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Amanresorts to Open Second Property in China
November 8, 2009
Famed for its poetic beauty, Hangzhou is one of the seven ancient capitals of China, founded 2,200 years ago during the Qin Dynasty. Described by Marco Polo as "the city of heaven", today Hangzhou is still regarded as the most beautiful city in China due to its picturesque West Lake, countless pagodas, historic temples, botanical gardens, vast wetland areas and famous Longjing Tea plantations. The lively city itself retains the historic and cultural heritage for which it is renowned its silk and tea as sought after today as they were in centuries past.
Amanfayun lies hidden in a valley to the west of West Lake an historic site surrounded by fields, temples, groves of bamboo and densely forested hills. The property today consists of a remaining 47 stone courtyard dwellings that once housed villagers who tended the surrounding tea plantations. While the villagers have long since left, the fields still yield some of the finest green tea in China. Amanfayun lies within a pilgrimage circuit of five significant Buddhist temples, currently under review by UNESCO as both a cultural and religious heritage site.
Access to Amanfayun is by a narrow road which winds through the countryside. A pathway leads to the arrival building which in turn leads to the guest accommodations. Some village dwellings date back more than a century and have been constructed using traditional methods. Roofs are clay tile, whilst walls are constructed of brick, earth and lighter timber structures. Interior floors are stone tiles whilst aged stone pathways connect the lodgings. Running the full extent of the property is the Fayun Pathway. This is the villages main thoroughfare a stone pedestrian path that extends 600 metres. Most village accommodation, eateries, shops and public houses making up Amanfayun front the Fayun Pathway, which is open to the public and will be the atmospheric setting for vibrant seasonal festivals such as Spring Festival, Lantern Festival and the West Lake Pilgrimage Fair.
Amanfayun offers 42 rooms, suites and villas, of which sixteen are Village Rooms, nine are Village Suites, 12 are Deluxe Village Suites, four are Village Villas (featuring a duplex configuration with private double spa treatment rooms), and one is the Amanfayun Villa (comprising two king-size bedrooms, a courtyard and a private spa treatment room). Due to the unique nature of the structures, no two rooms are identical. Whilst respecting the integrity of the original village dwellings, all accommodations enjoy the comforts of radiant under-floor heating, air conditioning and Wi-Fi internet connections. All accommodations feature natural finishes, open-grain elm wood furniture including daybeds and dining suites, and dark wood Chinese lattice screens which separate the various living spaces. Fine calligraphy art pieces decorate the walls and a sound system with iPod option is available in all rooms (televisions are available on request). Most accommodation units open onto private or semi-private courtyards with informal outdoor dining and lounge areas.
The Restaurant is tucked away behind a grove of evergreens above the Fayun Pathway. This is the resort's main dining facility and the only outlet which serves Western cuisine. The menu features a number of classic international dishes, in essence offering guests comfort food. The Restaurant also houses The Bar suitable for informal dining. Located directly above The Restaurant is The Meeting Room. Featuring the latest audio visual equipment, it also offers two external terraces with sweeping views of the forest surrounding the village. This space can also be used as a private dining venue. The resort offers two more eateries set in dwellings fronting the Fayun Pathway. Adding a village ambience, these eateries are open to the public and offer traditional fare in simple, picturesque surrounds. The Village Eatery focuses on local Hangzhou specialties, and features an open kitchen and a terrace for al fresco dining. Further along the Fayun Pathway lies a homely Tea House, providing traditional tea service along with a variety of handmade sweet and savoury snacks. Amanfayuns very own Longjing (Dragon Well) Tea, grown in the surrounding tea fields, is also served.
Located in the centre of the village is the most commanding of all the original structures Fayun Place, which incorporates two stately courtyard houses. The lower level with its soaring ceilings and refined lattice work houses the resort's guest assistants, adept at introducing Hangzhou's many attractions. Also on the lower floor is a relaxed lounging area where light traditional snacks and tea are served. The upper level of Fayun Place contains a Cigar Room and informal sitting and reading rooms. The Library extends over both levels and features an interesting array of books and documentary DVDs (both in Chinese and English) on the history and culture of China.
Central to Amanfayun's status as a relaxing retreat is the resort's Aman Spa. Positioned at the northern end of the Fayun Pathway, the Aman Spa consists of five buildings set around tranquil courtyards and surrounded by bamboo groves, tea bushes and Magnolia trees. The Reception is the first building accessed from the Fayun Pathway via a shaded courtyard, and contains the spa library, lounge and consultation area. A wooden stairway leads to the second floor Reflexology Room for traditional foot massages. From the rear of the Reception building, a stone footpath leads to the rest of the spa houses.
The second building is the Bath House. This contains three treatment rooms that allow guests to relax alone or as a couple. Each treatment room features a circular wooden soaking tub, a steam room and double-seated showers. The building adjacent to the Bath House is the Movement Studio. This comprises two levels around a central courtyard shaded by twin Magnolia trees. Entry is via a reception area featuring a fresh juice bar. On the lower level and directly adjacent to the Yongfu Temple wall is a separate Tai Chi, yoga and meditation room. A fully-equipped gym is located directly across the courtyard. A stairway leads to the second level which houses the Aman Pilates Studio. Further along the stone footpath is the Finishing Salon where hair spa treatments, manicures, pedicures and waxing are offered.
The last two-storey structure within the spa complex houses the treatment rooms - three doubles and two singles. Each room features a changing area, steam shower and soaking tub. Massage and body treatments draw from traditional Chinese massage and reflexology, as well as from ancient Asian healing therapies. At the end of every treatment, guests are served fresh herbal tea in their own private relaxation area.
Adjacent to the Aman Spa is the Aman Boutique which carries a fine collection of antiques, jewellery and crafts, as well as an interesting display of silks the production of which has brought fame to Hangzhou for centuries. Guests interested in the city's role in the ancient silk trade can explore the silk streets of Xinhua and Jiankang in Hangzhous heart, now the largest silk wholesale and retail markets in China.
Other local attractions include seven Buddhist Temples and monasteries within walking distance of the resort. The most renowned of the temples is Lingyin Si or "Soul's Retreat". Founded in 326 AD, the temple at one stage housed 3,000 monks who worshipped in more than 70 halls. Although now reduced in size, it remains one of the ten most important temples in the country. Other notable temples in the area include the picturesque Yongfu Si (Temple of Goodness) and the three Temples of Tianzhu (the ancient Chinese name for India).
The scenic West Lake is a short drive from the resort. Covering eight square kilometres, it is surrounded by verdant hills. With its historic bridges, pagodas, islands and gardens, the lake can be visited at any time of the day, although it is at its most peaceful early in the morning. Guests of Amanfayun are privileged to have access to an historic pavilion on the shore of the lake where a number of boats are available to take guests to both well-known and lesser-known attractions. During the cooler months, a wonderful way to explore the lake shore is by bicycle.
Guests can also visit a number of other scenic attractions nearby. The Six Harmonies Pagoda was completed in 980 AD and towers 60 metres above the slopes of Moon Disc Hill. The National Tea Museum is just a few minutes drive from Amanfayun and explains the many fascinating aspects of tea cultivation and its importance in the history of China. Hangzhou itself is a treasure trove for shoppers and those interested in history alike. Qinghefang Street is a bustling, pedestrian-only boulevard offering traditional and contemporary Chinese wares some sold from century-old stores. Wulin Road and Si Ji Qing Market are other popular destinations for those in search of local bargains, while Wulin Square in the city centre is a hub of luxury brand stores showing the city's contemporary side.
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