Amanyara (‘peaceful place’) is located along the coast of Northwest Point, adjacent to Malcolm's Beach on Providenciales (or Provo as it is locally referred to). From its secluded sandy beach and unusual ironshore rocky coves, to the abundant marine life of its pristine reef walls, Amanyara borders Northwest Point Marine National Park, an acclaimed area of 4,168 acres (1,686 hectares) providing some of the world’s best wall and reef diving.
The resort derives its name from ‘aman,’ the Sanskrit word for peace, and ‘yara’ the word for place in the language of the Arawak Amerindians, one of the region’s indigenous peoples. It enjoys a pristine location well removed from much of the development on the eastern part of the island. Transfer from the international airport on Providenciales is 25 minutes along a narrow coastal road that rises to a hill and then falls away into a flat plain covered with native bush and stunted trees.
Entry to the resort is through a large reception pavilion that opens onto a grand formal reflecting pool, landscaped with mature trees and framed on one side by the Library and Boutique, and opposite, by the Restaurant and Bar. The circular Bar offers a dramatic soaring roof and sea views, fronted by the 164ft (50m) swimming pool and sun deck. The setting has many moods. It is spacious and dramatic yet intimate and contains cosy areas to retreat. Amanyara is always open to the elements – the sun and reflections from the pond, the breeze, the sounds and sights of the ocean.
All 40 timber shingled pavilions are identical in layout and design. They are sited either on the edge of tranquil ponds, with a timber sundeck extending over the edge of the water, or nestled in the vegetation along the oceanfront, elevated approximately 15-20 feet above the waterline, with pathways leading to the rock formations above the sea. A dramatic overhanging roofline creates shaded outdoor areas on the pavilion’s three terraces which are accessible through large glass doors that open to catch the cooling sea breezes.
Arrival to a pavilion is by an entrance terrace that houses two daybeds. Sliding glass doors open to reveal the room interior featuring a central king-size bed behind which sits a writing desk and chair. Beyond is a cabinet that contains a personal bar with refreshments and a safe. Positioned in the corners of the room are a reading chair with a footstool and an entertainment console housing a television with DVD player and surround sound system. This bedroom / living room also opens onto two additional terraces, the first containing twin banquettes for lounging or dining and the second featuring a sunken table with cushions and bolsters and two sunning mats on the exposed timber terrace.
The bathroom area is separated from the room by a decorative wooden screen and features an elegant free-standing bathtub with an adjacent ottoman. Twin vanities are located on either side of the bathroom as well as a shower room and separate toilet. Accessed from the bathroom is a dressing area with hanging and storage spaces.
Measuring a total of 1,250 square feet, the pavilions capture a tropical aesthetic by incorporating a simple palette of materials and colours. The floor is polished sand-coloured terrazzo, with teak inlays and sisal matting used in the bathroom.
Villas: There is an ongoing creation of villa homes located at the periphery of the property. One three- bedroom Pond Villa is already complete and a second four-bedroom villa will be finished in May, 2006. Each bedroom pavilion is identical to the pavilions within the resort, with a slightly larger bathroom and dressing area. The bedroom pavilions are centred by a swimming pool and adjacent are two pavilions dedicated for lounging and dining. Each Villa also features a kitchen and comes with private staff.
Restaurant: The Restaurant provides a choice of dining settings. The interior of the room is divided into two areas, the first open to the breeze and the second air-conditioned. The open setting steps down onto a terrace with outdoor seating scattered beneath two large trees. Both areas have sweeping views to the beach and beyond to the ocean. The second area can be closed to provide air-conditioned dining in the hotter months and also opens to an outdoor balcony that enjoys views across the central pond to the landscape and buildings of the public areas. The cuisine on offer provides a selection of Asian and Mediterranean fare with an emphasis on local seafood.
Bar: Beyond the Restaurant, and leading to the swimming pool, is the Bar. The structure is circular in design and features a soaring internal ceiling. It includes a central service bar with its unique feature being the number of oversized lounging day beds on the perimeter of the bar. Leading from the bar is a spacious terrace that provides informal dining seating and more large lounging beds. Enjoy a cool drink and light lunch during the day, and as the sun sets, enjoy cocktails featuring exotic fruit or a selection of cigars and after dinner liquors, available until late in the evening.
Beach Club: Located on a dune above the southern end of the sweeping white sand beach, the Beach Club provides an informal dining venue throughout the day. A choice in seating is available from the elevated interior, to the bar front, or the lower terrace that leads to an expansive timber deck. Beyond is a grassed courtyard with sun loungers and the Dive Centre at Amanyara. The food style is simple, with grills, sandwiches, salads, fresh fruit, juices and shakes. The Beach Club offers an intimate and informal area for beach barbeques in the evenings.
Swimming Pool: The Swimming Pool is located within an expansive terrace that provides uninterrupted views of the ocean. Measuring 164ft by 26ft (50m by 8m), there are two lounge pavilions on either end from which shallow entries to the pool also provide for water lounging. A third lounge pavilion is located beyond the pool and closer to the oceanfront. Pairs of sun loungers are positioned along the timber deck and an outdoor shower is provided.
Library: The Library, with its reading terrace overlooking the entrance reflecting pool, offers a wide selection of coffee table books along with travel guides, novels and reference books. Magazines, audio CDs, DVDs and board games are also available.
Boutique: Adjacent to the library is the Boutique that offers a variety of resort wear, jewellery, art works, souvenirs and vacation essentials.
Screening Room: The multimedia Screening Room features 30 wide leather seats and is fully equipped with a DVD player, cable TV, high speed internet and video/data projection capabilities.
Fitness Centre: The gym features a range of cardio-vascular equipment and free weights.
"Aman comes to the Caribbean with this fantasy island retreat"
