A Contemporary Sanctuary Rooted in Thai Heritage

Conceived by renowned firm Denniston Architects under the direction of Jean-Michel Gathy, Aman Nai Lert Bangkok is a retreat deeply rooted in the storied legacy of Nai Lert, Bangkok’s pioneering developer and the historic park that it lies in. Seamlessly integrating space, nature and light – which is core to Aman’s design ethos – the hotel presents a sanctuary that feels both timeless and grounded in the present.

“Nai Lert’s rich heritage provided an incredible foundation for this project. Our goal was to honour this legacy and Thai culture in a modern, timeless way alongside Aman’s renowned design DNA, developed over three decades,” said Gathy, Principal of Denniston. “Throughout, we integrated details of the park and its heritage home with contemporary interpretations, creating a palette that made sense within this context and the tapestry of influences.” 

Denniston, with interior design lead David Schoonbroodt, sought to use tone-on-tone colours and sparse accents to create a place of calm that is emblematic of the brand’s peaceful ethos yet still provides functionality. The design incorporates a mix of contemporary pieces and custom-made products, inspired by antiques and made by local artisans. With each piece of furniture made specifically for the property by the Denniston team, the idea was to create more feminine, curve-shaped and lighter-toned furnishings to bring contrast to some of the dark and more masculine design accents.

Local Thai stone supergenti is used throughout, including in elongated tiles with a pattern that echoes the elegance of the home’s original timber flooring. In addition, the use of vented ceilings showcases a contemporary approach to the intricate roof details found in the historic space. Artwork is a significant part of the interior’s narrative, all of which is complemented by lighting. Local artistry plays a central role in each work, with Paris-born, Bangkok-based art designer Martin Gerlier working closely with Denniston for each area and tasked with creating a layered collection of bespoke pieces. During the curation process, Gerlier worked with several Thai craftsmen, imbuing the hotel with local flair.

At the entrance, metal panels entwined with greenery and lines of trees join to meet a layered, wave-like roof canopy carved to provide shade

A lush, green buffer at the hotel’s entrance offers immediate respite from the city. A wave-like roof canopy and tree-lined path set the tone for the tranquil experience within. In the main lobby, a gold-and-black artwork references Bangkok’s waterways, complemented by a locally made desk crafted from painted straw. 

Once inside, spaces unfold with a careful balance of openness and intimacy, mirroring the grandeur of natural landscapes while preserving personal, private areas. Rising through a triple atrium stands a 12-metre-tall tree sculpture inspired by the century-old Rain Tree in Nai Lert Park. Adorned with over 6,000 gold leaves, the structure rises from a black pond, transitioning from gold at the base to near-ebony at the top. Floating lanterns and gold leaves reflect on the water, creating a mesmerising atmosphere. The lobby area also features a striking installation of over 3,000 spinning tops, adding texture and warmth against a series of bronze and stone desks. Arranged to form the silhouette of the Thai numeral one (๑), symbolising greatness, the piece celebrates Thai culture with a nod to the hotel’s address, 1 Soi Somkid. On the 9th floor, restaurant Arva is defined by its fluid spatial layout. Six distinct dining zones are articulated by handwoven screens and carefully layered lighting. At its heart, an open kitchen glows beneath a wooden lattice, recalling the form of a traditional lantern.

1872 Bar

The lounge, 1872, draws inspiration from nature, featuring lamps shaped like branches and leather clouds crafted by Chiang Mai artisans. Lighting that mimics shifting cloudscapes adds a kinetic energy to the room, inspired by Thailand’s shadow puppet theatre traditions.

At the pool, automatic screens at the entrance are elevated using a graphic of sheer material, printed inside the glass, giving the impression of a woven door yet providing a more practical solution. On the terrace surrounding the pool, floor-to-ceiling columns create private spaces, and a lattice shade arched above the shallow end of the water creates further exclusivity, filtering light in a spectacular way during sunrise and sunset. With rattan accents on furniture evoking woven baskets, and day beds in the water, the area has a laid-back yet sophisticated feel for dining and taking in the views.

Elsewhere, teak boat sculptures adorn the walls, paying homage to Nai Lert’s pioneering role in maritime craftsmanship. A formidable challenge to the design of this space was how to achieve an exceptional feeling of space and light as well as preserving a central feature, the 100-year-old Rain Tree. The solution was to create a courtyard that frames the root of the tree, while an open ellipse void through the edifice allows the trunk and branches to remain in their natural place.

Panels behind each bed made from banana bark of different hues, are inspired by the sloping curves of the Thai rooves

The premier south facing suite

On the 10th floor sits the Aman Spa & Wellness centre. Here, the signature stone floors are found in a lighter hue, speaking to a sense of calm attributed to physical, spiritual and mental wellbeing. Adding to the feeling of lightness, textured clouds adorn many of the walls. In the Fitness Centre, hand-painted illustrations of Thai boxing movements adorn canvas-covered walls. Guest suites, arranged around three double-height atriums, each offer a distinct immersive experience – from zen gardens to bamboo forests. Interiors feature panels of banana bark echoing traditional rooflines, while textured wall art in plaster and resin reflects the riverbanks of the Soi. Bedside tables in local stone take on sculptural forms, and the minibar is concealed in traditional Thai cabinetry accented with ceramic tiles imprinted with burnt rice. The Aman Suite on the 18th floor frames panoramic park views with bespoke art and flexible spaces. Sliding doors allow for both intimacy and social hosting, with a wheeled fireplace adding adaptability. Coconut shell installations and framed wallpaper reinforce the suite’s artistic character. 

The 19th-floor Aman Club channels a Japanese aesthetic in honour of Aman’s properties in the region. Red bonsai trees and kimono sculptures offer bold visual moments, while textured metal, bamboo and copper-threaded fabric screens provide both elegance and privacy. At restaurant Hiori, hammered bronze tiles tell the story of the Soi River, while light wood elements create visual contrast against dark flooring. The Cigar Bar, with its heady scents of walnut and cinnamon woods, features tortoiseshell shelving and woven rugs that echo basketry traditions.

Aman Nai Lert Bangkok’s design transforms Thai tradition into a sanctuary that bridges the gap between old and new, where Aman’s DNA of harmonious design and generosity of space converges with Bangkok’s art, heritage and craftsmanship. 

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