Amanyara

This secluded estate, situated on an 18,000-acre nature reserve in Providenciales, Turks & Caicos’s main island, exudes calm from the moment guests arrive and glimpse the stunning 164-foot-long infinity pool made of Indonesian black volcanic rock. Recognized for its impressive Asian minimalist design, scale and pampering service, the resort has 36 pavilions as well as 20 private villas scattered around ponds, along the beach and on black-rock ledges overlooking the sea. Each freestanding pavilion has an open floor plan with soaring ceilings and large glass doors that lead to a patio. Villas are modern and minimalist and come fully staffed. During the day, guests ride their bikes between the main pavilion, the beach, the fitness center and spa, and enjoy activities on the water (including paddleboarding, kayaking, sailing and more) as well as lunch at the Beach Club. As the day winds down, they gather for aperitifs and watch the sunset by the pool before dinner in the main restaurant. Every step of the way, you’re in the capable hands of a highly attentive and well-trained team that works hard behind the scenes to ensure the experience feels effortless.

The Standout: The infinity pool (a true showstopper) and the excellent, serene spa Don’t Miss: Snorkeling or diving on the nearby Northwest Point, an almost five-mile-long reef

• Peaceful pavilions that feel more like a private retreat than a hotel room
• The sleek infinity pool made of Indonesian volcanic rock
• Afternoon tea or sunset cocktails from one of the upholstered window seats in the soaring round bar

After a 10-minute drive through the tangled landscapes of northwest Provo’s nature preserve, down a bumpy, unpaved road, Amanyara guests walk through the soaring entrance hall and end up in a courtyard with an enormous reflecting pool. The calm water is surrounded by a collection of wooden buildings that lead the eye toward a dramatic infinity pool and on to the turquoise sea. It doesn’t look even remotely Caribbean, but it’s so breathtaking that you can’t help but feel thankful you’ve arrived—wherever you may be.

Overall, Amanyara can feel like a dream, which is, of course, part of the genius of the brand, which has made an art of the fusion of haute design (and haute prices), a laissez-faire ambience and the illusion of a totally responsibility-free vacation. There are no set meal times, no minimum ages or date restrictions for kids, no dress code and no checks to sign (whatever you order is automatically charged to your room). Guests, whether first-timers or Aman junkies, are made to feel part of the club, encouraging you to do what you want, when you want. Of course, there’s a large and excellent staff working hard behind the scenes to make the experience feel effortless.

The resort is made up of 36 so-called pavilions as well as 20 private villas, which are scattered around ponds, along the beach and on black rock ledges overlooking the sea. Each pavilion is a freestanding structure with an open floor plan, a soaring ceiling and large sliding glass doors that lead to a generously sized patio. They’re true designer pads: uncluttered (there’s not a single superfluous chair), sleek (an abundance of teak is used) and minimalist (the supremely comfortable beds sit in the middle of the room on futon-like frames set close to the floor). There’s a soaking tub in the center of the spacious bathroom, which doubles as a dressing room, and the only things separated from the rest of the room—with a sliding door—are the toilet and the shower. There are 17 pavilions that have ocean views; note that the less expensive partial-ocean view pavilions are set back a little, so while they don’t have uninterrupted vistas, you can still see the sea.

It takes willpower to leave the pavilions—I have never wanted to stay put in a hotel room the way I did here—but Amanyara has been conceived around comfort and relaxation. Every two yards, it seems, there’s another oversize daybed or cushy lounger that invites reading and daydreaming, and as soon as you sit, a member of the exceptional staff materializes to offer food and drink. My favorite spot was one of the upholstered window seats in Amanyara’s soaring round bar, which has prime sunset-watching views.

Perched on the edge of the resort, the 164-foot-long infinity pool is made of black volcanic rock from Indonesia and framed by three enormous daybeds (salas) and boasts incredible views. The gorgeous beach, however, beckons with powder soft sand and ample activities including paddle-boarding, kayaking, sailing and more. At sunset, most guests gather at the poolside bar for an aperitif.

The Amanyara spa is housed in one of the private villas and centered around a pool. It offers Thai massage, yoga and Pilates instruction as well as a full range of spa treatments. There are tennis courts and a fabulous, well-equipped gym, but most guests come here for relaxing and pampering, not to chase balls in 80-degree heat. Divers, however, will be thrilled by the proximity of Northwest Point, an almost five-mile-long reef.

Before you book, be aware that besides Parrot Cay, Amanyara is the most expensive resort in TCI. The minibar (stocked with tasty treats like herb-covered crostini, chocolates and San Pellegrino lemonade) is complimentary, as are all phone calls, but food here is pricey (think $11 for a juice, $18 for a cocktail and $35 for a bagel and lox at breakfast). If you think you’ll be eating most of your meals at the resort, consider looking into packages that include some or all meals.

Indagare Tip: Pavilion No. 115 has its own private stretch of beach.

Those seeking a private, high-touch sanctuary. Travelers who are interested in design and who enjoy a secluded, remote location where days are all about lounging, reading and spending quality time with your spouse or partner. The resort does work for families, too, but the vibe is a bit hushed.