March, 2020. For over 30 years, Aman has stood for a unique way of life and hospitality in legendary destinations ranging from the shores of Phuket to the mountains of Bhutan and (soon) the streets of New York. After two years of intensive research and planning, Aman is once again taking a forward-thinking direction in the hotel industry with the launch of the Janu brand. The new sister brand promises the experience of harmony through the dynamic balance of opposing forces. While Aman is synonymous with "peace", Janu denotes the "soul"; Aman invites retreat, while Janu embodies connection; Aman offers a time-out in refined ambience, while Janu provides stimulating impulses and experiences to those seeking higher meaning and inner fulfillment. The brand's first properties will open in Montenegro, Saudi Arabia and Japan in the coming years.

A commitment to the guest experience as a top priority, rootedness in the culture of each destination, timeless yet distinctive design and last but not least, unmatched service is what connects Janu to its legendary sister brand. Building on this legacy, Janu takes a complementary approach where sincere interpersonal interaction, well-being and playful expressions become the lynchpin of the travel experience. Janu's goal is to create places that enable meaningful connections to align the heart and mind, and uplift the soul.

Janu: Where the soul comes to life

We all face the challenge of finding balance in our hectic, fast-paced modern lives. Incessantly we run after time while trying to walk a tightrope: We want to meet our daily obligations while striving for an optimal state of mind and body. The art of letting go and relaxing gets pushed into the background in such an endeavour. The concept of Janu is based on a notion of luxury in which personal fulfilment and pleasure are not mutually exclusive. This creates balance: between night and day, work and leisure, yin and yang. Dualisms determine our whole life. Janu aims to re-inspire the soul to find a dynamic balance between these opposing forces and thus bring about harmony.

Travellers are increasingly seeking the company of like-minded people, they crave meaningful experiences and want to develop a sense of their destination. Janu now meets this need with a contemporary concept of conscious travel. Interpersonal interaction, a dash of creative inspiration and socializing provide the perfect balance. The soul is nourished and the spirit is refreshed. Janu offers its guests only the very best, and in abundance - exceeding all expectations.

Vladislav Doronin, Chairman and CEO, has led the Aman brand to the top of the international hotel industry in line with his vision. Today, it is stronger than ever: Aman comprises 32 hotels in 20 countries, nine more under construction and more concrete plans. "Aman and its sister brand both benefit from the overlap in their concepts. At the same time, they complement each other and together offer a holistic solution to the fluctuating needs and desires of today's discerning global traveller. We have identified a white spot in the travel market, and we now want to open up new spheres for the hotel industry. Because in the fast and sometimes hectic pace of life in today's society, interpersonal relationships and communication are being redefined in the wake of digitalisation. We wanted to bring a hotel brand to life that has an inherent soul and that encourages genuine interaction again."Vladislav Doronin explains.

3 Janu hotel openings planned

Three new openings, construction of which has already begun, kick off Janu, namely in Montenegro (2022), Al Ula in Saudi Arabia (2022) and Tokyo (2022). More properties are in concrete planning. Janu Montenegro will be the first hotel to implement the concept of a "serviced residence", allowing guests to experience the full spectrum of the Janu lifestyle.

Space and light are at the heart of the timeless yet contemporary design of each Janu home, with an atmospheric ambience designed to encourage guests to connect with each other and others. The spacious guest rooms offer an oasis of tranquillity with character and sophistication, spacious bathrooms and exquisite furnishings. 

The communal areas of Janus are a dynamic and constantly evolving mix of restaurant, lounge and bar areas. In keeping with the culture of innovation that it aspires to, the gastronomic horizon, including the masterfully mixed drinks, is limitless. Janu uses a variety of methods that express the brand's holistic culinary vision, be it low-temperature cooking, fermentation or spectacular open kitchen or counter concepts that invite inspiring sensory experiences and convivial meals.

The focus is on experiencing social wellness for body, soul and spirit through stimulating group activities that celebrate the moment and life. The goal is not only to strengthen the body, but also to calm the mind. Consciousness-raising, dynamic training sessions on the one hand and calmer, mindful exercises on the other reflect that duality principle that can go hand in hand with balance and a holistic reorientation.