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You could still spend $1,000 a night to stay at Aman’s first new brand

March 04, 2020
•
5 min read
janu-montenegro
You could still spend $1,000 a night to stay at Aman’s first new brand
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Deep personal experiences. Sustainability. Life balance. Wellness. These are some of the touchstone values many travel brands are chasing these days. And, some hoteliers have concluded that it's easier to custom build a concept for modern travelers than to morph an existing -- and beloved -- company into something new. That's where Aman finds itself. After 32 years of sitting atop the luxury hotel landscape, it's betting on the launch of sister brand, Janu.

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According to an exclusive report by Bloomberg, each Janu property will top out around 120 guest rooms and will consist of midrise buildings of six to seven stories. Nightly rates can be expected to be around 30% less than what you'd find at Aman properties, which still means $1,000 or more per night in many locations.

Janu is a Sanskrit word meaning "soul" and Aman hopes that the new brand can "offer invigorating experiences and opportunities to make spirited connections and deeply personal statements in equally inspiring destinations," according to its website.

Launching in 2022 with three destinations — Sveti Stefan, Montenegro; Tokyo, Japan; and Al-Ula, Saudi Arabia -- Janu promises to be "progressive, experimental and innovative." Note that each of those destinations is already, or soon will be, home to an Aman property.

Janu will lean on its predecessor's experience delivering refined, top-notch service and combine it with a more heightened focus on social interaction. Whereas Aman properties are all about exclusivity and tranquility, Janu promises to be more lively and communal.

That's heady stuff, but likely an incredibly appealing mantra to affluent, young travelers who eschew stodgy old-style luxury and yearn for authentic experiences that leave them feeling refreshed, recharged and with some sort of personal relationship with the place they visited.

Aman promises the new brand will focus on curated art and music experiences, group yoga sessions, distinct local experiences as well as meditation and spa services. The physical space will be a mix of meeting places and quiet corners accented with mood lighting and soundscapes.

Related: Best credit cards for luxury hotel stays

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What does all this mean for the traditional Aman traveler? That depends on what you're looking for in your next getaway.

The company says, "If Aman is sanctuary, then Janu is connectedness." If Aman is a "refined respite," Janu is "energy and exploration."

If those differentials pique your interest, and you're looking to meet kindred spirits on your next journey, add one of Janu's forthcoming destinations of Sveti Stefan, Tokyo or Al-Ula to your must-visit list.

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Apply for American Express® Gold Card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees
Best for dining at restaurants

American Express® Gold Card

TPG Editor‘s Rating
4 / 5
Go to review

Rewards Rate

4XEarn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
4XEarn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
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  • Intro Offer

    As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.

  • Annual Fee

    $325

  • Recommended Credit

    Excellent to Good

Why We Chose It

There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)

Pros

  • 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
  • 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

Cons

  • Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.