A Man, Aman

Vladislav Doronin, CEO of Aman Hotels and Resorts shares his beliefs on respect, growth, and why building a hotel empire is more than just a numbers game

- Coco Marett

“We celebrate our destinations, rather than commandeer them,” says Vladislav Doronin, CEO of Aman Hotels and Resorts. I’m speaking to Doronin by video chat, just weeks before the August opening of Aman New York, the brand’s second city property after Aman Tokyo, which the Miami-based Russian businessman promises will be “one of the best hotels in the world”.

It’s something I hear a lot as an editor who covers travel, and I’ve learnt to take it with a grain of salt. But in fairness, Aman has earned its bragging rights.

For one, 15 of Aman’s properties are built within or near Unesco heritage sites: Amangalla sits within the ramparts of the 17th-century Galle Fort in the historic port of Galle, Sri Lanka; Amanzoe in Greece is surrounded by the Unesco-protected ruins of the Peloponnese; Aman Kyoto in Kyoto, Japan is walking distance from the Kinkaku-ji Temple; and Amansara in Siem Reap, Cambodia, is nestled within the haunting and historic Angkor Archaeological Park.

Doronin believes the Aman brand plays a role as a custodian of the uniquities of each destination. Amanjiwo in Central Java, Indonesia, for example, has a resident anthropologist to offer guests in-depth insights on the customs, history and spirituality of the region.

“It’s important to connect local culture, surrounding nature and design to each hotel,” he says. “We take our cues from the environment, working with natural materials and visionary architects who know the soul of the Aman brand.”

Such architects include the late greats Ed Tuttle and Kerry Hill, and Belgian architect-designer Jean-Michel Gathy, who has become a regular Aman collaborator, working on various properties including Aman New York.