Super Luxury Resort Embraces Natural History

Aman resorts now have 22 locations across the globe. The first of these was Amanpuri, in Thailand and it set a very high benchmark.

Amanyara, the luxury resort on the Turks and Caicos Islands, has just opened a new Nature Discovery Centre giving guests of all ages the opportunity to learn more about the island’s marine environment and exotic plant and animal life. Suddenly, this is more than a very special luxury holiday resort.

The new Discovery Centre is run by Lindsay Mensen, who has been working as a naturalist in the Turks & Caicos Islands for four years. She has developed a series of nature programmes in conjunction with the American Museum of Natural History
exclusively for guests of the resort. All naturalist programmes are complimentary for guests at Amanyara.

Children aged between three and fourteen can get involved with marine and terrestrial research expeditions, dissections, specimen collection and scavenger hunts.

Morning and afternoon sessions for children include beach walks to search for sea glass, corals and ancient conch shells and to learn about the animals and plants along the shoreline. There is also a pirate treasure hunt, where the history of the Pirates of the Caribbean is recounted and a trip to discover turtle nesting sites. Indoor activities include fish printing – an ancient Japanese art form and for older children there are kayaking expeditions.

For adults, Lindsay organises eco hikes along coastal trails to see indigenous and endemic plant and animal species. Guided kayaking and snorkelling are also available to explore the marine life around the island and learn about the ocean waves, currents and tides.

A night at super luxury resort Amanyara costs from £779 per night in a Pavilion. The price includes airport transfers, non-motorised watersports, daily snorkel trips, tennis lessons, yoga classes, drinks, afternoon tea and telephone calls.

It also includes educating the next generation in nature and eco issues in a truly unique and compelling fashion, and you cannot put a price on that.