Punta Mita Plus... - Imanta Resorts

Punta Mita 

Imanta • Palmasola • St. Regis • Four Seasons 

Plus... 

Aman New Delhi 

Jackson Hole 

Amangani • Rusty Parrot Lodge • Four Seasons 

Year 02 • Issue 08 

October 2010

Introduction 

Punta Mita didn’t exist as a destination 

15 years ago, but the location, just 

45 minutes from Puerto Vallarta 

on Mexico’s Riviera Nayarit, made it the 

perfect place for a few “snowbirds” to set 

up camp and decide that this was going to 

be “the place” to be. 

With Four Seasons as the anchor, the 1500- 

acre development has come a long way 

since then and, with more choices than 

ever, we decided to visit and find out if Four 

Seasons still has the edge or if the new St. 

Regis is now the place to stay. We also 

stayed at Imanta, a new boutique property 

that could become one of the best hotels 

in the world, and reviewed Palmasola, a 

unique private villa that provides all the 

comforts of home with five star service 

and precision. 

Jackson Hole Mountain Resort in Wyoming 

offers one of the most challenging ski 

experiences in the United States. The area 

is also home to the gate of Grand Teton 

and Yellowstone National Parks. We paid 

a visit to the area’s main luxury properties, 

including Four Seasons at the base of the 

slopes; Amangani set out a ways on the 

butte; and the old Rusty Parrot in the heart 

of Jackson. While we weren’t particularly 

surprised with who shined and who didn’t, 

we definitely returned home with a few 

stories to share! 

Lastly, we checked into Aman New Delhi, 

the first city hotel from Amanresorts. 

And while the property may be the best 

contender in town, we left with a feeling 

that it might not fit perfectly within the 

brand. 

Look for us next month when we will be 

bringing you a full exploration of the 

most important hotels in London; an 

exciting new private yacht charter on the 

Mediterranean; and Four Seasons Istanbul 

at Bosphorus. 

—Gordon 

Table of Contents 

PUNTA MITA 

Imanta.............................................................. 3 

Palmasola....................................................... 5 

St. Regis.......................................................... 7 

Four Seasons................................................ 9 

JACKSON HOLE 

Amangani....................................................... 11 

Rusty Parrot Lodge.................................... 13 

Four Seasons................................................ 15 

Aman New Delhi.............................................. 17 

The Back Page................................................. 

About Us 

Our travel intelligence journal is published 10 times 

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PUBLISHER........................ Gordon MacGeachy 

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Cover: Palmasola. This page: Amangani. 

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Intel, LLC. All rights reserved. © 2010 Strategic Media Intel, LLC. 

19

Imanta 

A diamond in the sand 

When our good friend JoAnn told us about 

Imanta and suggested that we visit and 

review the property, we weren’t skeptical 

as she knows her hotels and service, but we did 

think twice based on the fact that she tends to like 

hotels that are a little off the wall and in the middle 

of “nowhere.” Ask us about our daytrip on a boat 

in the Indian Ocean if we ever meet! Anyway, we 

decided to give Imanta a try and are we glad that 

we did! 

We arrived at Puerto Vallarta International Airport 

on a Saturday and waited over an hour to get 

through immigration. There is nothing to do except 

be patient or arrive on a different day. Apparently, 

Saturday is “Timeshare Turnover Day.” Based on 

what we saw at the airport and the “Timeshare 

Sellers” who pounced on us when we exited, we 

were very glad to meet Alex Mendola, who quickly 

gave us cold towels and water and settled us in for 

the 45-minute drive to Punta Mita. Thankfully, it’s a 

world away from Puerto Vallarta in more ways than 

one! 

Getting out of the SUV on arrival, we were 

immediately struck by the unexpected beauty and 

apparent remoteness of the resort. We really felt 

that we were in the middle of nowhere. We weren’t, 

but we love the Robinson Crusoe aspect of the 

experience. 

There are only seven accommodations on the estate. 

Five are 2500-square-foot one-bedroom suites 

with private pools and complete privacy. Two are 

freestanding villas, each with two master bedrooms 

and a third bedroom for the nanny or staff. With 

full kitchens, a bar, living and dining rooms, private 

pool, Jacuzzi, outdoor dining, terraces, and decks 

these are the best on property. Of the two, we 

prefer “Jaguar” for its spaciousness, spectacular 

views, and lap pool. All are decorated in a luxurious 

contemporary Mexican style and beds, linens, and 

amenities are all of the very best quality. 

Chef Migel Munoz, came to Imanta from the Four 

Seasons so you have nothing to worry about 

regarding food quality. It’s all fresh, local, pure, and 

sustainable. Tupika is the resort’s signature restaurant 

and eating breakfast or dinner here is relaxing and 

offers great views of both the jungle and ocean. 

“Catch of the Day” is located on the beach and is a 

great place to hang out during the day for lunch and 

cocktails. Observatorio is the place to be for evening 

cocktails and to enjoy the sunset. Our favorite meal, 

Punta Mita October 2010 ARareWorld. 3

Do’s and Don’ts 

Do come here for complete relaxation, a 

honeymoon, or to buy the place out for a family 

gathering or executive retreat. With only 7 suites of 

varying sizes, the property is perfect when privacy, 

peace, and quiet are at the top of your list. 

Do take the opportunity to meet and take a hike 

through the tropical rain forest with Petr Myska, 

the local nature specialist who literally wrote the 

book on the area. As he mentions in the preface, 

“it’s small enough to fit in your pocket and also 

useful for swatting mosquitoes while you are 

reconnecting with nature!” 

Do take note of the quality of construction 

here. In addition to local stone, the architects 

and landscapers also used organic materials for 

construction and decoration. Energy-saving and 

resource-wise systems are used to recycle water 

for the gardens and the “green” roofs on the 

buildings help maintain temperatures and make 

the property less visible from above. 

however, was the one Chef prepared in our 

villa and we suggest that you make use of this 

service for any meal. They were all prepared 

and served in style and we didn’t have to go 

anywhere, before or afterwards. 

There is a great fitness center, spa therapists 

are available wherever you want them, and the 

2-mile private beach offers complete seclusion 

and adds to that desert island feeling. If you are 

into being active, there are 6 professional golf 

courses within a 45-minute drive and if not, just 

sit back, relax, and enjoy being in the moment. 

In conclusion, Imanta has everything it needs to 

succeed. It has owners who care and have the 

resources to follow through on the promise. It 

has management and staff who are dedicated 

to the vision. And it has a location that cannot 

be beat. We look forward to following Imanta’s 

success and hope to hear positive feedback 

from anyone who decides to visit 

Imanta 

Punta Mita, Mexico 

General Manager: Jose Carlos Navarrete 

imantaresorts.com 

Don’t be concerned when arriving and you are 

driven off the main road and through what looks 

like a run down village. No, you are not being 

kidnapped, and the village is called Higuera Blanca. 

The entrance to the 250-acre estate is here, and 

most of the villagers work on property. For their 

part, the owners of Imanta are building a school and 

medical facility in the village. This is an important 

way not only to support the local community, but 

also to retain quality staff on property who take 

pride of ownership in whatever they do. 

Don’t miss a morning yoga class with Mika at the top 

of the Observatory. She is an excellent teacher and 

even if your have never tried yoga before, you will 

leave feeling better about yourself and the world 

we all live in. Amazing how your surroundings can 

change your whole outlook on life and people. It’s 

just a shame we all have to come back to reality! 

Don’t come here if you are older, less mobile, or 

just hate steps. They are everywhere and while 

you can call on a golf cart at a moment’s notice, 

you may not get full benefit of the resort if you are 

unable or unwilling to walk. 

4 ARareWorld. October 2010 Punta Mita

Palmasola 

Perfection. Is it possible? 

Taking a private villa can either be one of the 

most enjoyable vacation experiences you will 

ever have or it could be a living nightmare from 

the moment you wire the funds until the moment 

you, hopefully, get your money back after having 

threatened legal action. We speak from personal 

experience and, thankfully, we are not about to 

share a nightmare here. Instead, at Palmasola our 

experience was as close to perfection as we could 

ever possibly hope for. 

The property is one of only 3 estates located within 

the gates of Punta Mita Resort. It shares the beach 

with Four Seasons and, as an added bonus, is unique 

in having signing privileges at the resort and spa. 

It’s a nice touch that you may want to use during 

your stay. Designed by architect Manolo Mestre, 

this private compound offers 25,000 square feet of 

luxurious Mexican style living space, comprised of 

11 structures bordered by a 200-foot-long infinity 

pool and 300 feet of spectacular beachfront. 

Arrival on property is no different from VIP arrival 

at the best addresses in the world. General Manager 

Karsten Lemke and his full staff of 16 are on hand to 

welcome you “home” with cold towels, margaritas, 

and an introduction to the way life should be 

enjoyed. 

The village-like setting offers a three-bedroom 

master suite, a four-bedroom guest suite and 2 

very nice garden apartments. A group of three or 

four families or up to nine couples can easily be 

accommodated on property. 

To keep everyone occupied, you will find a business 

center, a small fitness room, and a media center with 

everything including a professional Karaoke system 

with a library of over 5,000 songs. Frank Sinatra 

never sounded so good! Should you wish to leave 

property, you will find an Escalade, a Suburban, and 

two golf carts plus a driver waiting for you. 

So, the place is perfect, but for the experience to 

be flawless, it’s the people that make the difference 

and this is where Palmasola really shines. Karsten, 

the GM, comes from Ritz-Carlton and has managed 

some of the best. Alvaro, your butler, is never far 

away, even in the dark. Two professional chefs, 

full security, and excellent housekeeping staff just 


appear as if from nowhere. Palmasola truly runs 

with a combination of German efficiency along 

with Mexican charm and hospitality. 

In conclusion, the price alone means that 

Palmasola is not for everyone and that’s a good 

thing as all of us have different needs and wants 

regardless of the size of our wallets. If, however, 

you do decide that Palmasola is for you, then 

know this: Perfection is hard to find, but when you 

do find it, cherish it, enjoy it, and share it with the 

ones you love 

Palmasola 


General Manager: Karsten Lemke 

palmasola.net 


Do bring friends and family here. While you 

could come here and enjoy it as a couple, it’s 

far more conducive to a large family or group 

of friends. The compound is big enough for 

everyone to find their favorite spot when they 

need their space; intimate enough to offer a 

variety of gathering places for meals and events. 

Do come here if you are more comfortable in 

your own home than any presidential suite you 

have ever stayed in. Like a luxury yacht charter, 

Palmasola is designed and delivered to you 

exactly with that thought in mind. The owners 

“are you” and they, more than anyone else, know 

just how difficult it is to be impressed anywhere 

and with anything. 

Do enjoy the number of locations where you will 

dine at on property while staying here. From 

the main dining room, to the pool pavilion, the 

roof top terrace and the beach you will always 

be surprised by what is coming next. Every 

dining experience is unique and the menus are 

all designed with you and your guests in mind. 

Don’t come to Palmasola if you are looking for 

casual and laidback staff. This property prides 

itself on perfection in every detail. With 16 fulltime 

staff, and a General Manager who stays 

over when guests are in-house, you just can’t get 

away from white glove service at its highest level. 

Don’t be surprised by anything here. Many 

people talk about experiences these days, but 

Palmasola really follows through on the promise. 

Who else do you know that can arrange for 

Monico, a local Sea Lion, to be brought directly 

to the property so that you can enjoy the 

experience in the privacy of your very own 

200-foot-long infinity edge beachfront pool? 

Don’t come here looking for a deal. The owners 

don’t need to rent out the property but they 

love to share it with like-minded individuals. So, 

if you want to take the property over Christmas 

and New Years, just ask, but be prepared to pay 

the price. And before you ask, it’s already taken 

this holiday season! 


St. Regis 

An opportunity missed 

When the St. Regis Punta Mita Resort was 

first mentioned a few years ago, we were 

excited. When it opened in the fall of 

2008, we really felt sorry for them. The world was 

in turmoil and the luxury travel industry was feeling 

the brunt of it. When we reviewed the new St. Regis 

hotel in Mexico City earlier this year, we loved it 

and commented on how the property was setting a 

new standard in the city. When we decided to visit 

Punta Mita, we were excited to stay at the St. Regis 

and had high hopes, knowing that some of the 

investors were the same people who had opened 

the Mexico City property. 

What we remember most about our arrival is that 

we were the only people there. As our driver pulled 

into the large and impressive courtyard, there was 

only one car there and it was ours. We were greeted 

and asked to sit in a raised covered area overlooking 

the pools and ocean while we were checked in. 

Reception is not actually in this area and it took 

way too long to get through the process, before 

we were led to a golf cart and driven to our rooms. 

There are 120 rooms and suites on property, all of 

which are located in casita type buildings. All have 

some kind of ocean view and the style is described 

as “rustic chic” with “Provence meets Mexico” 

overtones. We are not sure about any of that, but 

these are without doubt the best hotel bathrooms in 

town and they have St. Regis written all over them. 

The standard rooms are furnished comfortably, but 

the suites are a huge disappointment. It’s almost 

as though they ran out of furniture or money or 

maybe even both at the end and it’s the premium 

rooms that suffered the most. Fabulous bathrooms 

again, but we can’t recommend any of them at 

these prices. 

There are three restaurants on property. Las 

Marietas serves breakfast and lunch around the 

pool; Sea Breeze, a California Grill, serves lunch 

and dinner; and Carolina, the hotel’s signature 

restaurant serves dinner. While we were staying, 

Carolina was closed, but based on our experiences 

at the other two, we wouldn’t be in a rush to make 

a reservation any time soon. 

There are three pools, and none of them are that 

special. The cabanas are a joke, especially the ones 

you have to pay for. Don’t bother – it’s just not 

worth it. 


In conclusion, we are very glad that we had the 

opportunity to visit and review the property. 

Much is made of the butler service, but we can’t 

help but feel that while this may be relevant in 

a city environment, it just doesn’t work here. 

If you are brand loyal to St. Regis, then be our 

guest, but this is not the best hotel in Punta 

Mita. It’s also not representative of the brand 

and we don’t think that John Jacob Astor IV, 

who founded St. Regis in 1904, would be that 

happy with it either 


Do consider coming here if you have “Starwood 

Points” to use up. At least that way you won’t be 

too disappointed if the property doesn’t live up to 

your expectations! 

Do be careful if you want to swim in the ocean. 

Punta Mita is not known for great beaches, but 

the beach here had signs warning of sharks and 

the “protected” swimming area was full of jellyfish 

when we visited. 

Do visit the Remède Spa and the gym. The spa is 

excellent and was by far the highlight of our stay. 

The gym has everything you could ask for and was 

spotlessly clean whenever we visited. 

Don’t eat in for every meal. We were in Punta Mita 

for over a week and the only food we sent back 

was served here. Instead, make the effort and go 

out. You will be happy you did as there are far 

better restaurants within a 5-minute drive of the 

property. 

Don’t be surprised if there are various groups on 

property while you are staying here. They have 

to fill the rooms somehow and, unfortunately, 

incentive groups and corporate meetings are the 

order of the day. 

Don’t expect too much. This is average all around 

and while the staff do their very best to make 

you feel comfortable, we can’t help but feel they 

haven’t been properly trained to handle guest 

expectations. An example of this would be when we 

asked the front desk to mail a postcard for us. We 

were asked if we wanted to pay cash for the stamp 

or have it put on our bill. If we had given them 10, 

then okay. Out of fairness, when we received the 

bill, the stamp wasn’t included. Unfortunately, this 

kind of guest experience leaves a bad taste and 

will make the difference between possibly coming 

back again or crossing it off the list forever. 

St. Regis Punta Mita Resort 


General Manager: Jean-Pierre Sorin 

stregis.com/puntamita 


Four Seasons Punta Mita 

The ultimate family vacation 

When Isadore Sharp, the founder of Four 

Seasons, visited Punta Mita for the first 

time 13 years ago, there was nothing 

here but a vision to create a luxury destination 

that would be sought after by those travelers 

seeking the very best. Four Seasons Punta Mita 

set the standard when it opened in 1999 and was 

the first Four Seasons in Latin America. Ten years 

later, it continues to be one of the most popular 

Four Seasons properties. But does it still live up to 

expectations and has it kept up with the times? We 

decided to visit and find out for ourselves. 

We arrived here from the St. Regis and the first 

thing we noticed was that there was life here and 

there were cars in the driveway. What a relief, but 

it begged the question, “Why were they here and 

not at the St. Regis? Was Four Seasons giving 

the rooms away or did they know something we 

didn’t?” Welcomed in that usual Four Seasons way, 

check-in was friendly and fast and we were soon on 

our way to our suite. 

Again, the 173 rooms and suites are housed in 

tile-roofed casitas of one to three stories. All 

guestrooms have ocean views and are decorated in 

a comfortable Mexican style with luxurious finishes 

that are all up to the usual high standard of Four 

Seasons. Yes, the bathrooms are 10 years old and 

some of the tubs are “short,” but they continue to 

feel good and we are sure they will be upgraded in 

the coming years. It’s amazing how quickly styles 

change and things appear to be dated. With that 

comment, we won’t be looking at ourselves in the 

mirror any time soon! 

As usual, we have our favorites and if you have 

your choice, we would highly recommend the onebedroom 

Oceanfront Suites for privacy and value. 

For the ultimate Four Seasons experience, choose 

the new five-bedroom Coral Suite. It’s private, 

beautifully decorated, and yes, it’s already booked 

for Christmas and New Years! 

Dining here is a pleasure and we could quite 

happily have been here for a week and never left 

the property. Aramara is the resort’s signature 

restaurant and features contemporary Asian cuisine 

(the space was also redesigned earlier this year). 

Ketsi is great for lunch and dinner, but our favorite 



Do bring the family here. There are “little people” of 

various shapes and sizes everywhere and they are all 

having a good time in a Four Seasons kind of way. 

From the children’s plates at the breakfast buffet to the 

“Lazy River” and the “Kids for All Seasons” club, you 

are covered. Not so sure about teenagers, but with an 

activity list ranging from mountain biking to a scuba 

clinic and games room that caters to every electronic 

need, we think they have you covered here too. 

Do use the Tami pool and private cabanas if you are 

traveling without children or if you just want a break 

from your own! The pool is located away from the ocean 

and we loved the privacy and peacefulness. It was 

like being at a different resort. The cabanas are worth 

every penny and spending a day here having your feet 

massaged while enjoying hourly treats and a healthy 

spa menu was like being on vacation while on vacation! 

place to hang out was the Bahia Beach 

Grill. It’s a relaxing and contemporary 

space for either lunch or dinner and 

the fresh seafood and meats are simply 

prepared and well presented. 

This being a resort means there are 2 golf 

courses to choose from, 10 floodlit tennis 

courts, swimming pools and attendants 

at every turn, and a gym that deserves 

an award. Apuane Spa features excellent 

therapists and all kinds of treatments with 

tequila and chocolate! 

Did we enjoy our stay here? Yes. Would 

we come back? Most definitely. Was 

there anything missing? No. Could we 

have asked for more? No. It all comes 

down to this: when Four Seasons does 

something well, they do it really well and 

for whatever reasons, this is one of their 

best. Congratulations and we only hope 

that the property maintains its place in 

the world for at least another ten years 

Four Seasons Punta Mita 


General Manager: Michele Grosso 

fourseasons.com/puntamita 

Do visit the Fitness Center. It’s 3,000 square feet and full 

of new Technogym equipment and the best selection of 

cardio equipment we have seen at any resort in the last 

2 years. Congratulations Four Seasons for creating an 

environment that is a pleasure to visit between meals 

and tequila tastings! 

Don’t come here for a romantic getaway or your 

honeymoon. It’s not that kind of resort. While there are 

plenty of places to be alone, this is a “family first” hotel 

and couples in love or looking to rekindle a little love 

may be disappointed. 

Don’t forget your golf clubs. There are two Jack Nicklaus 

designed courses on property. The original Pacifico 

course sets the tone with its ocean side holes and, of 

course, the optional par-3 hole with its tee located on 

the mainland and the green on an island 199 yards off 

shore. The newer Bahia course, opened in 2009, offers 

a more inland experience with undulating fairways and 

greens, stunning lakes and water features. 

Don’t forget about the Residences if you’re traveling 

with family or friends. They are the newest build on 

property and if you select carefully (oceanfront are the 

best and have the largest pools), you will not only have 

privacy and exceptionally comfortable surroundings, 

but also your own Personal Host and a golf cart to get 

around property when you need to venture out! 


Amangani 

Summer camp for grownups 

Amangani was the first Amanresorts property 

in the United States when it opened in 1998. 

The three-story main building constructed 

of logs and rocks sits high atop what Jackson Hole 

folk refer to as “the butte,” overlooking expansive 

farm lands with the Grand Tetons soaring in the 

distance. In the twelve years since its opening, the 

property has made quite a name for itself. Having 

heard such encouraging feedback from fellow 

travelers in the know, we checked in here to see 

what all the buzz is about. 

Our flight landed at Jackson Hole and, immediately 

upon exiting the plane, we were smacked in the 

face with a view of the Grand Tetons. Grand indeed. 

Inside, we were met by a gentleman holding an 

Aman sign who assisted us with our things and led 

us to one of the hotel’s BMW SUVs where we were, 

of course, offered cold towels and water for the 

20-minute ride in. Upon arrival, we were greeted by 

several members of the staff and then taken to our 

suite for an explanation of the nobs and switches. 

The lovely girl from reception explained to us that 

she was training in rotation at several Amanresorts 

properties and that she was actually quite new 

there. This is quite common with Aman. They like 

to keep things interesting and help develop true 

careers for the most promising members of their 

team, and we like that about them. 

The main building houses 29 suites which are the 

most basic accommodation available on property. 

Each of these is a studio bedroom with a living 

room area. The bathroom is of near equal size to 

the bedroom-living room, including a separate 

bathtub and a shower with some of the best water 

pressure we’ve ever known and gorgeous views 

of the mountains beyond. The size of the Suite is 

decent enough for a couple, especially when you 

consider the vastness of the private terrace each 

one has. It nearly doubles the size. Most of the 

upgraded suites are priced as such because of 

slightly preferred sightlines or slightly increased 

or reconfigured layouts. We aren’t convinced 

they’re worth the premium. However, for families 

and groups who want to go all the way, we really 

do love the homes. These four-bedroom private 

homes are individually owned but maintained and 

inventoried by the resort when the owners are 

not in residence. They are each uniquely grand 

and exude an incomparable feeling of welcoming 

warmth. Having toured a few, we can honestly say 

that these homes represent some of the finest hotel 

inventory we have seen to date. Each is unique, so 

ask for floor plans and photos before you choose. 

All meals are served at The Grill, the property’s 

only restaurant. Diners can choose to eat in the 

restaurant, the lounge, outside by the pool, or 

probably anywhere else you can think of if you 

ask. Service at The Grill was very good when the 

restaurant was busy, but a bit spotty when we were 

the only ones around. Food was mostly very good. 

Breakfast was well-prepared with the slightest rustic 

flair and a number of inventive and unexpected 

choices available. We were surprised to learn that 

freshly squeezed orange juice, while available by 

specific request, is not served by default. We were 

Jackson Hole October 2010 ARareWorld. 11

given a non-answer when we asked what we were served, 

but we’re quite sure it was Minute Maid. Lunch was simple 

but well done, and we enjoyed a really nice burger here. 

Most of our dinner was also very good, though we may 

have made the wrong choice for our main course. The short 

ribs are not for light eaters. We didn’t finish, but we did 

find room for dessert and thoroughly enjoyed every last bit 

of the unique flavors of homespun sorbet, particularly the 

melon-mint and ginger-stone fruit. 

One of the main focal points of the resort is the infinity 

pool overlooking the valley. There is also a small but 

sufficient fitness room with very good equipment. The spa 

on property is called the Health Center, and offers great 

massages and facial treatments. Locker rooms at the spa 

have great showers and a decent steam room, but this is 

definitely not the spa for lingerers. For those seeking a 

quick facial to refresh from a day on the slopes, however, 

the estheticians on staff can’t be beat. If you are looking to 

get off property, the resort also offers a number of tours 

of Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks, and a 

satellite office and ski concierge at Jackson Hole Mountain 

Resort. The wildlife guides on staff have a certain precision 

about them, and we’re quite sure that your early morning 

departure time will be worth the while when you catch 

sight of a moose or bear in close range. For those who 

know, the property also offers a BMW test drive program 

which allows guests to take an X6 or 7-Series to explore 

the parks on their own. Nice touch. 

We were very pleased with our experience at Amangani, 

but not so pleased when it became time to leave. We 

didn’t want to go. We truly loved the easy going and casual 

“anything goes” service mentality, and would gladly return 

at any point in the future. Even the most cynical travelers 

might find themselves feeling as though they’ve been 

warped back to summer camp. There may be no place like 

home, but this is as close as it gets 


Do give strong consideration to taking 

one of the four-bedroom homes, 

especially if you are traveling with 

kids. While they aren’t discouraged 

in the main building by any stretch, 

it can definitely feel more like a place 

for adults. 

Do schedule time for an early morning 

wildlife safari led by the property’s 

own guides. They know this turf 

backwards and forwards, but still 

have a great way of making you feel 

like your discoveries are magical and 

unique. 

Do take one of the hotel’s BMW test 

drive vehicles for a spin one day. 

There may be no better way to make 

the 10-hour trek through the loop past 

Yellowstone National Park’s majestic 

geothermal and water features than 

from behind the wheel of one of these 

vehicles. 

Don’t order juice and expect it to be 

fresh. Freshly squeezed orange juice 

is available only on specific request 

here, something we were as surprised 

to learn as you would have been. 

Don’t think that you have to come 

in season. There are great offerings 

in the surrounding area no matter 

which month you choose to visit. 

Don’t worry. Regardless of your 

needs, the staff here is given a lot of 

leeway to be very flexible in executing 

your requests. Anything that can be 

done will be done, and at anytime or 

any place. Just ask. 

Amangani 

Jackson, Wyoming, USA 

General Manager: Stuart Campbell 

amangani.com 

12 ARareWorld. October 2010 Jackson Hole

Rusty Parrot Lodge 

The parrot isn’t the only thing that’s rusty 

Before Four Seasons and Aman setup shop, 

the Rusty Parrot was the only game in town 

for “luxury” in Jackson Hole. The lodge was 

born in 1990 from the heart of Ron Harrison, who 

actually built much of the structure with his own 

hands. In 2008, the hotel received a ranking as the 

number 27 hotel in the Continental United States 

and Canada and number 95 in the entire world 

from Travel & Leisure. It is also a member of Small 

Luxury Hotels. We saw the photos on the website, 

with whirlpool tubs situated next to beds that had 

teddy bears on them, and felt we had to check-in 

here to see for ourselves how the old Rusty stacks 

up to the newer competition in the area. 

After spending some time at Amangani, pulling 

up to the small 31-room log adorned Rusty Parrot 

was a definite contrast. A parking lot surrounds the 

building which is located just a few steps from the 

quaint Town Square of Jackson. We stepped into 

the side door where the front desk had one agent 

checking another gentleman in and one eager 

bellman waiting to carry his luggage to his room. 

When our turn came up, the same bellman raced 

to show us to ours up the stairs to the third floor. 

He took the smaller of our two bags and asked if he 

could leave the other for a second trip as we had 

two flights to go. We don’t like to make a fuss, so 

we took the other bag ourselves, silently wondering 

why we weren’t taking the elevator. When we got to 

the top, the out-of-breath bellman showed us the 

basics of the room, and answered our question— 

there is no elevator. Even the first floor, which is 

actually half a floor down from the front desk, is 

only accessible by using the stairs. A bit later in the 

evening, we saw a handicapped gentleman arrive in 

a scooter who we imagine had quite a time getting 

to his room. 

If you’ve seen the website, the rooms look exactly 

like that. Most have wooden headboards which are 

soldered with the script initials of R.P.L., and there 

really is a teddy bear sitting in the middle of each 

bed. There is a lot of wrought iron here, including a 

ridiculous bud vase in the bathroom which is made 

to look as though the stem is inserted into a frog’s 

mouth. As another disregard to the handicapped, 

bathtubs are very slick and round—we nearly fell 

when we were using it as a shower. One side of the 

building offers no outdoor space and has windows 

which look onto a parking lot and the yard of a 

modest home with clutter and firewood piled high; 

and the other offers balconies or patios with views 

onto a park for kids. With room upgrades being 

whirlpool tubs and fireplaces, our impression was 

that this place is the kind of hotel for honeymoons 

on the cheap for an audience with a less developed 

palate for interior decorating. 

Wild Sage is the hotel’s restaurant, and it is 

generally regarded as one of the best places to 

eat in town. With only 6 tables, it can be hard to 

secure a reservation in the peak summer and winter 

months. We had heard many good things about the 

restaurant over the years and were eager to give 

it a try. Maybe it was just our experience, but we 

don’t agree with what we heard. The dining room 

is a cringe-inducing juxtaposition of every pattern 

under the sun with the kitchen visible from every 

table. This might be nice if there weren’t coffee 

dispensers and condiment bottles piled high on 

the counter, and if the chef wasn’t frantically racing 

around the kitchen (at one point, we saw him dodge 

a massive flame that bellowed from the grill). And 

then our food came, and the medium-rare steak 

we had ordered was served nearly breathing. We 

sent it back, and it returned as pan cooked and 

dripping, glistening in oil. We don’t like to waste, so 

we ate what was served to us, and lived to regret 

it as we were kept up for most of the night with 

stomach pains. Breakfast the next morning was far 

worse. We saw the waitress filling a carafe from a 


supermarket brand gallon jug of orange juice from concentrate, 

and we knew we were in for it. The eggs were mealy and brown, 

so we ended up just pushing the food around a bit and excusing 

ourselves. Oh, and if you just can’t live without them, the frog 

flower holders and teddy bears from the rooms are displayed 

and sold in the restaurant too. 

Recreation options at the property are quite limited. There is 

no gym or pool, but there is a small library with cookies on the 

third floor (and, strangely, coffee service located separately on 

the second floor). Just off of the library is a deck overlooking 

the parking lot with a basic above ground hot tub. If you call the 

hotel, you will note that they answer the phone, “Rusty Parrot 

Lodge & Spa.” As such, you might expect the spa to be a big draw. 

From what we saw, the Body Sage Spa is actually just a couple 

of dark closets with poor lighting and some very sad looking 

treatment beds. It is a surprise that the cost of treatments is very 

much in line with the other top resorts in the area. We were told 

that one of the Harrison family members actually made Body 

Sage her personal project. While it’s cute that everyone in the 

family wanted to get involved, maybe they should have sought 

the advice of someone who knows what they’re doing. 

As we went to check out, a woman entered and asked if she 

could see the room she had booked for her out-of-town guests 

who would be coming a month from then. As she waited for a 

bellman to take her upstairs, she unfolded her confirmation and 

explained that she was told on the phone that her reservation 

was under a 24-hour cancellation policy but that the email 

she received said “something else.” The lady at the front desk 

felt inclined to inform her that she knew who had made her 

reservation and that he had been fired for telling guests things 

that were not true, that they actually have a 21-day cancellation 

policy but would honor a 24-hour cancellation for her this one 

time. 21 days?! We left before she came back down to give her 

impressions, but at the prices they are charging here, we hope 

she made the right decision. And if you have a reservation that is 

more than 3 weeks out, we recommend you do the same 


Do make note of the hotel’s 

21-day cancellation policy. We 

realize it’s a small place which 

relies on every last bit of revenue, 

but we feel that it is just absurd. 

Do know what you’re in for. If you 

can get a decent rate and are 

just looking for a comfortable 

bed that you can clear a teddy 

bear off of to get some sleep 

before or after a trip through 

the national parks, then fine. If 

you’re looking for somewhere 

to relax and enjoy the spa, you 

have better options that are 

worth the premium. 

Do make reservations for dinner 

at Wild Sage much in advance. 

Tables are highly sought after in 

season, and there are only six of 

them. 

Don’t be surprised if you 

are underwhelmed by your 

experience at Wild Sage. While 

Jackson isn’t exactly the apex 

of epicurean excitement, we 

prefer the Snake River Grill and 

the more casual Trio down the 

street. 

Don’t even think of staying here 

if you are handicapped or have 

issues with mobility. There is no 

elevator and there are no rooms 

accessible without using stairs. 

Don’t expect luxury. It’s just a 

word they like to throw around. 

Rusty Parrot Lodge 

Jackson, Wyoming, USA 

Owner: Brandon Harrison 

rustyparrot.com 


Four Seasons Jackson Hole 

Top-notch service at the bottom of the mountain 

At the base of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is 

a little community called Teton Village. In this 

cluster of hotels, condos, and a few private 

homes just outside of Grand Teton National Park is 

the Four Seasons Jackson Hole. Checking in here, 

we were particularly eager to see how the signature 

Four Seasons service standard would manifest 

amongst Wyoming’s blue jeans and cowboy hats. 

Just before we arrived at the resort, our taxi driver 

asked for our last name. He informed us that the 

company has an agreement with Four Seasons to 

call over and let them know when a check-in is on the 

way. Nice touch. Try getting them to do that in New 

York or Miami. When we arrived, guest reception 

was ready to go and we were whisked to our room in 

no time. The bellman who took us up kindly showed 

us the switch for the fire, and opened the minibar 

fridge to tell us that it was empty but could be 

filled with whatever we liked by calling down. To us, 

this seems to eliminate the need for a minibar as a 

convenient way to make impulsive snack purchases, 

but we actually appreciated having a refrigerator to 

store a few things of our own. 

Accommodations here may feel quite familiar, but 

with just the right amount of contemporary Western 

flair. “Four Seasons people” will appreciate that 

everything is exactly where they know it will be, 

and everyone else will appreciate the relaxing vibe 

and the warmth from the gas fireplace that actually 

heats the room. The Standard, Deluxe, and Premium 

Rooms each have a living area and differ in having 

one or two chairs and views of the resort, valley, 

or mountains. We definitely feel the view makes a 

difference here. Executive and One-Bedroom Suites 

offer living areas with sofa beds for families who 

don’t mind cozying up. However, we much prefer 

the 32 lovely private residences located within the 

building ranging from two to five bedrooms with all 

of the comforts of home. 

The Westbank Grill is the resort’s all-day restaurant 

and offers a very nicely prepared menu of healthy 

albeit comforting favorites for lunch and dinner. 

Breakfast was served here as well, though we admit 

that since we had such an early flight that we were 

actually forced to depart before the restaurant had 

opened and ordered ours from in-room dining. While 

we’ve had more exciting breakfasts, we’ve never had 

fluffier eggs and the freshly squeezed orange juice 

was a perfect balance of sweet and tart. During the 

summer months, the Pool Café offers quick bites 

throughout the day and an ice cream cart from 2 

until 4. In the winter, The Peak offers a casual cocoon 

from the slopes for lunch, dinner, and après ski. 

The 75-meter heated outdoor swimming pool and 

three whirlpools are open year round. In the winter, 

so we’re told, heated robes and hot chocolate are 


offered to help you forget how crazy you are 

for braving the subzero temperatures in your 

skivvies. The fitness room is quite expansive 

and far better than average. A separate studio 

is perfect for stationary bikes, aerobics, or 

the complimentary yoga classes the property 

offers. Downstairs, Base Camp is the apex for all 

seasonal outdoor activities. A ski concierge will 

manage your equipment and point you towards 

the gondola just a few paces from the door, and 

a row of lockers is available for storing your 

icy hats and mittens. After a tiring day on the 

slopes—or for those who just aren’t into it—the 

property offers the best spa facilities in the area 

with whirlpools, steam rooms, and relaxation 

lounges. 

We enjoyed our visit to the Four Seasons Jackson 

Hole. Skiers visiting in the winter would be hard 

pressed to find a more convenient place to stay. 

And though Teton Village isn’t quite as vibrant 

in the summer, it isn’t a bad place to visit that 

time of year either. This isn’t the most original 

property in the world, but it is a fabulously 

comfortable resort offering a service experience 

that you can truly count on 

Four Seasons Jackson Hole 

Teton Village, Wyoming, USA 

General Manager: Stephen F. Benson 

fourseasons.com/jacksonhole 


Do strongly consider staying here if the primary 

goal of your trip is skiing. This is the most convenient 

choice as other properties outside of Teton Village 

are at least 20 minutes by car without accounting 

for traffic delays from ice and snow. 

Do consider an upgrade for a better view. Though 

they are offered at a considerable premium, the 

vistas of the valley and mountains are undoubtedly 

superior. 

Do bring the kids. This is a larger resort hotel that 

is well prepared for anything a family might need. 

Don’t worry if you don’t ski. If you prefer to spa 

instead, the facilities here are ideal for hanging out 

and relaxing. 

Don’t give a second thought to anything you 

request of the concierge. This team is as on point 

as they are friendly, and over delivered on every 

promise they made to us. 

Don’t be surprised when you see the refrigerator 

is empty. If a stocked minibar is important to you, 

you can request it to be filled with anything you 

wish before you arrive. 



Possibly the best in town, definitely not the best of Aman 

Aman New Delhi opened in 2009 as the first 

city property to open under the Amanresorts 

brand. The urban resort is situated in the 

thick of Lodhi Colony, a neighborhood well known 

for massive walled compounds of important families 

and people of state. Of course, Amanjunkies know 

that “aman” means peace in Sanskrit—and anyone 

who has been to Delhi knows that peace is a rare 

concept there. We checked in just about a year after 

opening, expecting an ideal escape from the vast 

metropolis, the best and nothing but the best across 

the board. 

Our flight from Frankfurt landed in Delhi in the wee 

hours of the morning. At that time, we were very 

grateful to be met at the airport by the two gentlemen 

holding the Aman sign. They took our things and 

lead us to the hotel car, a gorgeously refined and 

sparkling Hindustan Ambassador. Though we had 

asked ourselves while in line for immigration why 

on earth we opted for such a ridiculous arrival time, 

we quickly remembered the answer when we were 

coasting rather than inching down the city streets. 

In just under half an hour, we made the turn down 

Lodhi Road and then into the gates of Aman New 

Delhi. One of the first things we noticed was the 

heightened security in reaction to the unfortunate 

events which took place at several Mumbai hotels 

in 2008. A guard at the gate checked the trunk of 

even the hotel car, and all of our belongings were 

thoroughly scanned and searched before we could 

enter the building. Though the technology may not 

have been a part of the original design plans, we’ve 

never seen such stunning security equipment. Leave 

it to Aman… 

Accommodations are split between the nine-story 

main building with Aman Rooms and Aman Suites, 

and the adjacent five-story Lodhi Building with 

Lodhi Suites and Lodhi Pool Suites. For an individual 

on business or a couple, an Aman Room is more 

than adequate with a superb living room-bedroom 

combination and a balcony with a private plunge 

pool. Looking around during our in-room check-in, 

we assumed from the very large size that we must 

have been upgraded, though we later verified that 

we were staying in the most basic category on 

property. And, of course, we love that the minibar 

and WiFi are both included in the rate. Aman Suites 

are essentially the same but with a separate livingdining 

room and a second bedroom. Suites in the 

Lodhi Building vary from one to three bedrooms 

with more space and butler pantries, and Lodhi Pool 

Suites have a much larger pool at 32 meters. 

The next morning, as we made our way down to 

breakfast, we noticed some peculiar scratches on 

the windows that lined the hallway to the elevator. 

It almost looked as if a tiger or Freddy Krueger had 

been let loose and tried to get out. During our stay, 

they were also doing construction on that side, 

building something very wide and long that looked 

like a freeway-to-be. We’ve since found out it is 

actually a massive parking lot for the stadium nearby. 

With the sunlight, we noticed the same scratches on 

some of the windows in our room and in many of the 

other accommodations which we saw during our 

tour of the property, including one of the top suites. 

The gentleman who took us on the tour, who told 

us that this was his first job out of school, said that 

the scratches were due to a mistake that occurred 

during construction. The whole thing is confusing 

and strange. We felt you should know about it, but 

we ultimately shook it off. After all, the reason the 

marks are so noticeable is that the majority of the 

property is so crisp and pristine. The façade, for 

instance, is so clean and geometrically perfect that 

it looks borderline surreal. 

Breakfast is served at The Aman, and is an uplifting 

delight with freshly squeezed orange juice and toast 

so good we may never forget about it. Seating 

Aman New Delhi October 2010 ARareWorld. 17

options are either inside the casual dining room or 

out on the terrace. Inside, you can hear the echoes 

in the distance of a local woman who makes 

camp down the hallway each morning to string 

marigolds and sing traditional Indian songs. On 

the terrace, you can hear the sound of birds and 

just the slightest buzz of automobile horns stuck 

in Delhi traffic. We preferred the dining room. At 

lunch and dinner, The Aman offers a nice selection 

of Indian and Thai dishes and the restaurant by 

the pool serves quick bites and drinks. 

As an urban resort, the recreational options 

on property are impressive. The gym here is 

absolutely stunning—so much so that we found 

ourselves pausing a few times during our workout 

to admire the equipment. The enthusiastic and 

friendly training staff, many of whom are former 

professional athletes, were quick to remind us to 

keep going. There is also a beautiful outdoor pool, 

a Pilates studio, three tennis courts, and three 

squash courts. Since this is an Aman, of course the 

spa is quite a sight, though we were disappointed 

that some of the facilities were not yet operational 

during our visit even a year after opening. There is 

also a Kim Robinson salon with 10 private styling 

rooms, 5 private shampoo rooms, and a suite 

for couples and friends. The property felt quite 

under-populated during our visit, so we can’t 

imagine that they need this much room to do hair. 

But perhaps we might be underestimating the 

long-term draw of Robinson’s signature “dry cut.” 

In general, we quite liked our stay at Aman 

New Delhi. It may be because the property had 

changed general managers already in its first 

year of opening, but we did observe that the 

service was just a bit off and not quite up to the 

cohesive standard one expects from Aman. This 

was particularly true at reception, where we were 

given wrong information once about a car we 

had booked and spent much longer checking out 

than we would have preferred. Everyone seems 

like they want to help, but that they just don’t 

know exactly how. For those who need clockwork 

service standards, the Oberoi may be a better 

choice for the time being. However, for the more 

adventurous or patient set who seek a true urban 

resort with the best and most spacious standard 

accommodations in town, look no further 


Do consider the benefits of arriving in off-peak 

hours. You will end up paying for an extra night, 

but you will avoid a painfully slow traffic jam. 

Do think about skipping the Delhi sights and 

enjoying the hotel instead. Between the spa, the 

pool, the gym, and the courts, you could really 

spend an entire day or two within the property 

walls without getting bored. 

Do double-check any arrangements you make 

with the concierge. One misunderstanding during 

our stay left us with a lot of unwanted downtime. 

Don’t think you need an upgrade unless you’re 

traveling with a family or entourage. You will likely 

find that the entry level Aman Room already feels 

like an upgrade, especially compared to the other 

top tier standard rooms in town. 

Don’t gawk at the tent city across the street. 

Yes, there are people sleeping and cooking with 

open flames on the sidewalk just across from the 

property. No, you don’t need to objectify them by 

staring or taking photographs. 

Don’t miss the woman who sings and strings 

marigolds in the hallway in the mornings. Her 

presence really adds to the atmosphere of starting 

your day here, and reminded us that this property 

may belong in the Amanresorts portfolio after all. 


New Delhi, India 

General Manager: Henry Gray 

amannewdelhi.com 

18 ARareWorld. October 2010 Aman New Delhi

The Back Page 

London, England 

Coming soon on Park Lane 

Back in 1970, The Inn on the Park was the very first 

international property for Isadore Sharpe and Four 

Seasons. Long the standard for others to aspire to, 

the property has been closed for 2 years and when 

it reopens in February 2011, it’s going to find itself 

among old favorites, newly spruced up, and some 

new competition that wasn’t there before. We love 

the new style and look forward to a full review next 

year. In the meantime, the property is accepting 

reservations starting February 1st. If you are 

planning on being in London this winter, opening 

rates are very competitive starting at GBP195.00. 

fourseasons.com/london 

Dubai, U.A.E. 

Emirates strikes again 

We read this week that Willie Walsh, the CEO of British 

Airways, was sharing his concern with other European 

Airlines that they had failed to recognize the serious 

threat that various Gulf State carriers represent to 

all of them. We don’t know about that, but we are 

delighted that Emirates is doubling capacity from Los 

Angeles and Houston, with twice daily flights starting 

at the end of this month, along with new daily flights 

from Prague, Madrid and Amsterdam. At 16 hours 

flying time from Los Angeles, we can’t think of a better 

way to get to Dubai than sitting comfortably in one of 

Emirates newly enhanced private suites in First Class. 

emirates.com 

Koh Samui, Thailand 

Don’t worry about the abrupt landings! 

The first time we arrived in Koh Samui, we thought we were 

done for on landing, but we lived to tell the tale. We only found 

out later that the runway is short and, therefore, you are in for 

the thrill of a lifetime on arrival and departure. Four Seasons 

was our first choice last time around and while it probably 

would still be again, we do like the look and style of the new W 

Retreat opening November 1st. With 75 villas and 17 spectacular 

beachfront residences, we think that the new W is going to be 

“the” place to see and be seen - at least until the next best 

thing rolls into town! It also looks like it will be more happening 

than other resorts on the island, but what do we know, we are 

usually in bed by 9.30pm no matter where we are! 

whotels.com/kohsamui 

The Back Page October 2010 ARareWorld. 19

© 2010 Strategic Media Intel, LLC. 

A Rare World® is a registered trademark of Strategic Media Intel, LLC. All rights reserved.

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