Amanyara, Turks and Caicos: Paradise Found, Timing Lost
If life hinges on timing, then Amanyara was the perfect place at the worst moment. Ideally, I’d rave about its facilities, architecture, or influence on Amanzoe. Instead, I’m chasing sympathy—three nights spent mostly unconscious, waiting for antibiotics to outpace a bear on cocaine. Nevertheless, I have thoughts. Many, many thoughts.
For instance, nearing 37, I’m torn between raging at the news, gardening, or escaping to Amanyara. As an Aman fan (Amanjunkie?),? Too tacky), I knew it existed—like grandparents you love but don’t rush to see. Honestly, what could it offer that the Maldives or Seychelles couldn’t? Moreover, for Brits, it’s an 11-hour indirect flight on British Airways’ outdated business class, which, frankly, the UN might deem inhumane.
Why Amanyara?
Initially, Amanyara didn’t scream “must-visit.” Its pavilions seemed identical: a view, a pool, or a slightly bigger snug. Boring, right? However, my travel company perks scored us an epic upgrade: from a pool pavilion to a four-bedroom ocean-view villa. Naturally, I hear the skeptics: “You’re treated differently because you write about it.” Absolutely, and I’m not complaining. Life’s grand when the minibar, Evian, and snacks are free. Consequently, I’ve won at this game called life.
The Villa: A Grand Welcome
Upon arrival, they whisked us to Villa #31 in a golf buggy, greeted by a welcome committee that felt briefly royal. The setup was flawless—our stay list perfectly executed, with rooms prepped and nibbles galore. Unfortunately, the pre-ordered meal was a letdown. After BA’s sad “dinner” (afternoon tea), I was starving. Yet, the food took over two hours to arrive. Thus, it wasn’t ideal, especially since I was already unwell.
Inside Villa #31
The villa itself, however, is a dream: four 60-square-meter bedrooms, a 20-meter heated pool, a dining room, a living area, a cabana, and ocean views. Instead of tranquility ponds (aka toddler hazards), ours had grass—85% less shark-attack risk, thankfully. For clarity, two bedrooms sit near the entrance, while the living area flows to the pool, flanked by the other two bedrooms. Beyond that lies the ocean, a rocky path, and a tiny sand patch they wisely don’t call a beach.
Villa Quirks and Charm
Currently, the villas haven’t been refurbished, unlike the pavilions, and it shows—think dated bathrooms and wheezing air conditioning. Fortunately, a September/October closure will bring Toto-esque toilets (hallelujah). Meanwhile, the rooms are basic: open-plan bedroom-bathroom combos with TVs I couldn’t get working for my daughter’s 4 a.m. Frozen fix. Worse, mosquito nets felt murderous, plug sockets were scarce, and living-room blinds were missing (staff taped some up daily). Also, a cheap keyboard screamed, “No Steinway here.”
Despite these quirks, the villa’s scale is magic. The living area feels simple yet grand, ideal for groups. For example, we lounged by the pool—socializing, eating, or ignoring each other on phones. Breakfast whenever, lunches on the terrace, dinners inside—it was our haven. Thus, the villa created a perfect vibe.
The Resort: A Design Marvel
Eventually, when I felt human, Amanyara impressed. Since opening in 2006, it still looks like a property few brands would bother designing. Jean-Michel Gathy’s work shines, with hints of Amanoi and Aman New York. Likewise, Ed Tuttle’s Amanzoe influence lingers. Specifically, you get four tennis courts, pickleball, cornhole, a cinema, a games room, a boxing studio, three boutiques, a beach club, a kids’ club, a spa, a gym, a bar, and a massive pool. As expected, it never feels crowded.
Facilities Breakdown
For instance, the gym has new TechnoGym gear, a Peloton Bike+, and solid strength equipment. Similarly, the spa, with four treatment rooms, a pool, yoga, and Pilates, prioritizes design over gimmicks. Meanwhile, activities like the Amanyara Legends Program (ex-pros teaching ball-hitting) sound fun—if you’re not bedridden. Of course, the beach is pristine, though I didn’t see it. You know why.
On the downside, the kids’ club disappointed. It’s basic—a tiny pool, sandpit, and playground that’s no Disneyland. Without shade outside and with indoor crafts for older kids, our toddler wasn’t impressed. Consequently, we hired a babysitter who got dragged around instead.
Pavilions: Surprisingly Decent
Initially, I braced for pavilion letdowns, but they’re fine. Although pool pavilions lack ocean views, they’re private, surrounded by trees—great for couples, less for families. Also, if you’re not beachside, getting there’s a trek, so check the map. Only Beach Sala villas offer direct sand access. Still, as an Englishman used to half-day rain, I’d take privacy over a view any day.
Service and Food
Undoubtedly, the villa’s butler and chef were game-changers. For example, Butler Irene was a superstar—always on it, like a second mom. Conversely, the evening butler was grumpier, but Irene shone. Likewise, the chef redeemed the two-hour meal fiasco with excellent dishes. Hence, in-villa dining, tailored to us, was a highlight. Even GM Tom, from the Saxon days, checked in, aware of my plight. However, the doctor arrived an hour late and charged $550. I miss European healthcare.
The Good, The Bad, The Luxurious
The Good
Stunning beach
Endless activities
Manageable mosquitoes
The Bad
Weak kids’ club for toddlers
Most rooms are far from the beach
The Luxurious
Top-tier facilities
Stellar villa service
Delicious food
Unmatched privacy
Rating: Luxurious
Conclusion
Finally, a farewell procession waved us off like I was heading to my funeral—one person attended. Surprisingly, Amanyara blew me away. The setting, architecture, privacy, space, food, service, and facilities are brilliant. Indeed, it’s the best Caribbean property I’ve stayed at, even topping Moskito Island’s 11-bedroom excess.
Admittedly, the villa upgrade didn’t skew my view—it’s the whole package. However, the catch is the price. Pavilions start high, and villas, like our four-bedroom ocean villa at $22,000/n, are astronomical. Still, with money printers humming, surely everyone’s got $10,000/n by now?
In Summary
Amanyara’s 36 pavilions and 20 villas sprawl across an oceanfront site, just 20 minutes from Providenciales airport. Unfortunately, the airport pickup was a sweltering 10-minute wait—hardly villa-worthy. Similarly, guest services took seven days to respond, and the VIP customs service slowed us down. Pro tip: unless queues are brutal (our friends waited two hours midday), skip it.
Ultimately, Amanyara is luxury, peace, and space perfected. Time it right, and it’s paradise. Time it wrong, like me, and you’ll still leave impressed—just pack antibiotics.
