At Aman’s serene sanctuaries across the globe, preparations are underway to celebrate the fast-approaching Year of the Snake. The sixth sign of the Chinese zodiac, embodying resilience, intelligence and charm, the snake encourages deep thinking and personal growth. From cultural experiences to family feasts and traditional Lunar New Year rituals, Aman invites guests to come together and celebrate this auspicious occasion, reflecting on the year gone by, and embracing the promise of prosperity in the year ahead.
Each destination offers its own interpretation of Lunar New Year traditions, blending local heritage with Aman’s signature elegance. Whether you’re crafting palm leaf art in Bali, savoring a vibrant seafood barbecue in Vietnam, or immersing yourself in spiritual blessings in Laos, Aman ensures every celebration is as unique as it is meaningful.
Amankila, Bali
In the serene hills of eastern Bali, Amankila blends ancient traditions and festive fine dining to mark the occasion. In the days leading up to Lunar New Year, family crafts such as lontar (palm leaf) drawing and kite making take centre stage, before Chef Gabriele presents an opulent Lunar New Year feast on 29 January. Designed for sharing, dishes range from braised whole White Snapper to famed New Year ‘Longevity Noodles’ and a decadent tang yuan dessert (glutinous rice balls filled with black sesame). The celebrations continue on 30 January with a beachfront blessing ceremony led by a Balinese Hindu priest, preceded by energising laughter yoga on the resort’s peaceful shoes.
Amanjiwo, Java
At Amanjiwo cultural discovery is at the heart of the resort experience, which reflects Indonesia’s blend of Javanese and Chinese tradition. While each morning begins with a complimentary yoga or sound healing session to ground and reset, the afternoon invites guests to the central rotunda to share Javanese tea and local refreshments. Children are entertained with jemparingan (Javanese archery), while the arrival of the Lunar New Year itself is marked with a festive dinner on 29 January, accompanied by mesmerising Javanese dance performances.
Amantaka, Laos
Inspired by the peace intrinsic to its setting in Luang Prabang, Amantaka’s Lunar New Year calendar has been thoughtfully designed to echo the warm and gracious spirit of Laos. The programme begins on 28 January with a traditional Lao Buddhist Water Blessing, where monks chant prayers for peace and renewal. As the sun sets on the Year of the Dragon, a captivating display of traditional Lao dances – including the Blessing and Frangipani Dance – bring good fortune for the year ahead. The night unfolds with a celebration of Luang Prabang’s cultural diversity and a family-style Chinese dinner under the stars, featuring exquisite dishes from land and sea.
On New Year’s Day, a live barbecue station brings guests together once again, and the chance to join the Sai Bat Alms Offering – where monks and novices gracefully receive alms and rice prepared by the Amantaka family – fosters a meaningful connection with the local community.
Amansara, Cambodia
At Amansara celebrations are imbued with the deep-rooted spirituality of surrounding Siem Reap, echoing the hotel’s royal past. Festivities begin on 28 January with a 30-minute Jasmine Blessing where a monk gently cleanses with fragrant, flower-infused water while chanting to purify body and spirit. On 29 January, cocktails are served at dusk on the Roof Terrace, followed by an enchanting dining experience beside the main pool, comprising five-course menu of exceptional Asian cuisine and featured Chinese ingredients. Later, mesmerising Apsara dancers captivate with their graceful moves, bringing blessings of prosperity as the evening draws to a memorable close.
Amanoi, Vietnam
At Amanoi, the Lunar New Year is a celebration of family, combining serene time out on golden shores, with cultural traditions, daily complimentary wellness sessions and indulgent festive dining. On 28 January, the day starts with a scenic trek to Rock Park, followed by a relaxing group painting session and immersive Banh Chung (rice cake) cooking class. Guests can then master cocktail-making before indulging in a four-course Vietnamese ‘Mam Co Tat Nien’ dinner accompanied by live music and stargazing with an expert guide.
On 29 January, the celebration begins with a Buddhist blessing to welcome the Year of the Snake, while the afternoon brings traditional folk games and a traditional calligraphy class to awaken the creative spirit. A Vinh Hy Seafood Barbecue makes for an indulgent dinner with fresh grilled lobster, steamed clams and more, served at the Beach Club.
The following day’s programme includes a cycle to Thai An Village, a Vietnamese spring roll cooking class, fortune telling, and a dinner of Japanese specialties paired with fine sake. The days ahead follow suit, with nightly themed dining experiences showcasing world cuisine, and daily crafts keeping little ones entertained.