March 16, 2015: Aman Hotels and Resorts have opened their third property in China, Amandayan, in the fabled city of Lijiang. Set on a hillside above the UNESCO-protected Old Town, the property draws its name from the Sanskrit-derived word for ‘peace’ and ‘Dayan’, the historic name for Lijiang when it was first established by the ruling Mu family in the 13th century.
The property is made up of traditional courtyard buildings and presents 35 spacious suites with terraces and views of Lijiang, the countryside surrounding the city and the snow-capped mountains on the horizon including the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, considered one of China’s most scenic peaks. The courtyards each offer between five and eight suites, making them ideal for families and groups.
The design of Amandayan was inspired by its setting, embracing style elements from traditional Nakhi architecture. Suites are decorated with materials and fabrics from the region, including Yunnan pine from Shangri-La, striking Nakhi embroidery and elaborate Dongba wood carvings of flowers, birds and other nature motifs. Stone floors gently reference the resort’s proximity to the mountains. Amandayan’s furniture is crafted from elm felled in the Don Bei region. Graceful and elegant with clean, simple lines, it is contemporary in style yet unmistakably Chinese.
A special part of the resort is the carefully preserved Wenchang Palace located on the property and set in a traditional courtyard dating back to 1725. The courtyard features hundred-year-old trees and ornate carvings and colourful paintings along the rooftops and buildings. The Palace was used as the examination hall for scholars taking the entrance examinations to enter the Chinese civil service.
Amandayan’s dining options offer a wide choice for all palates. The Lounge is open throughout the day and serves Western and Asian cuisines featuring local organic produce. Open for lunch and dinner, Man Yi Xuan is dedicated to Yunnan and Cantonese cuisines, using the freshest seasonal organic ingredients. An additional dim sum menu is on offer at lunch. Offering indoor and outdoor settings, the Tea House serves traditional Chinese snacks and tea with mesmerising views over the Old Town. It is also open in the evenings for cocktails and aperitifs.
Amandayan’s spa comprises six spacious treatment rooms, each with a separate relaxation area. The two double wet treatment rooms have heated stone tables, steam rooms, shower areas and round wooden bathtubs. The extensive spa menu draws on the wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine while offering the natural benefits of Aman Spa’s own chemical-free range of skincare products. Locally inspired treatments include the Tui Na massage which helps improve movement and flexibility through yoga-style stretches and acupressure techniques. The 20-metre outdoor swimming pool is heated year round. The resort also offers a Pilates/yoga studio and a large gym complete with the latest Technogym equipment.
Other facilities include the Library, in the atrium of the reception building, which is lined with books on local history, geography and Nakhi culture. There are also meeting room facilities adjacent to the library and a state of the art private cinema, the only one in Lijiang, which offers seating for 30.
For further information and reservations please visit: www.amanresorts.com/amandayan
