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| John wanders along the verdant pathway that stretches the length of the Amanfayun resort. |
My partner, John, and I have been lucky enough to stay at some very amazing hotels during our far-flung adventures. We've slept in Indian palaces and shacked up in former forts and castles. We've kicked back in former Rockefeller summer camps in upstate New York and had the run of private islands with frozen drinks and water-spritzing staff at beck and call. And we have been fortunate to enjoy the unique experiences to be had at Amanresorts.
One of the world's most fabled hotels groups, Aman spans the globe and offers bespoke accommodations in unusual locations paired with a decidedly Asian sensibility and style. There’s a delicious Aman in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, with the most glorious swimming pool; the Aman in Turks & Caicos has dramatic sea-facing vistas; and the Aman in New Delhi is an urban sanctuary far from the city’s cacophony. And don’t even get me started on the delights of the Aman resorts in Bali.
During our recent stay in China, John and I were lucky enough to stay at two Aman properties. The first Aman we visited was the stunning Amanfayun, a traditional Chinese village of a resort that resides some 20 minutes from the hustle and bustle of cosmopolitan Hangzhou. Amanfayun sits cheek-by-jowl with the stunning Lingyin and Yongfu temples and offers a soothing, elegant respite that is far removed from city living. John and I loved wandering along the resort's cobblestoned paths and exploring the myriad courtyards—not to mention taking advantage of the Japanese-style soaking tubs at the resort's elegant spa. We set out to explore nearby Hangzhou, but we quickly returned to catch up on our reading and take advantage of Amanfayun's bucolic setting and soothing vibe before hightailing it back to the fast-paced life in Shanghai.
After our stay at Amanfayun, we certainly understand why Aman visitors quickly become, in industry lingo, Amanjunkies.
The Aman experience is sublime.
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| The gorgeous landscape that surrounds the Amanfayun property. |
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| The region around the resort is famous for its tea plantations that terrace up and down the hills. |
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