Aman Tokyo vs The Retreat at Blue Lagoon Iceland
Aman vs Independent — side-by-side hotel comparison
The Hotel Flock Verdict
Aman Tokyo scores 9.5 overall; The Retreat at Blue Lagoon Iceland scores 9.8. The Retreat at Blue Lagoon Iceland scores higher on our rubric, while Aman Tokyo has more dining venues, while Aman Tokyo lists more room categories, while Aman Tokyo lists more spa facilities.
Scores & Facts
| Metric | Aman Tokyo | The Retreat at Blue Lagoon Iceland |
|---|---|---|
| Hotel Flock Score | 9.5 | 9.8 |
| Location | 9.6 | 9.9 |
| Service | 9.6 | 9.8 |
| Design | 9.8 | 9.9 |
| Dining | 9.0 | 9.7 |
| Value | 7.8 | 8.6 |
| Category | City | Countryside |
| Tier | Ultra-Luxury | Ultra-Luxury |
| Opened | 2014 | 2018 |
| From | $1,100/night | €1,600/night |
| Rooms | 84 | 62 lava-view suites |
| Architect | Kerry Hill Architects | Basalt Architects / Design Group Italia |
Dining
| Metric | Aman Tokyo | The Retreat at Blue Lagoon Iceland |
|---|---|---|
| Dining Venues | 5 | 2 |
Rooms
| Metric | Aman Tokyo | The Retreat at Blue Lagoon Iceland |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 6 | 2 |
| Suite / Villa Types | 4 | 2 |
Spa
| Metric | Aman Tokyo | The Retreat at Blue Lagoon Iceland |
|---|---|---|
| Spa Programme | Yes | Yes |
| Spa Facilities Listed | 5 | 4 |
Good to Know
Aman Tokyo
- Musashi by Aman is the hardest reservation in the hotel by far — request it when you book your room, not after arrival, given how few counter seats it holds each night.
- Aman Tokyo shares its Kerry Hill design lineage with Aman Kyoto and Amanpuri; guests who know either property will recognise the material language immediately.
- Otemachi is a business district that empties out on weekends and after dark — quiet in a way that suits the hotel's register, but plan an evening in Ginza (a five-minute taxi) if you want street-level energy.
- The onsen-style spa pool is naturally lit and genuinely rare for central Tokyo — worth booking a treatment around daylight hours rather than in the evening.
The Retreat at Blue Lagoon Iceland
- Private airport transfers, estate activities, and bespoke guided excursions can be pre-arranged via the concierge.
- Book private thermal spa sessions and Michelin-starred tasting tables well in advance.
- Pack warm layers and outdoor country footwear for estate walks and nature adventures.
Summary
The Retreat at Blue Lagoon Iceland scores higher on our rubric, while Aman Tokyo has more dining venues, while Aman Tokyo lists more room categories, while Aman Tokyo lists more spa facilities.