At Aman properties across Asia, preparations are underway to celebrate the fifth animal of the Chinese zodiac with the Year of the Dragon. As festivities build towards 10 February, 2024, a host of surprises await across China and beyond. Group-gathering meals, firework displays, lantern lighting and an array of age- old traditions will help mark this auspicious event – a chance to celebrate together and look forward to a year of good fortune.
Amanyangyun, China
There is a chance forfamily reunions, feasting and new beginnings at Amanyangyun. Throughout the February, immersive activities such as calligraphy and paper-cutting classes will be held at the resort’s Nan Shufang cultural centre, with a New Year’s Eve dinner at Lazhu on 9 February and a traditional Lion and Dragon Dance to mark the seasonal shift on 10 February. Until 25 February, guests can also mark the end of the Year of the Rabbit and welcome the Year of the Dragon by lighting a symbolic Chinese New Year festive tree.
Amandayan, China
Set in the Unesco-listed Old Town, Amandayan will showcase local traditions of the Naxi people throughout the month of February. On New Year’s Eve (or “Da Du” in Naxi culture), a local spiritual leader will host a calligraphy class to shed light on the practice of hanging couplets (or banners). A special New Year’s Eve dinner will also take place on 9 February at Man Yi Xuan, accompanied by Na xi hand-drum music. On the first day of the New Year, guests are invited to attend a spiritual blessing with a local Naxi leader, in Wenchang Palace the largest temple-park in Lijiang, who will perform sacrificial rites and pray for peace and prosperity in the year ahead, and in the afternoon a Naxi Ancient Music show will be available for all. In the days after, extended celebrations will include incense lighting, Dongba blessings, bonfire dancing and paper-cutting sessions.
Aman Villas at Nusa Dua, Bali
Chinese New Year, known locally as Imlek or “the Spring Festival” in Indonesia, is celebrated widely across Bali and the Indonesian islands. Aman’s five properties – strung like a necklace across the idyllic archipelago – are all preparing to welcome in the Lunar New Year. Among the festivities is the chance to arrange a private suckling-pig barbecue beside the moon-lit pool of Aman Villas at Nusa Dua, complete with a dance performance and Chinese music.
Amansara, Cambodia
Pistachio-crusted lamb and pan-seared scallops are just a few highlights of Amansara’s special Dinner Under the Moonlight event, taking place on 10 February. The three-course feast, laid out poolside in the grounds of King Sihanouk’s former royal residence, will be illuminated by flickering candles and preceded by cocktails and Chinese rice wine on the hotel’s Roof Terrace. On 11 February, a Lunar High Tea will also deliver pork dumplings, pan-seared prawns, and Chinese confections in the form of dragon-themed sticky rice cakes and doughnuts.
Amantaka, Laos
In Laos, a Brahmin-influenced Baci Ceremony – practiced in Luang Prabang for centuries – will mark the start of the new year at Amantaka. Later that same evening on 10 February, the hotel’s main epicurean event will be A Night Under the Stars, a Chinese set dinner under the star-lit sky, showing steamed dumplings and spiced sea bass with steamed rice. Events at the hotel’s Buddhist Learning Centre will also include a talk by royal descendant Tiao Nithakong, son of TS Somsanith, an advisor to the king and prime minister of the royal kingdom of Laos.
Amanoi, Vietnam
At Amanoi guests will have the chance to learn how to make the season’s traditional bánh chưng cake on 9 February, before a Vietnamese meal in the hilltop main Restaurant. The next day, celebrations will continue with a Buddhist blessing with local monks, a cocktail making experience and a beachside Surf & Turf barbecue, complete with generous servings of local lobster, scallops, and oysters.
Amanpulo, Philippines
Amanpulo is one of the most tranquil places to witness the shifting lunar cycle. As the new moon rises over this private island in the Philippines, festive happenings will focus on a special Chinese-inspired Lunar New Year’s Eve dinner – held at the Beach Club on 9 February, 2024 – with a Lion Dance performance and an accompanying firework display. As celebrations continue across the weekend, Aman Spa will offer a dynamic Vinyasa-style Dragon Flow yoga session, and the Kid’s Club will have Chinese arts and crafts activities running from 8-13 February.
Amankora, Bhutan
Celebrate the Year of the Dragon at one of Amankora’s five lodges, with an array of immersive experiences showcasing the rich culture of the legendary Buddhist Kingdom. From a Dragon’s Dinner, a Bhutanese feast of fiery chilies and local spices, to archery and darts competitions, Amankora will host an array of activity for guests of all ages. For a more meaningful celebration, guests can partake in a Thunder Dragon blessing or the lighting of 108 butter lamps in iconic temples and monasteries in the valleys – the Tiger’s Nest in Paro, the Pangri Zampa Astrology School in Thimphu, Punakha Dzong, Gangtey Goempa and the Jambay Lhakhang in Bumthang.