Amanera (‘peaceful water’) is set on the idyllic north coast of the Dominican Republic.

Amanera (which means “peaceful water”) is set on the north coast of the Dominican Republic against a backdrop of the dramatic Cordillera Septentrional Mountain Range and rainforest. The stunning beachfront property offers breathtaking views of the ocean and Playa Grande Beach, and is located adjacent to the Playa Grande Golf Course.

The resort has 25 luxurious casitas positioned on the cliffs at the western end of Playa Grande Beach, all offering ocean views. Amanera also includes a Beach Club, main restaurant and lodge, library, cigar lounge house, boutique, and a heated outdoor swimming pool that overlooks the beach and ocean. Additional amenities include har-tru clay tennis courts, a state-of-the-art gym, and activities that range from kite surfing and whale watching to cacao tours, and more.

Aman Spa at Amanera is a jungle-cocooned clifftop sanctuary that is inspired by the shamanic healing traditions of the Taíno Indians. Its service menu combines the Caribbean’s plants and herbs with enriching natural blends from the Aman Skincare range. The spa’s holistic approach to fitness and well-being encompasses a menu of massages, facials, scrubs, and wraps, as well as transformative signature Spa Journeys to bring about lasting change.

We chatted with Pilar Fernandez, Spa Director of Aman Spa at Amanera, who shared insider tips, recommended spa treatments to try, and more:

Amanera is a 75-minute drive from the Puerto Plata Airport and is perched atop cliffs overlooking Playa Grande Beach and the ocean.

Why You’ll Love It: The deep stillness and the sense of healing that resides in the place, fully integrated and embraced by nature. Our guests find a natural sanctuary to look within and love the simplicity and authenticity in our treatments, truly honoring the local traditions. However, I believe the true imprint of the Spa cannot be seen but sensed through the humble nature and pure healing intention in the therapists’ souls and hands. As I always mention to them: Don’t aim to massage the person's body—sense with presence to create a space where heart and soul can be touched.

Amanera’s 25 casitas are positioned on the cliffs at the western end of Playa Grande Beach, all offering ocean views.

Key Features: Our treatment rooms have a very private and spacious bathroom with an indoor and outdoor shower in which we provide organic shampoo, shower gel, body lotion, conditioner, and soap carefully handmade by local artisans. Bamboo slippers and cotton bathrobes are made available for our guests’ comfort. Our spa also features an outdoor pool with a 180-degree view of the golf course and ocean.

Amanera also has a heated 40-meter outdoor swimming pool with views over Playa Grande Beach and the ocean.

Insider’s Tip: The main pillar of a true Spa should be built based on genuine therapists, free of ego with true intention and profound therapeutic touch. Educate them to fully embrace their own individual talent and in developing the art of perception and listening. Nurture them in the compassionate way and in the same way they will nurture their guests. I also believe in nature and its forces as a source of real healing and always rely on it to be the core of the treatments.

Aman Spa is ajungle-cocooned clifftop sanctuary where guests can enjoy an array of treatments, including outdoor massage areas with panoramic views.

Snacks Served: Freshly made from our medicinal herbal nursery, the Amanera Welcome Tea is offered prior to all treatments during the foot ritual to strengthen the whole body and induce tranquility. After the experience in our relaxation lounge, our guests also enjoy a powerful anti-inflammatory remedy made with ginger, clove, and cinnamon to restore energy and shield against infection.

The spa has three double treatment rooms and two Beach Spa cabanas.

Bonus: Honoring the Aman Spa tradition, before every treatment our therapists provide a foot ritual allowing the guest's mind to step into stillness, creating the sense of connection, and understanding the physical and emotional needs. We offer a wide selection of medicinal herbal remedies freshly made from our Spa nursery and carefully selected for the potency and therapeutic effects. Four Remedies prelude each Lunar Signature Ritual: New, Waxing, Full, and Waning Remedy formulated to empower the therapeutic purpose and induce the self-healing.

All spa treatments feature Aman Skincare products made from raw natural ingredients from around the world and inspired by the varied landscapes of Aman destinations.

Unique Treatment: Full Moon, one of our Amanera Signature Rituals. Our signature treatments are inspired by the influencing forces of each lunar cycle, empowered by herbal medicinal remedies and harmonizing the body energy centers with Larimar, a unique stone, only to be found in La Hispaniola island. This rare blue gemstone embodies the gentle energy of water and has a strong energetic connection with the moon. The full moon is a phase of fullness with heightened psychic awareness that allows the healing of physical and emotional blocks. For that reason, a synchronized four-hand massage is provided to empower the energy and align the mind-body to balance the effects of these influencing forces. It is a unique ritual to tune in with the natural rhythms to expand your perception and to magnify your senses.

Amanera’s holistic wellness program includes customized yoga sessions at sunrise and/or sunset, and more.

Insider’s Favorite: New Moon Ritual–The Beginning. “The beginning” is a word with very profound significance in many aspects of life and self. This ritual is drawn in a way that is true to the spirit of the destination. The new moon is a great time to gain clarity, establish the roots of desire; this is the purpose of the journey for many of our guests. Beginning with the smudging ceremony of Palo Santo, a "holy wood" used by healers in cleansing and purification rituals since ancient times, allowing space for purity and peace for a new beginning. The Ruda, our most mystical master plant, assists in the healing process in an ointment form along with a ground hot stone massage. Concluding the ritual harmonizing your root energy center with the healing touch of Larimar stone.

Splurge Treatment: Grounding Journey (180 minutes), one of the three pathways of our Aman Signature Journeys. Honoring the ancient Tibetan traditions through grounding the body and mind. Encompass the entire body and head beginning with the Scrub & Wrap Ritual, followed by the Massage and ending with the Face Ritual. Some of the key ingredients are amethyst powder, butters, and essential oils such as sandalwood, vanilla, and amber. Our guests feel muscles and joints release, quiet minds, and nurtured skin.

The resort’s position at the meeting point of tropical jungle, the ocean, and golden sand provides innumerable possibilities for exploration and adventure.

Featured Products: As in all the Aman Spas, we feature our Aman Skincare products made from raw natural ingredients from around the world and inspired by the varied landscapes of Aman destinations. Formulated into three pathways: Grounding, Nourishing, and Purifying to bring tangible physical benefits and emotional balance. Also, we have a rich selection of handmade virgin oils from local artisans that embody the essence of this tropical destination.

For more information and to book a treatment, visit the website and follow them on Instagram: @amanera

[Images courtesy of Amanera]