Amanyara

Delta is once again flying non-stop to Turks & Caicos from Detroit and we were so excited to try out Amanyara. Although the most expensive resort we have ever stayed at, it was a special celebration for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It turned out to be just that, although the worst experience instead of the best. After reading all the negative reviews on TA and Google, I had my agent send them to Dusan, the resort manager. My agent expressed that we were not going to accept anything less than 100% luxury and pampering. We were assured that would be the case. It turned out that all the negative reviews were spot on. And I am suggesting to you that if you are reading my review and planning on going, cancel your reservation ASAP and book elsewhere (I strongly recommend The Shore Club, you can read my review to see why). Unless of course, you are an influencer or spend your time on your cell 24/7 which most of the guests were. In less than 12 hours on the property, here is my short list: Villa 128, $5500 +28% Overlooks ocean, two lounge chairs. No WIFI by lounge chairs. Area not lighted at night so cannot use it No ice in room No outdoor shower in villa Not asked times for housekeeping Bikes not assigned, went to beach club and it was taken No signage for spa, gym, lobby anywhere on roads. Very confusing layout, easy to get lost and I did. No lights at night along path, must take golf carts everywhere Gym has a shower, no dryer or amenities Spa has no locker rooms There is no adult pool Main pool not lighted at sunset Beach club outdoor showers: No hot water, conditioner or towels. I was told they close at 5:00 Beach club restaurant: Wine 6x cost, average cocktail $35 plus all taxes. Small garden salad $28, average pizza $35, $71 for 7 oz. Yellowtail, no ahi available even though their fine dining restaurant features sushi. Employees not overly happy and know most of these concerns but nothing is ever done about them. Plus side: Well equipped gym Nice lounge areas Absolutely worse than all the above were the worms on the bed and floor. So gross and disgusting. And the bugs here are out of control especially if it rains. Aman sent me a survey and I gave them the same info I am giving you, my loyal TA reader. Shockingly, corporate never responded back to me and guess who did? Yes, Dusan. Here is her response which is so typical: "Dear Mr. Gaynor, We are very grateful for the time taken to review Amanyara. I am saddened to see that we did not meet your expectations on this occasion. I apologize for not having had the opportunity to meet you in person, as I was away from the property, but our management team has shared your detailed feedback with me. It is always our goal to provide our guests with an exceptional experience, and we regret that we fell short in your case. Should you wish to discuss your experience in more detail, please see my email address provided below." Kind regards, Dusan Domazetovic Resort Manager Upon arrival,

Best hotel in the Caribbean. Great rooms all glass with amazing ocean views. Butler’s amazing and super attentive and anticipate the needs of the guests. Spa massages are the best. Beautiful tennis courts and great tennis pro. One night surprised us with a beautiful private dinner on the bluff near the ocean with large bonfire, food is great and has dramatically improved over the years, I do wish they would go back to larger bathtubs so can take a couples bath. They changed them to very small ones a few years ago. Overall we love Amanyara and can’t wait to go back in February. Recommend the resort highly as the best in the Caribbean.

My friends and I had a fantastic dinner at the bar, thanks to Winnie, the Beverage Manager, who made our experience exceptional. Her outstanding customer service truly reflects her dedication to her role. She recommended pizza for the night, and even though I'm not usually a pizza fan, it was absolutely out of this world! The chef, Clovis (I hope I spelled that right), crafted something unforgettable. If you're ever in Turks and Caicos, you have to try his pizza—nothing compares. We’ll definitely be returning for another slice and to enjoy the amazing service from everyone we met that evening, including Conrad, Urie, and David at the bar. You all made us feel at home and are fantastic bartenders. See you soon!

Omg this is a must have, if you are on Providenciales and looking for the best pizza try getting a reservation at Amanya ask for your pizza to be done by Clovis, we had a pepperoni pizza it was so good we had to order a second one, we tried the margarita and it didn’t disappoint.

If the experience planning my trip is any reflection of the trip to come, I am already so impressed! I booked the wrong spa appt not once, not twice but actually three times and the Spa team was so incredibly patient and accommodating. I travel a lot and you can just tell when it’s going to be great! I am so excited for this trip of peace, restoration and healing! More to come!

Unfortunately not the review I want to be leaving, but I feel it is necessary after our visit in May 2021. Amanyara was the 4th Aman I’ve stayed at and by far the worst. To be clear, the others were impeccable! Service left much to be desired from the very beginning - we made multiple simple requests to the front desk (for hangers, a bandaid) and literally not one of them happened. Almost every single meal we had was painful in some way, from terribly slow and incompetent service to bringing out the entirely wrong meal. The waiters at the beach had to be chased down just to get water, and many of them were rude. I understand that they had staffing issues with COVID, but the poor service we received really cannot be excused given the exorbitant cost. It’s pretty clear that to get good service you have to be important in some way (an NBA player was there at the same time and the staff bent over backwards constantly for him, while neglecting everyone else.) We are really not difficult to please, but unfortunately we will not be back!!