The List

Aman Tokyo
Aman Tokyo
Aman Tokyo

11

Aman Tokyo

Tokyo

Sky-high sanctuary of modern Japanese design

Quiet among the noise: It may sit in the heart of the sprawling megalopolis of Tokyo, but its sleek, serene and unwaveringly luxe atmosphere belies its location. The hotel became Aman's first urban outpost when it opened in 2014, smoothly spanning the top six floors of a shiny 38-storey skyscraper in the bustling Otemachi financial district. The transition from city to escapism is instantaneous upon arrival at the airy 34th floor lobby, with its cathedral-high ceiling of crafted white washi paper; abstract seasonal floral and rock displays floating on reflective waters.

What about the rooms? A refreshing departure from predictable hotel layouts, the hotel's spacious, light-filled rooms evoke the sense of a deluxe residence more than a guest room. Key to this are the high ceilings and staggered layout, flowing down towards a cinematic wall of windows in a minimalist space scattered with abstract calligraphy and art. A highlight? The deep window-side stone bathtubs, offering one of the best bath-with-a-view experiences in the capital, whethermorning or night.

Unwind in the spa: Tokyo may be famously fast-paced but it's impossible not to step down several gears in its spa, a peaceful temple to relaxation spilling across two floors, complete with unwaveringly inventive treatments rooted in Japanese healing traditions. Expect treatments ranging from traditional kampo herbs to Shinto misogi purification rituals. There are also private fitness, yoga and Pilates instructors, a sleek 30-metre swimming pool and (another scene-stealer) steam rooms and onsen-style hot-spring stone baths with hypnotising city views.

To dine and unwind: On offer is a medley of gourmet experiences – from Arva, a head-turning restaurant that celebrates the simplicity of rustic Italian cuisine using top quality Japanese ingredients – to Musashi, an intimate omakase serving sushi at an eight-seat hinoki counter. Other treats include La Pâtisserie (an atmospheric basement bakery selling a cornucopia of exquisite sweets, breads and cakes), The Lounge (for all-day dining, afternoon tea to match the decor and craft after-dark cocktails) and The Café by Aman, a lush botanical space on the ground floor.

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