SUMMER GETAWAYS

As the thermometer continues to rise here in the Middle East, now is the perfect time to think about a summer vacation. Here’s our pick of five Aman hotels that don’t need cooled swimming pools.

Amanjena, Morocco

As far as tranquil retreats go, this Moroccan hotel, located near the fabled city of Marrakech is filled with charm. Who wouldn’t want to be surrounded by Amanjena’s palm trees with views stretching across the olive groves extending to the High Atlas Mountains on the horizon?

Set in its own expanse of gardens and grand open spaces, shaded courtyards with fountains lead to the central bassin that nourishes the gardens in which spacious standalone guest pavilions and Maisons rest, all with private gardens and many with private pools.

For summer, the resort introduces new dining experiences, including the addition of a pizza oven in the sun-dappled olive grove. Adding to the al fresco experience in this atmospheric setting, wood-fired pizzas will be served and made using the freshest ingredients with dishes ranging from the classic Pizza Margherita to the Pizza Essaouira, with tomato, mozzarella, fresh sardines, black olives, and oregano, offering a taste of the Moroccan coast.

“SWIM WITH A VIEW: THE MAIN SWIMMING POOL AT AMANRUYA, TURKEY IS SURROUNDED BY LUSH MOUNTAINS, MAKING IT A PICTURE-PERFECT PLACE FOR A DIP.”

Aman Venice, Italy

A serene retreat in the heart of the floating city, Aman Venice embodies all that is sumptuous and sensuous about La Serenissima. Located on the Palazzo Papadopoli, one of the city’s eight monumental palazzos on the Grand Canal, the hotel is ideal for a romantic break.

Guests have a choice of Rooms and Signature Rooms and all feature works by a number of Italy’s greatest artists – including 16th-century architect Sansovino and 18th-century painter Tiepolo. As you would expect, the décor represents Venician values, so expect authentic silk wall coverings, chandeliers, wood panelling, chinoiserie and painted ceilings.

Four quality eateries are open for guests and non-residents, and they can dine in the sumptuous Yellow Dining Room, in the hotel’s canal-side eatery – a rarity in Venice – or savour a private-dining experience in one of the palazzo’s hidden rooms. Dining is just one of the many memorable experiences to be enjoyed at the Aman Venice.

Rosa Alpina, Italy

Set at the foot of the magnificent La Varella mountain, the village of San Cassiano is the ideal location for the Rosa Alpina. Set to reopen on the 9th of June, the hotel provides unparalleled access to the mountains and is the ideal base for exploring the region’s natural beauty in the warmer months.

Reopening 9th June 2022, the Rosa Alpina reflects Alpine culture, offering 52 spacious rooms and suites, a three-bedroom penthouse, and the three-bedroom Chalet Zeno, all finished in a refined and cosy style.

From June to October, the hotel and its breathtaking natural surroundings are popular with connoisseurs of adventure. Hiking, climbing, cycling, sky running, paragliding, mountain biking or simply picnicking are the chosen pastimes, with guests even donning lycra for the annual Maratona dles Dolomites bicycle race, which is open to amateurs as well as elites.

“FROM JUNE TO OCTOBER, THE HOTEL AND ITS BREATHTAKING NATURAL SURROUNDINGS ARE POPULAR WITH CONNOISSEURS OF ADVENTURE.”

Amanruya, Turkey

Surrounded by an ancient pine forest in a quiet valley on Turkey’s Bodrum Peninsula, the coastal retreat of Amanruya has got it all. The village-like resort offers an abundance of space and privacy in its free-standing guest pavilions all of which feature private, heated pools.

Serene views are guaranteed and each pavilion has been inspired by the region’s traditional architecture. The Pool Pavilion Deluxe (Sea View) features handmade ‘kilim’ rugs from Istanbul and a mangal charcoal fireplace that give the space a hint of charm, while a four-poster king-sized bed and large bathroom help guests unwind.

For the summer season, the hotel’s scene has been enhanced as the exclusive Beach Club is now home to a new bar where guests can enjoy a theatrical show from mixologists while the Poolside Bar has received a design refresh and the addition of a new cigar collection, perfect for after-dinner relaxation.