[Prestige Thailand, Ashima Sethi]
When two industry leaders unite in pursuit of excellence, the result can be nothing short of a landmark in luxury hospitality. Aman Nai Lert Bangkok, among Thailand’s most anticipated hotel openings, has captivated luxury connoisseurs, all eager to witness the birth of an iconic destination.
One half of this collaboration is Naphaporn “Lek” Bodiratnangkura, CEO of Nai Lert Group, which has a 150-year history shaping Thailand’s philanthropy, culture, and hospitality landscapes. Under Lek’s leadership, the group continues to honour its storied past while embracing a bold new future defined by quality, authenticity, and an unshakeable sense of place. These same values drive Aman Group, led by Chairman and CEO Vlad Doronin, the other half of the collaboration.
Since 1988, Aman has redefined luxury hospitality, creating intimate, immersive experiences deeply rooted in local culture. Prioritising quality over quantity, bespoke over standardised, every Aman property reflects the unique spirit of each destination.
It’s this shared appreciation for heritage, design, and meaningful hospitality that has forged the synergy between Nai Lert Group and Aman, culminating in the Aman Nai Lert Bangkok. More than just a hotel, this property stands as a testament to the power of visionary leadership and a shared pursuit of excellence.
My first experience with Aman was at Amanpuri in Phuket, nearly 15 years ago, and it left a lasting impression. I was struck by the blend of understated elegance and unparalleled service, which are some of the cornerstones of the Aman philosophy, as the brand is not about grandeur for the sake of visibility, but rather about privacy and meticulous attention to detail. That experience resonated with me and shaped my appreciation for what I consider true luxury hospitality.
Hospitality has always been an integral part of my life, as my grandmother was a pioneer in Thailand’s hotel sector, and her influence really shaped my professional journey. Over a decade of personal experiences with Aman has also refined my perspective on luxury hospitality. So, given this deep connection, I always felt like a collaboration with Aman would be a natural and meaningful extension of the legacy I aspire to build.
In my opinion, luxury is defined by details, across design, architecture, and service. Through these pillars we’ve been able to foster a deep sense of loyalty among our guests, many of them return time and again, so much so that they affectionately refer to themselves as ‘Aman Junkies’ (laughs).
Thailand has always been deeply embedded in Aman’s history, as our journey began here with the opening of Amanpuri in 1988. Expanding further in the kingdom has long been part of our vision, and Bangkok has been a big focus for many years. However, we wanted to be highly selective in both location and partnership to ensure that every detail aligned with our core philosophy.
I was closing a deal in Japan for Aman Residences and Janu Tokyo, after which I flew to Bangkok the next day. Despite how tired I was, I went straight from the plane to visit the site. When I arrived, I was struck by the beauty of the park and the Heritage Home’s traditional Thai architecture. It resonated with Aman’s core values as location and heritage are fundamental to our brand, and the setting embodied both. Meeting Lek and her family further reinforced this feeling, as their values aligned seamlessly with ours. It was a natural fit and moving forward with the project felt like an obvious and exciting decision.
It’s an honour to see the Nai Lert name alongside Aman, a brand I have admired for a long time. We’re also the first Aman urban hotel in Thailand, so I take great pride in being able to contribute this to my home country’s hospitality landscape.
I’ve been involved in every detail to ensure that our vision is seamlessly translated into reality, both in design and quality, and working with the Nai Lert family was a highlight in itself! One of the most remarkable aspects of this property is the park. Preserving this natural heritage was a priority for the family, and together, we made a commitment to integrate nature into the property’s design and landscape.
One example is how we designed the ninth floor around one of the site’s most important trees, which is also Bangkok’s third tallest tree. We drilled a passage through the floor for its canopy to extend above the swimming pool. It required a significant investment, but it is a beautiful homage to history, and a microcosm for what we’ve done throughout the hotel.
It’s difficult to choose just a single favourite aspect, but one of the hotel’s standout features is its exclusivity with just 52 rooms – each exceptionally spacious. To me, space is an ultimate luxury. Another highlight is how we’ve been able to create a true sense of place. When you’re here, every detail reminds you of where you are and why this place is so extraordinary.
Regarding hardware, there’s a lot to enjoy here, including wellness facilities that span an impressive 1,500 square metres, with separate spaces for hotel guests and residence owners. There’s also four dining outlets: Arva, offering Italian cuisine; Sesui, an intimate omakase experience; Hiori, an atmospheric teppanyaki restaurant; and 1872, the afternoon tea lounge named in honour of my great-grandfather’s birth year.
The entire 19th floor will be dedicated to members. They can enjoy access to two private restaurants, cigar lounge, jazz club, and beyond that, all the spa facilities, too. Our Aman Clubs around the world have been very well-received. We’re committed to building community beyond a brand, so this club offers a rare and meaningful sense of belonging.
The art and furnishings throughout the hotel are a true reflection of ‘Thainess’, but more than that, they embody the essence of Nai Lert. Every detail tells a story…from the light fixtures that mimic tree trunks, to my grandmother’s fingerprint immortalised as a mural, an abstract representation of the number one that pays tribute to the building’s address, ceilings that mirror the architecture of the Heritage Home, and the brass raintree sculpture in the lobby. These are just a few examples of how the property pays tribute to our past, brought to life in a way that feels timeless. This also extends to the sensorial experience, from the bespoke scenting to the curated rituals that welcome our guests that draw from the significance of water in Thai culture.
I want our guests to leave with cherished memories of Aman and of Thailand, having experienced something truly special, as I believe we’ve built what will become one of the country’s best hotels.
I hope guests leave with cherished memories they will recount long after they’ve left, just as I once did, and I hope these moments inspire them to return!
Read the original interview on Prestige.
