Equipped with views to thrill, the Amanera in the Dominican Republic looks like a set from a James Bond movie.
Adored by celebrities and wealthy travelers alike, this luxury hotel is the perfect villain’s lair, surrounded by thick jungle and located on a peninsula jutting out into the Atlantic Ocean.
Flying in for a weekend break from New York, the tranquil surroundings are a world away from the bustle of the city, with the sound of fire truck horns replaced by birdsong and the constant hum of traffic overtaken by rolling waves.
Entering the minimalist lobby, the views speak for themselves, with matchstick-shaped struts supporting the ceiling and no walls.
From the property, Playa Grande beach curves downward, like a golden smile framed by swaying palm trees.
Equipped with breathtaking views, the Amanera in the Dominican Republic looks like a set from a James Bond movie
Walking into the minimalist lobby, Sadie says “the views speak for themselves, with matchstick struts supporting the ceiling and no walls.”
“It never gets old,” a staff member who has worked at the property for more than five years tells me, as we stand captivated by the view.
From the lobby, we meandered on an electric golf cart to our villa (or “casita,” as they call them at the Amanera), and the wow factor continues.
Like the rest of the properties in the Aman portfolio, Amanera features an elegant interior design, with natural woods, polished stone and a neutral colour palette throughout.
All of the homes, which start at $1,400 a night, have flat, grassy roofs, making them hard to spot amid the lush surroundings.
Our casita’s perks include a pool, manicured gardens, a spacious walk-in closet, a soaking tub, and a separate living room.
To give the room a James Bond feel, the blinds are operated at the touch of a button, as is the television, which stealthily emerges from a sideboard opposite the bed.
Since there are only 25 cottages at Amanera, the hotel has a natural tranquility and you practically feel like you have the place to yourself.
When I go with my partner, occupancy is only 35% and we occasionally see another couple at lunch or dinner, but on the beach it feels like we have the whole stretch of sand to ourselves.
Like the rest of the properties in the Aman portfolio, Amanera features an elegant interior design, with natural woods, polished stone and a neutral colour palette throughout.
All of the homes, which start at $1,400 a night, have flat, grassy roofs, making them hard to spot amid the lush surroundings.
Sadie said the perks of her cottage included a pool, manicured gardens, a spacious walk-in closet, a deep soaking tub and a separate living room.
There are two restaurant areas to choose from, one located below the lobby with a generous terrace area and the other next to the beach for a more relaxed atmosphere.
While relaxation is the word of the day at Amanera, there are a variety of activities for more active travelers.
One morning we embarked on a sweaty hike through the jungle to a treehouse-like structure for breakfast, with even more stunning views to take in alongside our morning meal.
Meanwhile, walking along the beach serves as a daily exercise instead of going to the indoor gym.
Kayaking and sailing are other activities that catch our attention, but somehow time evaporates and we happily resort to relaxing by the pool.
As for food, the hotel (unsurprisingly) has very good seafood, with local catches caught daily.
One morning, Sadie embarked on a sweaty trek through the jungle to a treehouse-like structure for breakfast.
As for food, the hotel (unsurprisingly) has good seafood, with local catches every day.
For a truly action-hero arrival or departure, the hotel can arrange helicopter transfers.
Because there are only 25 cottages at Amanera, Sadie says the hotel has an “effortless tranquility.”
There are two restaurant areas to choose from, one located below the lobby with a generous terrace and the other next to the beach for a more relaxed atmosphere.
During our stay, standout dishes included grilled shrimp the size of my hand, juicy octopus, and a local Dominican fish curry, which is packed with flavor.
The ‘coco locos’ (a combination of coconut rum, fresh coconut water and coconut cream served in a coconut) are also a hit, but at the end of our stay we discovered that the $35-a-piece price tag on our bill is another James Bond-worthy feature.
For a truly action-hero arrival or departure, the hotel can arrange helicopter transfers.
But alas, we bid a fond farewell and set off on four wheels with our mission of exploring one of the most beautiful hotels in the world accomplished.