As autumn approaches across Asia and beyond, the new season brings with it a period of celebration and cherished tradition. From Mid-Autumn Festival to Silver Week, each occasion is an invitation to gather and reflect, treasuring precious time with loved ones. Across the Aman globe, these beloved holidays offer a gateway to deeper discovery, whether celebrating in the forested fringes of Shanghai at Amanyangyun or the spiritual heart of Japan’s Ise-Shima at Amanemu, each destination presents a collection of experiences designed to slow pace and encourage sharing the joys of the season together.
From 25-27 September 2026, Mid-Autumn Festival traditionally brings families and friends together under the full moon. At Aman’s destinations across China and beyond, the occasion is marked through fine dining, local craftsmanship and experiences that ground and reconnect guests with Mother Nature.
In the ancient city of Lijiang, Amandayan’s festive programme is centered around seasonal rituals with morning Tai Chi sessions giving way to afternoons spent savouring handmade mooncakes, and evenings sharing festive feasts and gathering around the fire for dancing under the stars. In addition, autumn sees the forests surrounding the resort transform, making way for wild mushroom foraging journeys that lead into the mountains of Wenhai or through the pine forests of Qihe. After summer rains, rare varieties of mushrooms emerge silently beneath the damp pine needles, waiting to be discovered by guests before being transformed into a hotpot lunch with a Naxi family or enjoyed in a spectacular tented setting on the forest’s edge.
At Amanfayun, near Hangzhou’s West Lake, seasonal celebrations take a more spiritual approach, surrounded by peaceful tea fields and rolling bamboo forest. Here, guests follow age-old pilgrimage routes to nearby temples and the spellbinding Lingyin Feilai Peak, or spend time immersing in tradition at Fayun Place, the resort’s own cultural centre. Until 16 October, its centuries-old timber halls provide the setting for Encountering Plumes: The Hundred Crane Album, a moving exhibition by artist Lu Shang that explores contemporary interpretations of Eastern aesthetics.
At Amanyangyun, on the verdant outskirts of Shanghai, seasonal experiences are centred around restoration and moments of togetherness. A limited-edition Afternoon Tea sees delicate sweet and savoury creations served alfresco alongside the soft strains of birdsong under dappled forest light. Meanwhile, the Family Escape offers another way to experience the season together, with cycling, tea tasting, wellness classes, child-friendly activities and more woven into a two-night stay designed for all generations. Those extending to three nights can also venture beyond the resort to explore an ancient water town in Shanghai’s surrounding countryside.
The perfect antidote to Mid-Autumn celebrations, the resort also offers a Luminous Renewal experience. Over the course of two or three nights, guests experience modern wellness technologies including a Mild Hyperbaric Oxygen Chamber, Infrared SPA Light Capsule and Dual-Frequency Red Light, creating a journey of seasonal restoration for body, mind and spirit.
On departure, guests are invited to take a piece of Mid-Autumn tradition home with them, through the resort’s 2026 Mooncake Giftbox inspired by the five-petalled begonia flower and the full moon. Crafted from natural birchwood, it contains five classic flavours and evokes the season’s enduring wishes for reunion and the Five Blessings, ideal as a souvenir or presented as a token of gratitude.
A celebration of the rituals that have long shaped Japan’s unique way of living, Silver Week is set to take place from 19–23 September 2026. At Aman Kyoto, a secret garden sanctuary just a stone’s throw from the city’s golden Kinkaku-ji Temple, Aman Kyoto’s traditional Tea House Senkutsu forms a special backdrop for practicing chanoyu, the Japanese Way of Tea. Rooted in the values of respect, and the country’s revered approach to hospitality, guests are invited to step away from the pace of everyday life and immerse in one of Japan’s most enduring expressions of mindfulness and connection. A choice of traditional or Western tea ceremonies is offered in the spectacular venue, ensuring guests from all backgrounds can experience a form of this gracious ritual.
Elsewhere, on the shores of Ago Bay, Amanemu offers a gateway to the spiritual landscape of Ise-Shima – no better place to discover the many facets of Japanese tradition. Here, guests are invited to visit Ise Jingu shrine with a local guide, spending time as a shrine parishioner and gaining insight into rituals that have been observed for centuries. Meanwhile, jewellery-making sessions reveal the region’s pearl cultivation past, while traditional craft workshops offer encounters with local artisans, revealing time-honoured techniques that have been passed down through generations. For those seeking time in nature, a contemplative waterfall meditation at Ama-no-Iwato or an evening spent stargazing with an expert guide offer moments of symbolic connection to the ancient landscape.
At Amansara, which reopens on 15 September 2026 following an extensive enhancement programme, Cambodia’s heritage takes centre stage. Designed to preserve the architectural legacy and royal heritage of the former Villa Princière, the enhancements introduce new accommodation categories, reimagined dining and social spaces, expanded wellness facilities and refined guest experiences throughout the resort. Highlights include the addition of private pools to five guest suites, the introduction of a new Junior Pool Suite and a Two-Bedroom Family Pool Suite, alongside refreshed interiors. One of the most notable additions is a new destination Bar, located within the room that originally served as an intimate dining space for King Sihanouk and the royal family between 1962 and 1965.
To experience the best of these additions, the Spirit of Angkor journey begins with a private exploration of the ancient temples accompanied by an expert guide, before returning to the resort for Afternoon Tea and continuing by boat across Tonlé Sap as the sun begins to set. Similarly, the Family Adventure Exclusive offers a four-night stay with excursions by bicycle to jungle temples and countryside Jeep adventures, combining the wonder of Angkor with a deeper exploration of the landscapes beyond the archaeological park.
Elsewhere, in Luang Prabang, Amantaka offers an intimate introduction to the spiritual heart of Laos. Here, guests can witness the centuries-old morning alms-giving ceremony firsthand from the resort’s front gate, wander through the UNESCO-listed Old Town or travel along the mighty Mekong River to the sacred Pak Ou Caves.
At the Aman Spa, traditional Lao healing practices inform bespoke journeys, offering another way to experience the value the country places on balance and wellbeing. Or, for deeper immersion, the Spiritual Laos experience combines a three-night stay with half-board and a series of soul-stirring experiences, including a 120-minute Baci Cleansing Journey and monk-led meditation, inviting guests to connect with the spiritual traditions of the destination.
Designed after a traditional village on the lip of the Ayung River Gorge, Amandari has long welcomed those seeking both reflection and exploration of Bali’s cultural heart. This autumn, via its Ubud Valley Trails, guests are invited to follow forest paths, crossing rice terraces and passing through villages on foot or by bicycle before reaching a hilltop overlooking the Ayung Valley. Here, a picnic breakfast is served, accompanied by live Rindik music alongside an introduction to the preparation of traditional Balinese snacks. The resort will also celebrate autumn with Flavour Beyond Boarders, a series of Friday evening dinners each celebrating a distinct culinary tradition – from regional Italian classics to refined Japanese cuisine – inviting guests to discover a new culture in every course.
Similarly, at Amankila on Bali’s verdant east coast, experiences showcase another side of the island’s natural beauty. Sunrise trips aboard traditional outrigger boats set out across the Lombok Strait before dawn, witnessing first light illuminate Mount Agung and the surrounding coastline accompanied by a light breakfast, while observing local fishermen at work, and sometimes even dolphins. By night, the Karangasem Royal Dinner offers a glimpse into the region’s royal heritage, with an exclusive evening at Ujung Water Palace accompanied by private dining inspired by Karangasem cuisine and accompanied by traditional music.
On Bali’s southernmost peninsula, Aman Villas at Nusa Dua offer luxury villas in lush tropical gardens, complete with private pools, chef and butler service for an Eden like stay. Cultural heritage is further explored through the resort’s Textile Drapery session – an intimate demonstration of how traditional woven textiles are worn without tailoring, followed by a private photo shoot. For a more relaxed expression of togetherness, the resort’s Beach Barbecue Dinners bring guests together on a dedicated beach, where a bespoke menu of fresh, seasonal and locally sourced ingredients is served on golden shores.
Further south, Amanjiwo continues to trace Indonesia’s past from its spiritual setting in Central Java. Through the new, Javanese Epicurean Journey, guests are invited to visit traditional markets before gathering ingredients in the resort’s organic kitchen gardens and preparing authentic dishes alongside Amanjiwo’s culinary team in a traditional Joglo (a Javanese wooden house). Elsewhere, the open-air Sasanaboga Jogloprovides a more intimate setting for dining on the flavours of abundant natural landscape.
For many, the season is nowhere better spent than by the water, where time slows and mind frees, leaving time to focus on connection and celebration. At Aman’s coastal retreats and in the remotest of island settings, autumn’s changing landscapes, cooler climes and fewer crowds make way for natural connection.
On the shores of Moyo Island, days at Amanwana are best spent journeying into Saleh Bay on a private boat excursion, where the opportunity to swim with Whale sharks in their natural habitat forms a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Guided by local experts, the encounter reveals the extraordinary marine life of Sumbawa. Meanwhile, back on land, a trek to Mata Jitu waterfall (also known as Barry’s Falls) leads deep into the tropical forest, where a series of spring-fed limestone pools provides a secluded place to swim and be grounded in Earth’s natural beauty.
Elsewhere, at Amanoi on the shores of Vinh Hy Bay, Nui Chua National Park forms the backdrop to traditional Mid-Autumn celebrations. The programme spans nightly themed beachfront dinners, mooncake workshops and traditional lantern making bringing the entire family together, while Rock Park treks, Vietnamese coffee and chocolate tastings and nightly stargazing offer close encounters with the surrounding landscape, recognised as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Through Extend Your Journey, guests are invited to slow the pace, with a complimentary night when staying four nights or more, alongside daily breakfast and return airport transfers.
Meanwhile, on the secluded shores of Aman’s private island in the Philippines, Amanpulo offers a true off-grid experience. Here, surrounded by the pristine waters of the Sulu Sea, secluded coves and hillside viewpoints provide otherworldly settings for group picnics and private dining. For those wishing to linger longer, Extend Your Stay offers a complimentary fourth night for every three, alongside daily breakfast and a range of island activities. Guests can also retreat into one of Amanpulo’s Villas, including residences with up to four bedrooms, creating space for families and friends to experience island living together.
At Amanpuri, Aman’s original home, private dining by the shore follows the same philosophy, with menus curated around fresh seasonal produce and served as skies shift for sunset over the Andaman Sea. For those seeking an all-encompassing family stay of three nights or more, the resort’s Villa Experience includes complimentary meals prepared by a private Thai chef, group movement classes, a 60-minute holistic massage for two and return airport transfers, allowing the villa to become a private base from which to experience Phuket at an unhurried pace. View their website here for more information.
