No matter where in the world you arrive at an Aman hotel, you will find a certain Zen-like quality in the hotel lobby. However, the latest AMAN Nai Lert in Bangkok, which opened only a year ago (making it the fourth urban Aman destination after Venice, New York and Tokyo), is the only Aman hotel named after a person.
AMAN Nai Lert draws its inspiration from the legacy of the Nai Lert family. In the late 19th century, Nai Lert was a visionary businessman who helped shape modern Bangkok, introducing ice-making, transportation and Thailand’s first department store, offering goods previously unknown in the city.
He also recognised the potential of the land on which the AMAN hotel now stands. Surrounded by rice fields and a small river at the time, he built his family home there and welcomed guests long before the neighbourhood became a hub of hotels and restaurants. This historic residence remains at the heart of the AMAN Nai Lert concept, as can be seen in the architectural details, and it is surrounded by a lush garden that is an integral part of the hotel’s design.
Restrained teak and marble flooring throughout the hotel echo the materials of Nai Lert’s original home, that you can visit during your stay. One of his favourite trees rises dramatically through the building, from the ground floor to the ninth-floor pool. Replanted after construction and preserved in a nursery during the build, the 40-metre tree is both an architectural feat and a poetic symbol.
But there is much more family history flowing into this hotel project, which was led by Naphaporn “Lek” Bodiratnangkura, forth generation descendant of of Nai Lert, who today as CEO is responsible for developing businesses across Thailand and internationally.
The stories and anecdotes of the entire family are woven into the identity of the hotel. For example, Nai Lert’s daughter loved dogs and lived with many strays that she had rescued and named after numbers. One of her favourites was No. 11, which is why dogs are allowed on the 11th floor of the hotel.
AMAN Nai Lert is a deeply inspiring place. Not only does it fulfil AMAN’s promise of being an oasis of peace in a sanctuary garden, but it is also a place of creative inspiration—through art, history and heritage.
The hotel’s art collection, curated by French curator Martin Gerlier, brings together local craftsmanship and contemporary artistry into a cohesive narrative. As an artist and storyteller, Gerlier bridges Aman’s understated philosophy, Jean-Michel Gathy’s architecture and Nai Lert’s legacy, creating a refined tribute to Thai cultural heritage.
At Hiori, AMAN Nai Lert’s Japanese restaurant, teppanyaki is approached less as spectacle than as discipline. Ingredients sourced from Japan and Thailand are treated with technical precision, resulting in amazing compositions. At Sensui, the hotel’s omakase counter, classical Japanese techniques are articulated through a contemporary lens. The chef’s progression is deliberate and measured.
It is truly a place of exceptional experiences. You could swim through the canopy of Nai Lert’s favourite tree in the swimming pool on the ninth floor or take a morning walk and meditate in the garden. Also, AMAN Nai Lert offers a dining experience that is more akin to an artistic expedition than a mere culinary journey.
Cling the glass with a signature cocktail by Michele Montauti, overlooking the skyline of Bangkok on the garden Terrace
The AMAN Nai Lert is undoubtedly an oasis in the heart of bustling Bangkok.