Visit the World's Cultural Landmarks with Aman

CHINA Beijing • Cultural Landmarks

Just steps from the East Gate of the Summer Palace grounds lies Aman at Summer Palace – the ideal location from which to discover Beijing and its numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These include the Great Wall, Forbidden City, maze-like hutongs, Temple of Heaven, and of course, the Summer Palace itself. Sharing a wall and private entrance with the resort, this 290-hectare garden estate was the favourite retreat of the Empress Dowager Cixi. Its magnificent lake freezes over in winter – a particularly atmospheric time of year to visit the capital. The resort's full-service Aman Spa is part of a 5,000-square-metre, underground recreational facility which also includes a cinema and heated swimming pool.

CHINA Hangzhou • Village Life

Beautiful natural surrounds and a unique cultural heritage come together in the tranquil village setting of Amanfayun. Situated on the outskirts of Hangzhou, a city renowned for its tea and silk, Amanfayun's 14 hectares lie adjacent to a pilgrimage circuit of seven historic Buddhist temples. The most famous is Lingyin Temple or ‘Soul's Retreat', founded in 326 AD. Another attraction nearby is the UNESCO World Heritage Site of West Lake with its graceful bridges and pagodas set amongst beautiful gardens. The resort offers an expansive Aman Spa designed around five stone courtyards. Surrounded by bamboo and magnolia trees, it includes a Bath House, Reflexology Room, Pilates Studio, gym and swimming pool.

INDONESIA Central Java • Ancient Sanctuary (pictured at top)

Situated in Indonesia's cultural heartland, Amanjiwo overlooks the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Borobudur, one of the best-preserved ancient monuments in the world. The 9th-century Buddhist sanctuary features 1,460 stone relief panels and 504 life-size Buddha statues, each sculpted from a single stone. Amanjiwo provides an ideal base for discovery in Central Java – allowing guests to explore the region's unique culture, centuries-old temples, vibrant markets, natural beauty and colourful festivals. Personalised excursions can be arranged by car or by bicycle, atop an elephant, on horseback or in an andong, the horse carts used daily by local villagers.

ITALY Venice • Romance

Built on water, steeped in history and synonymous with romance, Venice is a fabled destination with a glorious past. Once a major power in the Mediterranean, today this Northern Italian city and its lagoon are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Home to Piazza San Marco and Saint Mark's Basilica, it is the Grand Canal which is Venice's most iconic feature. It is in one of the gracious old palazzos overlooking this magnificent thoroughfare that Aman Canal Grande is housed. In winter, guests can discover the city's treasures without the summer crowds. At this serene time of year, Venetians reclaim their city and celebrate the festive season in joyous Italian style.

LAOS Luang Prabang • Spiritual Heritage

Nature, spirituality and a regal history come together in Luang Prabang to create a place ripe for discovery. Situated between the Mekong and Khan Rivers, the town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with more than 30 golden-spired temples and beautiful French Colonial buildings, as well as colourful markets, boutiques and riverside cafes. Amantaka lies in the heart of the town, just south of Mount Phousi which offers picturesque views of the town and its breathtaking surrounds from its peak. The saffron-robed monks of Luang Prabang dedicate themselves to Buddha's teaching in this historic centre of learning, and contribute to the air of serenity that pervades the peninsula.

MONTENEGRO Villa Miločer • Stately Home

A land of snow-capped mountains and verdant forests where ancient monasteries and imposing stone churches speak of centuries past, Montenegro is one of the Mediterranean's hidden gems. On its coastline lies the iconic island of Sveti Stefan, and across the bay, the storied eight-suite manse of Villa Miločer which remains open through the winter. Originally the summer residence of Queen Marija Karađorđević, the great-granddaughter of Queen Victoria and the Queen Consort of King Aleksandar of Yugoslavia, Villa Miločer was completed in 1936 and has been elegantly restored. The Villa offers personalised excursions to scenic and cultural attractions, including visiting the old towns of Budva, Cetinje and Perast, discovering peaceful Skadar Lake and exploring the Bay of Kotor, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

SRI LANKA Galle • Living Fortress

In the historic port of Galle, Amangalla sits within the ramparts of the 17th-century Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A leisurely stroll through the Fort's bustling streets reveals colonial buildings still in use today. These include the Dutch-era Groote Kerk, the Governor's house, spice warehouses and the lighthouse. At day's end, residents stroll the seawall or gather on the ramparts to chat, fly kites and play cricket. Beyond the Fort, excursions to temples and tea plantations offer insight into the region's rich culture and natural beauty.

TURKEY Bodrum • Classical Ruins

The Aegean region of Turkey offers classical history and natural beauty in equal measure. Through its magnificent ruins, the region tells a story spanning 5,000 years of Greek and Roman history. Amanruya is located on the northern coast of the Bodrum Peninsula in Mandalya Bay, and can arrange excursions to take in such fabled ruins as the UNESCO-protected city of Ephesus, built in 1,000 BC and one of the greatest ruined cities in the western world. Other major sites nearby include Didyma with its 7th-century Temple of Apollo, Miletus, Priene, Herakleia and Labranda, amongst many others. Spring is an opportune time of year to explore these ruins under crisp blue skies without the crowds.

Visit website: https://www.aman.com/