Between Desert and Sea, Amanvari opens in Mexico
Amanvari has opened its doors on the shores of Baja’s East Cape, welcoming guests to experience Aman’s hallmarks of peace, privacy and intuitive service in one of Mexico’s most beguiling settings for the very first time.
Set within the exclusive Costa Palmas community on the East Cape of Baja California Sur, Amanvari occupies a remarkable meeting point between the Sea of Cortés, the desert and a tranquil estuary. Behind it rise the Sierra de la Laguna mountains; ahead, the horizon stretches seemingly without end. The landscape feels both raw and serene—a natural stage for a resort designed around stillness, seclusion and a strong connection to place.
The opening represents an important milestone in Aman’s continued expansion across the Americas. At the heart of the project is an exceptionally private resort comprising just 18 standalone Casitas, complemented by a limited collection of Aman-branded residences. Together, they introduce the complete Aman lifestyle to the East Cape, combining architecture, wellness, gastronomy and carefully curated experiences with the highly personalised service for which the brand is known.
Amanvari’s name brings together the Sanskrit words for “peace” and “water,” an appropriate reflection of its setting. The resort was designed by Elastic Architects, with an initial contribution from Heah & Co., as an architectural response to the contrasting elements of the surrounding environment. Its design traces a natural path from the arrival area towards a central lagoon and onward to the beach, gradually revealing the scale of the sea and sky.
Rather than competing with the landscape, the architecture appears to follow its rhythms. The contrast between desert and water became a defining principle of the project, with spaces composed to frame the horizon and draw attention to the shifting light, expansive skies and natural textures of Baja California Sur.
“The opening of Amanvari is a significant milestone in Aman’s continued expansion in the Americas,” said Vlad Doronin, Chairman and CEO of Aman Group. “The resort, Aman-branded residences and amenities bring the Aman lifestyle to one of Mexico’s most exceptional coastal locations for the first time.”
He added that Amanvari combines its setting with thoughtful architecture, generosity of space and Aman’s signature standard of service, establishing what the company describes as a new benchmark for hospitality on Baja’s East Cape.
Just 18 Casitas Designed for Complete Privacy
Amanvari’s 18 freestanding Casitas are positioned along the water’s edge, with some elevated above the estuary landscape and others situated closer to the shore. Their careful placement allows each accommodation to retain an individual sense of privacy while opening towards uninterrupted views.
The double-storey Casitas overlook the estuary, the Sea of Cortés and the surrounding desert. Each provides 82 square metres, or 883 square feet, of interior space, accompanied by an expansive private terrace measuring up to 200 square metres, or approximately 1,700 square feet.
The terraces effectively become private outdoor living spaces, complete with heated pools extending 10 metres in length, open-air showers and fireplaces. These elements allow guests to spend much of the day outside, whether swimming in the morning, resting in the shade during the afternoon or gathering beside the fire as the desert cools after sunset.
Inside, an earthy palette of wood and stone creates a quiet visual continuity with the surrounding landscape. Fair-faced white concrete, applied by hand by skilled artisans, introduces a sense of precision without diminishing the natural character of the materials. The result is restrained and contemporary, but firmly connected to its Mexican setting.
With only 18 Casitas, Amanvari has been conceived on a deliberately intimate scale. The limited number of guests enables the resort to deliver an exceptionally personalised experience while preserving the atmosphere of a private coastal retreat.
A Culinary Journey from Baja to Italy and Japan
Dining at Amanvari reflects both the seasonal produce of Baja California Sur and the international character of Aman’s culinary portfolio.
Located by the shore, Luma is rooted in Mexican coastal traditions, using elemental open-fire techniques to showcase local ingredients. Produce is sourced from regional farms and fisheries, with menus shaped by the changing seasons and the natural abundance of the peninsula.
The Lounge Bar and The Pool provide more relaxed settings for drinks and all-day dining, allowing guests to move easily between the water, beach and shaded terraces.
Aman’s signature Italian restaurant, Arva, brings its convivial approach to dining to the East Cape. Its dishes are centred on fresh, seasonal ingredients and designed to be shared around the table, reflecting the warmth and simplicity associated with traditional Italian family meals.
For Japanese cuisine, Sesui presents a more intimate experience. The restaurant includes a 10-seat omakase counter, where diners can follow a chef-led culinary journey, as well as a private dining room offering dishes à la carte.
An Aman Spa Inspired by Ancestral Mexican Rituals
Wellness forms an essential part of the Amanvari experience. The Aman Spa and Wellness centre introduces the brand’s holistic philosophy to the East Cape while drawing inspiration from Mexico’s ancestral healing traditions.
At its centre is a contemporary interpretation of a Temazcal, the traditional Mesoamerican sweat lodge used for purification and ceremonial healing. Amanvari’s architecturally reimagined Temazcal is the first of its kind within the Aman portfolio, providing a distinctive link between the brand’s wellness philosophy and the cultural heritage of its destination.
The spa also features two signature hydrotherapy facilities incorporating a traditional banya and hammam, extending the wellness journey across different therapeutic traditions. Six private treatment rooms accommodate personalised therapies, while outdoor relaxation areas encourage guests to remain connected to the surrounding landscape.
Additional facilities include a 24-hour fitness centre, a multifunctional movement studio, a beauty salon with a specialised head spa and an open-air yoga pavilion. Together, these spaces create a comprehensive wellness environment in which movement, recovery, mindfulness and ancestral ritual can be integrated into each stay.
Exploring the Mountains, Desert and Sea
Beyond the resort, Amanvari offers experiences designed to reveal the varied character of the East Cape. Guests can journey into the Sierra de la Laguna mountains or explore the coastal, estuary and desert landscapes on horseback.
The Sea of Cortés opens up another world of discovery. Private boat excursions provide access to the region’s marine environment, while visits to Cabo Pulmo National Marine Park offer opportunities to explore its celebrated coral reefs. Seasonal whale-watching experiences connect travellers with the remarkable marine life that migrates through the waters surrounding the peninsula.
As part of the wider Costa Palmas community, Amanvari also provides access to a 1,500-acre estate featuring 18 acres of organic farms and orchards. The destination encompasses three miles of swimmable beachfront, a golf course designed by Robert Trent Jones II, and a deep-water marina and yacht club.
For travellers seeking a more enduring relationship with the East Cape, Amanvari also introduces a limited collection of Aman-branded residences.
Designed to embrace the interplay between desert and sea, the residences combine expansive views with fluid indoor-outdoor living and a strong sense of privacy. Owners will also receive access to the personalised service, amenities and exclusive privileges associated with the Aman lifestyle.
With its opening, Amanvari becomes far more than another luxury resort on the Mexican coast. Its intimate scale, elemental architecture and extraordinary setting create a retreat shaped by the meeting of opposites: mountains and ocean, desert and estuary, privacy and exploration.
In a region increasingly recognised for sophisticated hospitality, Amanvari offers its own interpretation of Baja California—one defined by silence, open space and the calming presence of water.
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