January 2010 will see Amanresorts’ second property in China, Amanfayun, welcoming guests to Hangzhou.

©Amanresorts - Amanfayun

Early next year, Amanresorts will launch its 24th property, Amanfayun. Named for a Tang Dynasty village which once inhabited the site, Amanfayun will offer guests a unique rural retreat on the outskirts of the historic Chinese city of Hangzhou, just a 20-minute drive from the city centre.

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.

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 massage treatment rooms), and one is the Amanfayun Villa (comprising two king-size bedrooms, a courtyard and a private massage 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.

©Amanresorts - Amanfayun

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.

©Amanresorts - Amanfayun

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 Hangzhou’s heart, now the largest silk wholesale and retail markets in China.

For more information visit : www.amanresorts.com

This entry was posted on Tuesday 15 December 2009 à 12 h 39 min and is filed under What's New in the Hotel Industry ?. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.