Discover Aman Nai Lert Bangkok, a true urban sanctuary nestled in the tranquil surroundings of lush Nai Lert Park – itself an oasis rich in historical architecture as well as exotic greenery
Five-star hotels, especially those located in Asian metropolises, love to market themselves as
'urban oases' . While for the most part that description tends to be accurate, as soon as you step out of those so-called sanctuaries you're faced with the chaos of the outside world, which can be overwhelming and exhilarating in equal measure – even more so in a city like Bangkok.
At Aman Nai Lert Bangkok, however, the definition of 'urban sanctuary' extends to its unparalleled location. The hotel, which opened earlier this month, is situated in the middle of Nai Lert Park, a lovely garden in the heart of the city. Nature surrounds the entire property: you're more likely to be woken up by birdsong than the honking of motorbikes and the construction noises that are usually typical of central Bangkok.
Aman Nai Lert Bangkok is located in Nai Lert Park, a green oasis in the heart of the city. Photo: Handout
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As its name suggests, the hotel is closely linked to its location and the illustrious Thai family the park is named after (they're also Aman's partners on the project). Remembered as the 'beloved billionaire', Nai Lert was one of Thailand's pioneering developers, known for his success in business and for preserving Bangkok's environment. The centrepiece of the park is the 110-year-old Nai Lert Park Heritage Home, which was the family's residence until it became a museum in 2012. This hidden gem and the lush park around it are an integral part of Aman Nai Lert – you can discover them on a morning or sunset walk, or admire them from the floor-to-ceiling windows of your suite with the city's skyscrapers gleaming in the distance.
This deep connection to its specific location and the family history behind it makes this
Aman stand out from its peers around the world. It's a beautiful bond of respect and tradition that you can feel everywhere in the hotel – from the way the wonderful team talks about the late Nai Lert to the little touches that pay homage to his remarkable legacy.
The ninth-floor swimming pool is shaded by a tree rising all the way up from the ground floor. Photo: Handout
The all-suite hotel is home to a branch of the exclusive Aman Lounge – open only to staying guests and
Aman Club members – the 1,500 square-metre Aman Spa & Wellness centre, branded residences, and a branch of Hertitude – a medical clinic offering cryotherapy, IV drips, aesthetic treatments and more. If you only have time for one pampering session, you should go for the Lert Siam Massage, which involves a fair amount of stretching. It's not necessarily relaxing but really works to loosen tight and sore muscles.
The design of the property is a respectful homage to the land where it stands. Greenery is everywhere you look – from the imposing 'rain tree' rising all the way from the ground floor to the swimming pool on the ninth level, to a stunning sculpture in the ninth-floor lobby, inspired by that same century-old rain tree. Adorned with more than 6,000 gold leaves, it sits on a black pond, wowing visitors as soon as they step out of the lifts.
The ninth-floor lobby features a sculpture, adorned with more than 6,000 gold leaves, inspired by the hotel's century-old rain tree. Photo: Handout
Denniston Architects, the firm behind the building, has created a warm and welcoming ambience that stays true to Aman's signature minimalist design while also celebrating Thailand's rich artistic heritage, with some nods to Japanese architecture. Bamboo-shaped door handles, lighting fixtures fashioned like tree branches and wall coverings echoing tree bark are some of the key elements of the nature-inspired decor.
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