Description
Hidden in a picturesque valley, the historical Amanfayun was established during the Tang Dynasty and is comprised of 47 dwellings that originally housed villagers who tended the nearby tea fields. This secluded retreat is only a 20-minute drive along bamboo and tree-lined avenues from the centre of the bustling city of Hangzhou.
Amanfayun offers 42 rooms, suites and villas located within the property and due to the unique nature of the structures, no two rooms are identical. Choose from Village Rooms, Village Suites or Deluxe Suites, some of which are spread over two floors or have their own private double massage rooms. For those seeking maximum space, the capacious Village Villas offer just that and the 2-bedroom Amanfuyan Villa with its private courtyard, dining room and lounge is perfect for families.
The Aman Spa provides a tranquil retreat for relaxation and rejuvenation and the mix of restaurants offer a fantastic choice of cuisine from steamed dumplings to Western dishes for those missing the taste of home.
Once described by Marco Polo as “The City of Heaven”, Hangzhou is still today regarded as the most beautiful city in China due to its tranquil West Lake, countless pagodas, historic temples, botanical gardens and vast wetland areas and there is plenty for guests to see and do while based at this extraordinary hotel.
Accommodation
Without compromising the integrity of the dwellings, all 42 of the rooms, suites and villas enjoy the comforts of under floor heating, air-conditioning, internet, televisions and sound systems with iPod connectivity but also recognise traditional features such as lattice work, lanterns and fine calligraphy art pieces. Most rooms open to private or semi-private courtyards with informal outdoor dining and lounging areas. There are 16 Village Rooms, 9 Village Suites, some of which have separate sitting rooms, twin writing desks or daybeds, 12 Deluxe Village Suites, some spread over 2 floors and some with the addition of their own private massage rooms, 4 voluminous Village Villas over two floors with private massage rooms and the two-bedroom Amanfuyan Villa with private courtyard, expansive lounge with dining area and private massage room.
Childcare
Children are welcome at Amanfuyan but there are no specific facilities available to them except for babysitting which can be arranged on request.
Facilities
'The Restaurant' is tucked away behind a grove of evergreens and offers Western cuisine and has a bar for drinks and casual dining. The Tea House has a traditional tea service as well as snacks, Hangzhou House serves simple local meals, the Vegetarian House offers vegetarian temple food and the Steam House specialises in homemade dumplings. There is an extensive library, boutique, cigar room, 20m outdoor heated pool and the Aman Spa's treatments draw from traditional Chinese massage and reflexology, as well as from ancient Asian healing therapies.
Activities
On occasion Amanfuyan hosts informative talks and presentations on topics ranging from Buddhism and Chinese art, to regional cultural practices, tea rituals, Traditional Chinese Medicine to name a few. Guest Assistants are on hand for anything that is needed, within the hotel or in the surrounding area where there is much to see. There are seven temples and monasteries within walking distance of the hotel and Hangzhou's West Lake is great for boat trips or cycling round. The Six Harmonies Pagoda and Tea Museum are also all well worth a visit.
When to travel
There are four distinct seasons in Hangzhou. Summers tend to be hot and humid, while winters are cool to cold, cloudy and mostly dry with occasional snowfall. Spring and autumn enjoy mild and mostly warm weather. Temperatures range from 2°C - 8°C in January, to 25°C - 33°C in July.
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Location and directions
Hangzhou, China
Situated on 14 hectares to the west of West Lake, on the outskirts of Hangzhou. Just a 20-minute drive from the city centre, Amanfayun features the original village layout, with a 600-metre main thoroughfare, the Fayun Pathway.
How to get there
Amanfayun is approximately a 50-minute drive north of Hangzhou Airport. The airport is serviced by both domestic and international flights. International flights operate daily between Hangzhou and Hong Kong, Macau, Taipei, Seoul and Singapore. Access from Shanghai is either by car (approximately three hours) or by fast train (45 minutes).
