Since he acquired Aman Resorts and Hotels seven years ago, Vladislav Doronin has sought to expand its exclusive universe, which delights a die-hard fanbase the world over. But is there a risk to being everywhere?
It was a freezing day in New York City in March when I spoke to Vladislav Doronin, chairman of Aman Hotels and Resorts, who had arrived there in preparation for the opening of Aman New York, the brand’s second city- centre hotel after Tokyo and one of four urban properties housing its Aman-branded residences.
The past seven years have been a whirlwind for Doronin, who acquired Aman in 2014. At the time it was considered something of a controversial takeover, with bickering among creditors and investors. Since then, the 58-year-old Russian businessman and international real estate developer has made his own imprint on the brand, implementing changes that have raised the eyebrows of seasoned hoteliers and the global jet-set alike.