Aman at Sea: In the rarefied world of ultra-luxury hospitality, few names command the reverence of Aman. For over three decades, this brand has defined sanctuary on land, crafting remote resorts that embody privacy, profound peace, and a deep connection to place. In 2027, this legendary philosophy sets sail. Aman at Sea, with its inaugural vessel Amangati (Sanskrit for “peaceful motion”), is not merely launching a yacht; it is creating a whole new category of maritime travel. This venture represents the strategic evolution of a brand synonymous with understated elegance, now poised to bring its “enduring philosophy of peace, privacy, and intuitive service to the open ocean”.
Amangati emerges at a pivotal moment, as luxury hotel giants like Ritz-Carlton and Four Seasons also navigate these waters. Yet, Aman’s approach is distinct. It is not a cruise ship. It is a 183-meter (600-foot) floating sanctuary, a residential-style motor yacht designed to host a maximum of 94 guests across just 47 suites. With a staggering space ratio that redefines intimacy at sea and a 2:1 crew-to-guest ratio, it promises an experience that mirrors the tranquility of its land-based counterparts while unlocking the freedom of the world’s seas. This is the story of a landmark vessel, a testament to maritime engineering and bespoke design, and a glimpse into the future of discretionary travel where the journey itself becomes the most exclusive destination.
The Genesis of Aman at Sea: From Land to Ocean
A Brand Built on Sanctuary
The Aman story began in 1988 with the opening of Amanpuri in Phuket, Thailand, a resort that established a new paradigm. Aman’s core tenets—privacy, peace, generous space, and unparalleled service—were not just amenities but a holistic philosophy. Each property, from the desert cliffs of Amangiri to the jungles of Amanera, is conceived as a seamless extension of its environment, a place for guests to feel a sense of belonging and profound calm. This “Amanjunkie” cult following isn’t built on opulent gilt but on a curated, discreet experience that feels both expansive and intensely personal.
The natural progression to sea was not a question of if, but when and how. Aman had already dipped its prow into aquatic exploration with Amandira, a traditional two-masted Phinisi sailing vessel offering bespoke journeys for ten guests in Indonesia’s Flores Sea. This proved the brand could translate its ethos onto the water. However, Amangati represents a quantum leap—a permanent, purpose-built ocean-going vessel that brings the full breadth of the Aman resort experience to global itineraries.
A Visionary Partnership: Aman and Cruise Saudi
The realization of Aman at Sea is powered by a significant joint venture with Cruise Saudi, an entity launched in 2021 to develop the cruise industry in the Kingdom. This partnership, operating under Neptune Co., marries Aman’s unrivalled hospitality expertise with ambitious maritime development capabilities. While the yacht’s inaugural seasons will focus on the Mediterranean, the alliance signals a long-term vision for luxury exploration, potentially opening new frontiers in regional and global cruising.
The project’s physical heart is the T. Mariotti shipyard in Genoa, Italy, a prestigious name known for building ultra-luxury and expedition vessels. Marco Ghiglione, Managing Director of T. Mariotti, hailed the project as “unprecedented” and one that will “bring luxury on the sea to new heights, never explored before”. The steel-cutting ceremony, a major milestone, was celebrated by Aman’s Chairman and CEO Vlad Doronin as the “first tangible mark” of a vision to provide “exceptional travel experiences which deliver Aman’s core values”.
The Vessel: Amangati – A Floating Architectural Marvel
Design Philosophy: Where Ryokan Meets the Horizon
Amangati is the physical manifestation of “peaceful motion.” Its design, entrusted to the renowned Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design, avoids the theatricality of traditional cruise liners. Instead, the inspiration is drawn from the serene elegance of a Japanese ryokan—a place of quiet harmony, natural materials, and a deep respect for space and light. The intent is to create a vessel that feels like a private, moving residence.
Spanning nine decks, the yacht’s exterior lines are sleek and graceful. The interior will be a masterclass in restrained luxury, characterized by timber-toned finishes, ash wood floors, linen-covered walls, and ceilings soaring to 2.5 meters (8.2 feet). Floor-to-ceiling windows are not merely architectural features but deliberate portals, framing the ever-changing seascape as a living artwork within every suite and social area. The design ensures a seamless flow between indoor and outdoor spaces, with private terraces and open decks encouraging constant engagement with the ocean and sky.
Engineering for Serenity and Sustainability
True to Aman’s forward-looking ethos, Amangati is engineered not just for luxury, but for responsible performance. It will be T. Mariotti’s first dual-fuel powered vessel, capable of running on both marine diesel oil and methanol. The use of methanol can cut carbon dioxide emissions by up to 95% compared to conventional marine fuels, setting a new environmental standard for luxury yachting.
Furthermore, the yacht will incorporate a hybrid propulsion system with battery power. This technology serves a dual purpose: it significantly reduces emissions and improves efficiency, but it also enables quieter sailing and stationary periods. This means silent, vibration-free nights at anchor in a secluded cove and minimized environmental disturbance in pristine marine areas, ensuring that the vessel’s presence is as discreet as the service onboard.
Life Onboard: The Anatomy of an Aman Voyage
Unprecedented Accommodations: The Suite Life Reimagined
At the core of the Amangati experience is its revolutionary approach to accommodation. With only 47 suites for a maximum of 94 guests, the space-per-guest ratio is unparalleled. Every suite is a sanctuary with a private balcony, but they are categorized to offer varying degrees of expanse and exclusivity.
| Suite Category | Key Features (Based on Pre-Launch Information) |
|---|---|
| Aman Suite | The pinnacle accommodation; features a private lift, in-suite spa & sauna, large living/dining area, expansive terrace with whirlpool. |
| Grand & Signature Suites | Extremely spacious layouts with panoramic vistas, generous living areas, and large terraces. |
| Premier & Deluxe Suites | Maintain the same high design standards and private balconies in more intimate, though still generously proportioned, layouts. |
Service within these suites is intuitive and comprehensive. Each is assigned a dedicated Suite Host, available on-demand to orchestrate every detail. The experience begins with unpacking service and includes twice-daily housekeeping, daily laundry and pressing, and in-suite breakfast as part of the fare. The design ensures that even the most social guest can enjoy a completely private, residential-style voyage.
Culinary Journeys: Four Restaurants, Infinite Horizons
Dining on Amangati is a curated journey across four distinct venues, reflecting Aman’s global culinary perspective and emphasis on seasonality. Importantly, all-day dining at the Mediterranean-inspired Alira is included in the voyage fare, alongside light bites available throughout the yacht and a gelato bar.
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Hiori: A refined teppanyaki restaurant celebrating the theatrical artistry of Japanese grill cuisine.
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Akari: Dedicated to washoku (traditional Japanese cuisine), offering an omakase tasting menu and sake bar experience.
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Aman Grill: Honors the elemental art of open-flame cooking, showcasing prime meats, whole fish, and seasonal vegetables.
For ultimate privacy, in-suite dining and a dedicated Private Dining Room are available. While specialty restaurant dining and most alcoholic beverages (beyond beer) are expected to be additional, the focus is on quality, choice, and the ability to tailor each meal to the guest’s mood and setting.
The Aman Spa & Wellness: A Sanctuary Within a Sanctuary
Wellness is not an add-on but the beating heart of the Amangati experience. The 1,190-square-meter Aman Spa is a two-deck haven of holistic well-being, crowned by a Japanese serenity garden. It houses eight ocean-facing treatment suites with private terraces and whirlpools, a hammam, a banya (Russian steam room), and dedicated spaces for yoga and meditation.
A dedicated Beauty Lounge offers grooming treatments, while the fitness studio is equipped for personalized training. The programming extends beyond the spa walls with daily wellness rituals, movement classes, and enrichment lectures designed to harmonize body and mind with the rhythmic cadence of the sea.
Social Spaces and Aquatic Access
Social life onboard flows effortlessly. The centerpiece is a 16-meter (52-foot) heated infinity pool, surrounded by loungers and cabanas. For evening ambiance, The Jazz Club provides an intimate venue for live music and cocktails. Other spaces include a cinema, a Youth Lounge for younger guests, and various lounges designed for quiet conversation or shared sunset views.
The revolutionary Selora Marina and Lounge at the yacht’s stern blurs the line between vessel and ocean. This transformative space creates a “beach club” atmosphere, offering direct, swim-level access to the water. From here, guests can effortlessly embark on paddleboarding, snorkeling, or take a tender to shore. For broader exploration or dramatic arrivals, the yacht is equipped with two helipads.
The Voyages: Curated Itineraries for Discerning Explorers
Inaugural Season: The Mediterranean Unveiled
Amangati will debut in Spring 2027, offering five- to eight-night voyages that redefine Mediterranean exploration. These are not itineraries bound by rigid port schedules. Aman leverages the yacht’s agility and shallow draft to access intimate harbors and secluded anchorages that larger ships cannot reach.
The maiden season is crafted for cultural immersion, featuring:
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Late departures and overnight stays in iconic ports like Saint-Tropez, Portofino, and Dubrovnik, allowing guests to experience the nightlife and magic of these destinations after day-trippers have left.
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Event-based voyages coinciding with the Cannes Film Festival and the Monaco Grand Prix, offering privileged access and curated experiences.
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Unique maritime moments, such as a special sunset passage through Venice’s Grand Canal, providing a breathtaking and rare perspective of the city.
Aman’s shore excursions, designed by its expert journey planners, will focus on privileged access, cultural depth, and authenticity, far removed from standard tourist trails.
The Aman Charter Experience: Ultimate Privacy
Beyond individual suite bookings, Amangati is designed for full-yacht private charter. This offers the ultimate expression of the Aman philosophy: complete privacy, total customization, and the exclusive use of a 183-meter floating estate. It presents an unparalleled option for multigenerational family gatherings, milestone celebrations, or corporate retreats seeking an extraordinary setting. Charter clients can work with Aman’s team to tailor not only the itinerary but every detail of the onboard experience, from bespoke menus to curated onboard activities and exclusive shore events.
The Value Proposition: Understanding the Aman at Sea Fare
With entry-level suites starting at approximately $38,500 for a five-night journey (roughly $7,700 per night), the pricing places Aman at Sea at the very apex of the luxury travel market. It is critical to understand what this inclusive-exclusive model entails.
What’s Included in the Voyage Fare:
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Luxury suite accommodation with private terrace.
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In-suite breakfast, all-day dining at Alira, light bites, and gelato bar.
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Soft drinks, specialty coffees, and beer.
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On-demand Suite Host service, unpacking/packing, daily laundry/pressing.
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Full access to the Aman Spa (treatments additional), fitness studio, pools, and marina platform with non-motorized water sports.
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Onboard entertainment, enrichment programs, cinema, Youth Lounge.
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Starlink Wi-Fi and all onboard gratuities.
Typically Not Included:
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Dining at specialty restaurants (Hiori, Akari, Aman Grill).
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Most alcoholic beverages (wine, spirits, cocktails).
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Premium shore excursions and helicopter transfers.
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Spa and beauty treatments.
This model offers a highly personalized, à la carte experience. Guests pay a substantial base fare for unmatched space, service, and design, then have the freedom to curate their additional culinary and excursion spending precisely to their tastes.
The Competitive Seascape: How Aman at Sea Redefines the Category
Aman at Sea enters a market energized by hotel brands but stands apart through a relentless focus on its core identity.
| Feature | Aman at Sea (Amangati) | Four Seasons Yachts | Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection |
|---|---|---|---|
| Guest Capacity | 94 guests (max) | 190 guests (approx.) | 298 guests (on Evrima) |
| Suites | 47 suites | 95 suites | 149 suites |
| Space/Guest Ratio | One of the highest at sea | Very High | High |
| Design Vibe | Serene, ryokan-inspired, residential sanctuary | Modern, residential elegance | Contemporary, club-like luxury |
| Pricing Approach | Inclusive core experience + premium à la carte | Highly à la carte (many dining/drinks extra) | Largely all-inclusive |
Aman’s differentiator is not just price, but the intensity of its promise: greater privacy, more radical space, and a design language exclusively dedicated to calm. It competes less with other cruise lines and more with the concept of chartering a private superyacht or booking a series of ultra-exclusive land resorts. Its challenge—and its opportunity—is to convince the world’s most discerning travelers that the curated, moving sanctuary of Amangati offers a unique and compelling form of freedom.
Conclusion: The Future of Discretionary Travel is on the Horizon
Aman at Sea is more than a new product launch; it is a bold statement about the evolution of luxury. In a world where true privacy and undisturbed space are becoming the ultimate commodities, Amangati offers a vessel specifically engineered to deliver them. It translates the soul of Aman—that profound sense of place, peace, and personalized care—into a dynamic journey across the world’s most beautiful seascapes.
While questions about the long-term market for such apex experiences remain, Aman has never followed trends; it has set them. By partnering with Cruise Saudi and the master craftsmen at T. Mariotti, the brand is investing in a future where luxury travel is defined by sustainability, serenity, and profound connection. As the 2027 launch approaches, Amangati stands as a symbol of a new “peaceful motion,” inviting a select few to explore the oceans not as passengers, but as residents of a floating sanctuary where every horizon promises a new beginning.
FAQ: Aman at Sea – Your Questions Answered
When will Aman at Sea launch and how can I book?
Amangati is scheduled to set sail in Spring 2027. Bookings for its inaugural Mediterranean season are now open through the official Aman at Sea website or via authorized luxury travel advisors, who can often provide additional benefits and personalized service.
What is the difference between booking a suite and chartering the yacht?
Booking a suite means reserving one of the 47 accommodations for an individual voyage on a published itinerary. Private charter secures the entire yacht exclusively for your party, allowing for complete customization of the itinerary, schedule, dining, and activities, offering the ultimate in privacy and personalization.
Is Aman at Sea family-friendly?
Yes. While the ambiance is serene and adult-focused, the yacht features a dedicated Youth Lounge for younger guests, and the spacious suites are well-suited for families. Certain itineraries and the flexibility of a private charter would be ideal for multigenerational travel.
How does Aman at Sea address sustainability?
The yacht is a pioneer in green technology for its class. Its dual-fuel engines (marine diesel/methanol) can reduce CO2 emissions by up to 95%. A hybrid battery system reduces fuel consumption, allows for silent operation at anchor, and minimizes ecological disturbance.
What happens after the Mediterranean season?
While the inaugural 2027 season focuses on the Mediterranean, Aman has stated the vessel will sail the “world’s seas and oceans”. It is widely anticipated that Amangati will reposition to the Caribbean for the winter season, with future voyages potentially exploring other global regions.
References and Further Reading
To deepen your understanding of ultra-luxury maritime travel and Aman’s unique approach, consider exploring these resources:
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Boat International – For expert analysis on superyacht design, construction, and the latest launches in the global fleet.
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Virtuoso Travel – A network of luxury travel advisors offering insights on booking high-end experiential voyages and the benefits of advisor expertise.
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The Luxury Travel Expert Blog – For detailed, firsthand reviews and commentary on the world’s most exclusive hotels, resorts, and cruise experiences.
