The Grandest Tour

Amantaka, Luang Prabang, Laos

On most days of the year, the golden spires of Unesco-protected Luang Prabang’s 32 wats pierce an impossibly blue sky. At its heart lies Amantaka, in the centre of the old town on a peninsula between the shady banks of the Mekong and Khan Rivers, just a short stroll from the Royal Palace and the main road’s cafes, restaurants and boutiques.

Spending three nights here, guests are invited to experience the local way of life – its ancient Buddhist rituals and fascinating colonial past. Visit the opulent temples of Wat Mai and Wat Phonphao, stroll through the colourful stalls of the Hmong Night Market or simply become accustomed to the country’s refreshingly slow pace of life.

Amansara, Siem Reap, Cambodia 

The former guesthouse of King Norodom Sihanouk, Amansara is situated in Siem Reap, just 10 minutes from the entrance to Cambodia’s Angkor Unesco World Heritage Site. The resort draws its name from two Sanskrit-derived words – aman (‘peace’) and apsara (the ‘heavenly nymphs’ of ancient Hindu mythology). A garden estate with two swimming pools, a state-of-the-art gym and a spa, the 24-suite resort has the ambience of a gracious private home. A variety of temple tours and cultural walks are available, and guests can travel to and from the temples in their own private remork with driver and guide.

Amanbagh, Alwar, India

A verdant oasis lying within a walled compound, Amanbagh was once the staging area for the Maharajah of Alwar’s hunting expeditions. Close to picturesque rural villages and historic sites such as the ruined city of Bhangarh, the resort evokes the palatial elegance of the Mughal era and provides a tranquil base from which to explore the rich heritage of Rajasthan. 
 
After experiencing the sights and sounds of Jaipur, India’s fabled pink city, leave the Hawa Mahal and Amber Fort behind as you travel into the countryside towards Amanbagh. Here discover the benefits of Ayurveda and learn the secrets of India’s legendary cuisine, practice yoga in the gardens and float over serene Mansarover Lake. Learn more about the Meena tribe who live in the shadow of Ajabgarh Fort, and experience a cow dust tour at sunset, before a meaningful fire meditation and farewell feast.

Amanruya, Bodrum, Turkey

The scalloped coastline of the Bodrum Peninsula comprises sheltered coves and quaint villages, and it’s here that millennia of Greek and Roman history are evoked in Unesco-protected ruins. Meandering pebble pathways lead to the property’s central building, where spa suites and a three-storey library overlook the infinity pool, a vision of Antalya marble. Famous for the ruins of Ephesus and the medieval castle at Bodrum, the area is as alluring to historians as it is to holiday seekers.