure who established numerous enterprises that helped shape contemporary Bangkok across various sectors including transport and ice production facilities. As for leadership, Naphaporn “Lek” Bodiratnangkura serves as the CEO of the Nai Lert Group—the entity behind Aman Nai Lert Bangkok—and she is both the great-granddaughter of Nai Lert and currently oversees the stewardship of the 20-rai land parcel upon which the hotel now resides.
Spanning across the 36 stories of the hotel, you will find just 52 suites alongside 34 branded residences. Privacy and spaciousness define your stay at Aman, where each suite begins at an impressive size of 94 square meters. However, what truly sets this place apart is how it masterfully blends natural elements and familial heritage into both its interior decor and overall amenities.
Upon entering the lobby, guests are welcomed by a towering 12-meter-high brass tree adorned with countless leaves that shift from golden hues to deep blacks. This custom-made artwork draws inspiration from a century-old chamchuri tree found within Nai Lert Park, gracefully hovering above a dark reflecting pond. Additionally, another eye-catching focal point is provided by the sompong tree, around which the structure was meticulously constructed. From an oval aperture leading to the ninth-floor swimming pool, individuals relaxing can bask in the sunlight alongside the verdant foliage of what stands as Bangkok’s third-largest tree.
Despite typically being located in remote natural settings, Aman hotels maintain their prowess in fostering a feeling of peaceful seclusion even when situated in the bustling center of the city.
As you enter the hotel, our aim is for guests to experience a feeling of serenity, as though they're encapsulated within a tranquil haven amidst the urban landscape," reflects the genial general manager, Ted Tucker.
The focus is on ensuring our guests experience comfort and tranquility, leaving their concerns behind. Our aim is to embody the essence of the Aman spirit—this means providing meticulous care with a subtle yet thoughtful approach. The service we offer is discreetly attentive, anticipating your needs even before you realize them yourself.
One doesn’t fret about anything beneath an overhead of foliage interspersed with towering buildings, regardless of which direction you gaze from your room at the hotel. Just relaxing inside your accommodations becomes a vacation all on its own—especially when considering the free restocking of items like Billecart-Salmon Champagne and the hotel’s special Sompong beer in the minibar each day.
The delightful surprise, locally-sourced dark chocolate molded into a large banana leaf shape, adds a considerate nod to nature within your personal space, complementing the lush vistas framed by wall-to-wall windows. Each suite also features ample daybeds and a circular Jacuzzi suitable for couples, equipped with modern amenities including a concealed television inside a cabinet and an iPad that responds to all inquiries around-the-clock via text commands.
Even though the area is dominated by shades of grey and earthy colors, it doesn’t appear dull. Designed by one of Aman’s key creators, Jean-Michel Gathy, this space intricately tells tales and showcases elements of Thai culture via subtle touches like a patterned carpet with a woven-basket design. Further adding depth are multi-level ceiling moldings which reveal an even richer narrative—they echo the tripartite structure and green-clay roofing found at the nearby Nai Lert Park Heritage House. This historic wooden residence, once inhabited by Nai Lert and subsequently by his successor Thanphuying Lursakdi, has multiple roof tiers due to additional constructions post-World War II bombing incidents.
The historic Thai residence, now a private museum brimming with crystals and antique pieces, offers complimentary access exclusively for hotel visitors. However, the most exceptional benefit is how Naphaporn has welcomed her family’s abode to be explored by everyone.
Only VIPs such as visiting dignitaries, state leaders, and specially invited guests can eat within Nai Lert Park Heritage Home," clarifies Tucker. "Nevertheless, visitors staying at our hotel get the chance to savor authentic Thai dishes in this location — experiencing what it feels like to share a meal with Mr. Nai Lert himself. Previously, even the Emperor of Japan enjoyed dinner here. This elegant teakwood dining room holds many stories from the past.
Upon returning to the hotel, dining experiences equally unforgettable occur at Aman’s flagship eatery, Arva. Despite the menu appearing straightforward, classic favorites such as cacio e pepe delight your palate with rich, robust flavors thanks to top-quality ingredients, particularly their handcrafted cavatelli pasta. While Parmigiana evokes images of lasagna, it actually presents itself as an exquisitely prepared slice of eggplant terrine combined with parmesan cheese and tomatoes—potentially some of the best-prepared versions of these components ever tasted.
Don’t skip breakfast at this place either. Available until 11 am from a menu where you can order à la carte, make sure to try their distinctive fusion dishes like smooth chickpea purée combined with soy-soaked eggs and their famous mango sticky rice tea.
The hotel lounge, established in 1872—Nai Lert’s birth year—is known for serving an exquisite 1872 Martini. This drink is poured from a small, square miniature teapot similar to those found at the Heritage Home, reminiscent of times past when Nai Lert would offer tea to numerous monks during early morning offerings. Despite having just a few distinctive cocktails on their menu, they compensate with an impressive selection of wine offered by the glass.
For an elevated experience with premium dining options, the jazz club and cigar bar at Aman Lounge on the 19th floor provide a refined retreat bathed in abundant natural light. Also located on this level, Japanese omakase cuisine at Sesui and teppanyaki dishes at Hiori present a more elegant and secluded setting for savoring sushi or witnessing spectacular live flambé cooking. Nonetheless, access to these exclusive venues is limited exclusively to hotel residents and members of the esteemed Aman Club.
If enhancing your personal time is your priority, the expansive Aman Spa and Wellness Centre covering 1,500 square meters offers a wide array of services focused on aesthetics, anti-aging, and hair transplants through their Medical Wellness by Hertitude Clinic. This means you can enjoy an IV drip treatment while gazing at the lush vegetation outdoors or opt for cryotherapy sessions to combat jet lag. Additionally, they provide numerous soothing alternatives such as the refreshing Luminous Facial, which uses a blend of vitamins to cool and rejuvenate your skin.
"Guests don't need to pass through the lobby, so they can do their 'tweakments' and have their recovery time in their suite without needing to worry about being seen," says Tucker.
Our aim is to serve as a leader in scientifically-driven wellbeing, alongside offering top-notch conventional therapies. Given Thailand’s renowned expertise in this area, we are honoring our heritage while also incorporating contemporary, evidence-based methods.
At Aman Spa, local treatments aim to impress through their uniqueness. One such treatment is the rice compress oil massage (potentially setting itself apart from more common herbal compress massages and perhaps becoming a signature offering at the hotel). This involves using a compress ball filled with sticky rice sourced from Nong Khai. Following the application of fragrantly soothing jasmine oil to my body, the warmth of the rice compress provided relief and infused my skin with hydrating vitamin B. Appropriately, the spa’s interiors are adorned with cloud motifs; this 90-minute experience felt nothing short of heavenly.
Like any devoted fan of Aman knows, it epitomizes luxurious hospitality where guests cease being just a room number and instead receive personalized greetings by their names. This tradition persists as it did at the very first Aman property, Amanpuri, which debuted in Phuket 37 years ago. Additionally, Aman Nai Lert Bangkok signifies both a cozy return to origins and ushers the brand into an innovative chapter within hotel management.
“I feel like everything has come full circle because it’s returning to where we started, from our roots in Phuket to now being based in Bangkok within an urban setting,” Tucker says with a smile. “Known for our hidden retreats, we’re bringing the essence of Aman to life via this city oasis — Aman Nai Lert Bangkok.”
Provided by Syndigate Media Inc. ( Syndigate.info ).