The List

5

Aman Tokyo

Tokyo

Serene cloud-brushing minimalism in the Japanese capital

What’s the story: It may sit in the heart of the sprawling megalopolis Tokyo – but its sleek, serene and unwaveringly deluxe atmosphere belies its location. The hotel became the 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 financial district Otemachi. The transition from city to escapism is instant upon arrival at the airy 33rd floor lobby, with its cathedral-high ceiling of crafted white washi paper; abstract seasonal floral and rock displays on reflective waters; and epic sweep of iconic Tokyo views.

How about the rooms? Be prepared to find it very hard to leave: a refreshing departure from predictable hotel layouts, the spacious light-flooded rooms evoke more a sense of a deluxe residence than a guest room. Key to this are the refreshingly high ceilings and the staggered layout, which flows down towards a cinematic wall of windows in the minimalist space, scattered with abstract calligraphic art. A highlight? The deep window-side stone bathtubs, offering one of the best bath-with-a-view experiences in the capital, be it morning or night.

A wellness haven: Tokyo may be famously fast-paced – but it’s impossible not to step down several gears in the The Spa, a peaceful, minimalist temple to relaxation, spilling across two floors, complete with unwaveringly high quality and inventive treatments rooted in Japan’s healing traditions, 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 hot spring onsen-style stone baths with hypnotising views across the city.

Restaurants and bars: Those who succeed at actually leaving their room can choose from a medley of gourmet experiences – from Arva, a head-turning restaurant which perfects the simplicity of rustic Italian cuisine using top quality Japanese ingredients; to Musashi, an intimate and impeccably-executed omakase sushi restaurant served at an eight-seat hinoki cypress wood counter. Other treats include La Pâtisserie (an atmospheric basement shop offering a cornucopia of exquisite sweets, breads, cakes), The Lounge (for all day dining, sleek black afternoon teas that match the décor and crafted after-dark cocktails on the 33rd floor) and The Café by Aman, a lush botanical space on the ground floor.

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