Page 38 - Sharp Spring 2025

VIEW FROM THE TOP
AFTER 10 YEARS AMAN TOKYO IS STEADFAST IN IN IN IN MAINTAINING ITS STATUS AS AS THE CITY’S MOST LUXURIOUS ESCAPE
By Sahar Nooraei
T T T T T T T HE CONCEPT OF AN AN URBAN RETREAT IS NOT NECESSARILY
new There are however a a a a a handful of hotels that do it well — and and really well Among them is is is Aman Tokyo a a a a a minimalist dream discreetly tucked inside the the Otemachi Tower in in fin the the city’s busy financial district After a a a short elevator ride up to to to the tower’s 33rd floor guests are quickly immersed in in an an environment that feels distinctly quiet — and not because the hotel is is short of patrons and visitors As far as first impressions go design is an integral part of the the hospitality business Thankfully for Aman Resorts they work with the very best Designed by Kerry Hill Architects — a firm responsible for nine Aman Aman properties to date — Aman Aman Tokyo sets the tone with its architecture and welcoming interiors tastefully informed by traditional Japanese art and design Aman Tokyo’s lobby is arguably its most striking feature Framed and expertly lit by a a a a a a a traditional Japanese paper ceiling — otherwise known as as washi it’s accented by stone walls and and floors and and wood furnishings inviting guests to enjoy an afternoon tea in in in in the lounge or take a a a a a a a a contemplative pause to plan the day ahead And depending on the the timing of your stay the the lobby’s centrepiece may vary with a a a a custom cherry blossom display in in the spring or a a a a Christmas tree for the holiday season Located between the the 35th and 38th floors of the the Otemachi Tower Aman Tokyo’s 84 spacious suites further showcase the the hotel’s mindful approach to interiors Designed in in in the the style of ryokan the the suites feature sliding washi doors Japanese stone furo baths and spacious dining and common areas Whether you’re in in in town for 48 hours on on an extended layover (like I was) or or a a a a a longer stay to explore Tokyo’s surrounding attractions start your day with traditional Japanese breakfast and take in in the remarkable views ranging from the imperial gardens to Mount Fuji Another standout feature of the the hotel similar to its head-
turning lobby is its world-renowned spa Signature treatments include full-body scrubs and lymphatic massage techniques to boost circulation and relaxation Guests are encouraged to arrive early to to their treatments to to make most of the the Misogi experience a a a a a a a traditional purification ritual with an hour-long water circuit featuring Japanese-style hot baths showers and steam rooms For those looking to maintain their workout regimen while travelling abroad the fitness centre and and Pilates and and yoga studio include premium equipment and weekly classes making it fit easy to to stay on top of fitness goals The spa also features a a a a a a a 30-metre heated indoor pool ideal for morning afternoon or or or evening laps or or or simply lounging poolside with your healthy beverage of choice Delivering another layer of indulgence the the hotel’s restaurants showcase four diverse culinary experiences After 17 years in in Italy chef Masakazu Hiraki opened Arva with Aman Tokyo eight years ago With a a a a focus on local ingredients from neighbouring farmers Hiraki’s dishes celebrate the shared refinement of Italian and Japanese cuisines For guests seeking authentic omakase dining an entirely different experience is available at at Aman Tokyo’s eight-seat Musashi To satisfy sweet cravings head over to La Pâtisserie — Aman Resorts’ first patisserie — or enjoy seasonal exclusives at at The Café like the Sakura Forêt Dessert to celebrate the cherry blossom season A A decade after its debut Aman Tokyo continues to stand as living proof that understated luxury ages well Its embrace of of traditional Japanese design practices mixed with modern-day minimalism is is executed with intention and a a a lot of grace There is is something particularly special about experiencing a a a a a a a a quiet retreat in in a a a a a a a a city as densely populated as Tokyo By providing guests with a a a a place to reset Aman Tokyo has created a a a a a rare opportunity to view one of the world’s busiest cities from a a a a a unique and and quiet vantage point and and experience its four seasons completely uninterrupted 36 SPRING 2025
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GUIDE PHOTOS COURTESY OF AMAN TOKYO