アマノイ、ベトナム
ヌイチュア国立公園とユネスコの生物圏保護区に囲まれた、緑豊かなベトナムの海岸線を望む場所に、アマノイは佇んでいます。ここはヴィンヒー湾を見下ろす自然の楽園です。
Where mountains meet
Where mountains meet
Pace slows as altitude heightens. The twists and turns become more frequent. Noise fades to a soft whisper, building the anticipation for what lies ahead — the mountain ascent a distinct departure from life in the valleys below. Arriving in the heart of the French Alps, Aman Le Mélézin appears through a cloak of snow, against a backdrop of soaring peaks and dense forests - an exceptional ski resort above the enchanting village of Courchevel 1850.
A four-storey sanctuary, Aman Le Mélézin serves as a guardian, standing tall on the Bellecôte Piste watching over those who ski by. Inside, Aman’s soft, Asian-inspired design DNA takes hold with modern Oak panelling, stone floors, and a palate of earthy textures bringing warmth in contemporary form, the vision of late architect Ed Tuttle. At its heart, a 100-year-old Bonsai takes centre stage, a book of stories of ski seasons past.
In early 2023, international photographer Chris Colls and his partner and model Alexandra Agoston embarked on a journey to Aman Le Mélézin. The stark beauty of its surrounds and the feeling of freedom found in its ether captured perfectly through their lens. A visual diary of their time spent in the comforting quietude of Les Trois Vallées.
“At an altitude of over 6,000 feet, the environment becomes less diverse with fewer details, textures, and colours. But even on the remotest of peaks, there’s a certain beauty found in its simplicity and a sense of peace found in the silence – this is what I wanted to capture.”
The sense of lightness found sweeping down the valley’s slopes is echoed in the resort’s Aman Spa. A subterranean retreat, a world away from the adventures above yet offering the same, soul-soothing experience. Moving between hydrotherapy pools, yoga studio and treatment rooms, spirits and senses are lifted - the perfect antidote to the alpine elements. By night, restoration takes direction in the form of nourishing Japanese cuisine and cocktails fireside, sharing tales of the day-gone-by.
“As with all the Aman’s we’ve visited, Aman Le Mélézin subtly showcases the essence of its home – the wonder of winter and the alpine spirit – without compromising on its own DNA. Despite its harsh environment, it echoes the Amans in warmer climes through the common thread of Aman service, intimacy and design.”
“My favourite time to shoot was at the break of dawn, when the first rays of sunlight illuminated the village, and an ambient glow engulfed the valley. In the stillness of morning, there’s an underlying energy of excitement for the promise of the day ahead and the enriching experiences it might hold.”
New York based fashion photographer, Chris Colls, developed his creative expression through his interest in photography, art, and architecture which he continues to pursue with a relentless passion. Chris’ imagery and artistic vision have contributed to internationally renowned fashion publications such as Interview Magazine & Vogue. He works with many established luxury brands, and his celebrity collaborations includes actors, musicians and models from across the globe.
Australian born model and artist, Alexandra Agoston, has graced the covers of Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar. After being scouted walking down the streets of Paris, Alexandra made her runway debut for Christian Dior by John Galliano. She has since worked alongside some of the industry's most respected creatives, as the muse of Jean Paul Gaultier and Comme des Garçon. Alexandra is an ambassador for Parley, an organization taking action to protect our oceans.
Chris and Alexandra split their time between New York and Paris.