A season of celebrations, marking the arrival of the Year of the Snake
19th December 2024 – 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.
INDONESIA
Amandari, Bali
Amid Ubud’s serene jungle and rice paddies, Amandari marks the Lunar New Year with a curated programme of family crafts, cultural discovery and exquisite dining. Daily workshops include sari and lantern making, while 29 January welcomes the exchange of angpao envelopes – a traditional ritual for blessings and prosperity. A festive feast of Babi Guling, Balinese suckling pig, follows. Prepared with a rich blend of spices, Babi Guling is a renowned local dish for special occasions and brings family and friends together to experience Bali’s culinary heritage.
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.
Aman Villas at Nusa Dua, Bali
At Aman Villas at Nusa Dua, festivities take place in the comfort and privacy of guests’ own spacious villas. Ancient Chinese calligraphy and dumpling-making with an expert chef are just some of the activities that can be arranged upon request. Also on offer is an unforgettable dining experience in the villa’s outdoor bale with a special live Babi Guling (suckling pig) station, showcasing the island’s iconic dish. The feast is accompanied by a vibrant Barongsai (Lion Dance) performance, with traditional Chinese music making for an incredible private celebration.
CHINA
Amanyangyun, Shanghai
On the forested outskirts of Shanghai, Amanyangyun offers a serene woodland sanctuary – a tranquil place to reflect. On 28 January, loved ones are invited to come together to savour Chinese delicacies with a final feast at Lazhu, before enjoying a captivating ‘Face Changing’ performance with vibrant masks and costumes. On 29 January celebrations include Lion and Dragon dancing beneath the resort’s ancient Camphor trees before the Spring Festival culminates with a spectacular firework display on 12 February.
Amanfayun, Hangzhou
In Hangzhou, amidst the whispers of bamboo and the soft chime of temple bells, Amanfayun’s curated programme of experiences honours both local and global traditions. Each day throughout the Spring Festival (28 December – 4 February), blessing ceremonies will take place at the Yongfu Temple, while the ‘A Hundred Blessings in Solemnity’ exhibition at Fayun Palace will showcase selected works – including Chinese painting, calligraphy and sculpture – by esteemed monk, Yuanxin.
Aman Summer Palace, Beijing
Elsewhere, in Beijing, Aman Summer Palace welcomes a day-long celebration to mark the arrival of the Year of the Snake with cultural showcases and culinary indulgences, reflecting the city’s rich heritage. By day, watch traditional Chinese performances such as Lion Dances and a Guqin music live show, accompanied by calligraphy demonstrations and lantern-making workshops. By night, a ceremonial lighting of lanterns ushers in hope for the coming year.
SRI LANKA
Amangalla, Galle
In the historic Galle Fort, Amangalla’s festivities are imbued with local character and charm, echoing those of a bygone era. Throughout the day on 29 January, sip special poolside cocktails before sharing a traditional Sri Lankan cultural show and an elaborate feast in the atmospheric Dining Room, accompanied by the sounds of a live local band.
Amanwella, Tangalle
Further south, on Tangalle’s peaceful shores, Amanwella’s celebrations are led by the rhythm of the tide. On 29 January, start with cocktails at the Lounge Bar accompanied by a traditional Sri Lankan cultural performance. The captivating show is followed by dinner at the Main Restaurant, serenaded by a live calypso band, before the evening culminates in a spectacular fireworks display with a live drummer, set on the resort’s golden sands.
SOUTHEAST ASIA
Amanpuri, Thailand
Amanpuri welcomes the Lunar New Year on 28 January with festive children’s activities, with children’s crafts and games including face painting, balloon pop, musical chairs and ping-pong toss. As night falls, enjoy a candlelit poolside dinner featuring Chinese delicacies, a vibrant Dragon Dance, fire show, and Guzheng music, offering blessings of prosperity and joy for the year ahead.
Amanoi, Vietnam
At Amanoi, the Lunar New Year blends family, culture, and wellness with curated experiences. On 28 January, guests enjoy a scenic trek, group painting, a Banh Chung cooking class, and a four-course Vietnamese Mam Co Tat Nien dinner with live music and stargazing. The next day begins with a Buddhist blessing for the Year of the Snake, followed by folk games, calligraphy, and a Vinh Hy Seafood Barbecue. Daily activities continue with cycling, cooking classes, fortune telling, and themed dinners, offering meaningful moments for all ages.
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.
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.
BHUTAN
Across each of Amankora’s five lodges, the Year of the Snake is welcomed with a traditional Bhutanese-themed dinner, on 29 January, showcasing traditional favourites, accompanied by daily activities such as darts and archery. A blessing or water ceremony can also be organised to wish guests a prosperous year ahead.
PHILLIPINES
For those seeking to celebrate in private island paradise, Amanpulo awaits, just an hour’s flight from the capital of Manila. On 28 January, guests are invited to come together for a market-style seafood dinner at the Beach Club, where they will handpick the day’s freshest catch and watch as the resort’s chefs prepare it to their liking. The evening culminates with lively entertainment, celebrating the arrival of the Lunar New Year.
