This is the first city opening in the US from Aman, the lifestyle brand associated with super smart spas, exceptional service and no detail spared in design or craft. Now, it has managed to take the crown for the most expensive hotel in Manhattan, a bold move, but it has been pulled off with charm. There’s no sweeping lobby here, rather, an atmospherically lit entrance with two elevators that take you high up to the 14th floor. Staff seem to slip out from every hallway, there to help point you to your room, the inanely slick spa or high-tech gym (helpful as the signage is slightly lack and it can be hard to know where to go). But, once you get to where you’re going, you won’t want to leave. Rooms are enormous, with beds that melt and tubs that call your name. Where to eat? Two excellent spots that keep up with the pace of New York’s food scene. We loved Nama, a Washoku-focussed restaurant where adventurous folk come to nab one of the few seats at the hinoki wood bar for omakase. Sushi, sashimi and more intricate plates of savoury mochi are must-tries, as is the matcha tiramisu. In a neighborhood that can feel pretty dead after 5pm (don’t skip on shopping down 5th Avenue though), this is a big, zen-like exhale from the chaos, especially when you can while away hours in the oh-so cool jazz club.