About the hotel
Amanfayun resort is near the village of Tianzhu, a 20-minute drive from the city of Hangzhou in China’s Zhejiang Province. Encompassing 35 acres and surrounded by tea fields, bamboo and natural forests, the resort’s interesting history and its distance from West Lake, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, make it a memorable discovery. The resort is on the grounds of a traditional Chinese village and maintains the historical footprint it held hundreds of years ago. Adding to this authentic history, large rock Buddha’s are carved into the natural escarpment and are quite a striking feature of the resort’s design.
The suite experience
Each of the 42 rooms has a different layout, with no two rooms identical in structure. Fine calligraphy art pieces decorate the walls while all rooms feature underfloor heating, air conditioning and internet connectivity. The 600-metre Fayun pathway is the main walkway through the resort and connects guest accommodation to all the main facilities the resort has on offer.
Dining
There are five restaurants in the resort, three of which are privately owned. The resort’s main eatery, The Restaurant, is the only outlet that serves Western cuisine, with a number of international “comfort food” dishes available. The Bar also lives within The Restaurant, serving pre- or post-dinner drinks and with a range of informal dining options.
Spa
The Aman Spa comprises five separate buildings with a fully equipped gym, a Tai Chi, yoga and meditation room, and a Pilates studio among the offerings. I decided to indulge in a signature Bamboo Massage that sees heated bamboo rolled over your body.
Highlights
The resort is incredibly peaceful and quiet. If you know the Aman brand, then this will not surprise you. You see very few guests and often you will just have yourself for company.
If you’d like to upgrade
The Amanfayun Villa has two king-sized bedrooms, each with an en suite and with a private sitting area attached to the master bedroom. There’s a courtyard and reading room, with a lounge and dining area, and a private massage room. The nightly rate includes a 60-minute spa treatment for four people, once per day. Rates start from CNY15,100 (about A$2,627) per night.
Insider tip
Make the most of your proximity to ancient Chinese historical sites and take a walk along the temple trail. Seven Buddhist temples and monasteries are within walking distance of Amanfayun, including the renowned Lingyin Si or Soul’s Retreat.