"There’s no shortage of things to see and do in historic Kyoto, including Buddhist temples, Shinto shrines, and the cherry blossoms that burst to life each spring. But if you’re looking for a heartier dose of nature to complement your daily dose of culture, the Aman, set in the city’s northern suburbs, is where you want to check in. Surrounded by hilly woodland and criss-crossed by coursing streams and moss-covered paths, it feels worlds away from everyday stresses—and that’s the point. Once you withdraw from the city, you can relish the resort’s sublimely quiet, peaceful feel, exploring the forested slopes it shares with the nearby Kinkaku-ji Temple, or Temple of the Golden Pavilion, a protected UNESCO site, and strolling the property’s lush garden, where camellias bloom in winter and azaleas arrive in summer. Add to that meditation sessions with a zen Buddhist monk and the chance to dip into the mineral hot springs in the resort’s onsen bathing pools, and you’ll find a thoughtful, almost unexpectedly romantic trip that allows you both the chance to relax and regroup on your own terms." - CNT Editors, Betsy Blumenthal
