A world of one’s own

Take over one of the most coveted addresses on the Grand Canal – the 16th-century Palazzo Papadopoli. Now the home of Aman Venice, the distinguished waterfront property is available for exclusive use – ideal for small groups or families looking for their own private corner of La Serenissima in which to celebrate in opulence and comfort. Stay three nights or more, and enjoy privileged access to the hotel’s historic suites, secluded canalised gardens, restaurant and Aman spa.

From Aman Venice, guests have all the treasures of the lagoon at their disposal. The palazzo team can arrange exclusive cultural visits and excursions, ranging from guided gallery visits and personalised boat trips along the canals to boxes at the opera and market tours with the chef.

On this most dramatic of island coastlines, the 20 three- to six-bedroom Villas of Amanyara are spread along the beachfront, looking out at the vivid turquoise waters of North West Point Marine National Park, or the lush greenery of the gardens and forest. This is a resort inspired by water – both the ever-visible Atlantic, and the reflecting ponds and black infinity pools that define the Villas’ extensive grounds.

Solo or group, adult couple or multi-generational family, travellers of every stripe find eye-opening experiences at Amanyara. Master new sports – from kitesurfing to deep-sea fishing – with the help of specially trained instructors, or while away the days self-soothing in the spa or on the sand, while children are enriched and entertained with a packed daily programme of age-targeted activities at the Nature Discovery Centre.

Secluded between the pristine jungle of Núi Chúa National Park and the crystal waters of Vinh Hy Bay, Amanoi’s Residences stand at the threshold of two worlds: the serene emerald wilderness of the hills and the deep blue mystery of the bay. With up to five bedrooms, each is arranged around a large infinity pool with an extensive sea-view wooden deck, offering families and groups of friends unparalleled spaciousness and privacy in a genuinely spellbinding natural setting.

Villa guests have all the opportunities of land and sea at their disposal, from coastal treks and bike rides to snorkelling expeditions and watersports such as kayaking, sailing and SUP. Amanoi maintains a busy daily programme of children’s activities, too, so younger guests can expect to spend their days learning to fish or cook, throwing themselves into crafts or games, or settling down for a popcorn-accompanied movie night.

A short drive from Bali’s Denpasar airport, Nusa Dua is the gateway to Indonesia – both a starting point for island adventures and a rewarding destination in its own right. The all-villa retreat is ensconced in palm-shaded gardens, separated from the shore by lush, rolling fairways. Inspired by traditional Balinese village architecture, with stone walls and alang-alang thatched roofs, each of the three- to six-bedroom villas is set around a private pool terrace, with individual libraries and open-air dining areas for up to 10 people.

The Aman Villas at Nusa Dua offer a peaceful base for every type of traveller. For some guests, they provide an opportunity to rest and refresh before venturing deeper into Bali. For others, they are the launching point into the vibrant beachside hubs of Sanur, Jimbaran, Kuta, Legian and Seminyak. Bali adores children, and families are welcomed to Nusa Dua’s Villas with gusto, whether they seek temple visits, diving and watersports, and or simply a few days to wind down together on a perfect beach.

Under an hour from downtown Shanghai, Amanyangyun restores to life a collection of Ming and Qing dynasty villas in a rescued forest of camphor trees. Ideal for groups, the four- and five-bedroom Antique Villas are carefully restored pieces of Chinese history set beside a tranquil lake. Each of the villas combines contemporary comforts with a restful, nature-inspired aesthetic, and every suite has a private courtyard from which to admire the forest in peaceful seclusion.

Dedicated to Chinese art forms and the pursuit of knowledge, the Nan Shufang cultural centre is a modern-day recreation of the scholars’ studios of 17th-century China’s literati. Here at the heart of the resort, groups have a private space to learn traditional crafts such as calligraphy, music or painting. With a focus on discovery through the arts, Amanyangyun also houses the dramatic subterranean art space of Chinese-American fashion designer Han Feng and her private collection of Chinese contemporary art.