Amandayan
Lijiang

Amandayun is one of Ampersand's Top 10 Aman Resorts in Asia.

Aman’s third venture into China, Amandayan is situated in the very heart of the fabled city of Lijiang Old Town (Dayan is the historic name for Lijiang when it was first established by the ruling Mu family in the 13th century) in the north western corner of Yunnan Province. Renowned as one of the most beautiful places in China, the UNESCO world heritage site is famous for its intricate system of canals and bridges. From Amandayan’s central perch, atop Lion Hill, there are especially good views over Lijiang Old Town, particularly from the teahouse and outside the Chinese restaurant.

Arranged around peaceful courtyards, the 35 suites are a study in elegance and understatement by celebrated designer Jaya Ibrahim. The wood panelling and architectural style is inspired by the traditional style of the indigenous Naxi tribe. The effect is something like an immaculate alpine lodge with Tibetan motifs and lattices.

Besides a two-story tea house and a boutique cinema, there is both a Chinese and a Western restaurant. The Chinese restaurant, Man Yi Xuan serves Yunnan and Cantonese cuisines, whilst The Lounge serves Western and Asian dishes with an emphasis on seasonal produce. Make sure to try the exquisite 20-metre heated outdoor swimming pool that is framed within a delicate wooden courtyard. And of course, the signature Aman spa offers a range of spoiling treatments blending western massage with elements of traditional Chinese medicine.

We recommend taking the half an hour (unguided) walk to the stunning Black Dragon Park. For those affected by altitude sickness please ask the front desk for oxygen canisters which they will be happy to provide.

>> Read our blog: Reporting back from Amandayan, in Lijiang, China

To my mind, the greatest reward and luxury of travel is to be able to experience everyday things as if for the first time, to be in a position in which almost nothing is so familiar it is taken for granted.
Bill Bryson