Amandayan, Lijiang

Amandayan is set on just over a hectare above the winding lanes of Lijiang Old Town – described by UNESCO as “an urban landscape of outstanding quality”.  The resort 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. 

Designed in the traditional architectural style of the Nakhi – the indigenous people of northwestern Yunnan and the ethnic group responsible for Lijiang’s historic prominence – Amandayan is housed in a series of dwellings with beautiful views,  arranged around peaceful courtyards.

LOCATION

Tucked into the northwestern corner of Yunnan Province, Lijiang is often referred to as one of the most beautiful places in China, provides the perfect base to explore the town, experience the many facets of the indigenous Nakhi culture and take in the region’s spectacular natural attractions including Tiger Leaping Gorge.

SUITES

The property presents 35 elegantly-appointed suites, many with beautiful views of Lijiang, the countryside surrounding the city and the snow-capped mountains on the horizon. 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, while most furniture is wooden, crafted from elm felled in the Dong Bei region. Graceful and elegant with clean, simple lines, it is contemporary in style yet still unmistakably Chinese. 

Set around peaceful courtyards, Courtyard Suites are 72 square metres and offer spacious bathrooms and comfortable living areas. Traditional materials and fabrics have been incorporated throughout, ensuring that the suites all convey a sense of place with subtlety and style. Deluxe Suites located on the first floor are also 72 square metres. Decorated in a similar manner to the Courtyard Suites, they offer large terraces with rooftop views of Lijiang Old Town, or, on the other side of Lion Hill, Lijiang New Town and beyond to the mountains. The Amandayan Suite is ideal for families or two couples travelling together, the two-bedroom Amandayan Suite is set on 440 square metres, and offers exceptional views as well as an expansive living area. 

HIGHLIGHTS

Amandayan’s facilities include a Chinese restaurant, Western restaurant, Tea House, Library, Meeting Room, Boutique, Cinema, an Aman Spa with a gym and Pilates/yoga studio, and a temperature-controlled swimming pool. The resort’s Chinese restaurant, Man Yi Xuan (“lingering peace”), includes four private rooms. Yunnan and Cantonese cuisines are served for lunch and dinner, with an additional dim sum menu on offer at lunch. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, The Lounge serves Western and Asian cuisines with an emphasis on seasonal produce. Organic meats, locally-grown vegetables and wild mushrooms all feature. The Tea House is set over two levels with views of Lijiang Old Town, and offers indoor and outdoor dining. In the afternoons, traditional Chinese and Western tea sets with savouries, cakes and pastries can be enjoyed alongside dim sum. Situated close to the Library and ideal for meetings or private functions, the Meeting Room can be arranged in a number of different configurations to seat up to 30.

The Aman Spa at Amandayan comprises six double treatment rooms, each with a relaxation area overlooking the swimming pool. There are also four wet-treatment areas for scrubs, wraps and certain massages. Two are reserved at all times for guests’ private relaxation. 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. Amandayan offers various options for fitness and recreation including a gym, a Pilates/yoga studio and a 20-metre, heated, outdoor swimming pool. Kids can enjoy Amandayan’s expansive private Cinema offering 30 reclining leather seats and a 42.5-square-metre screen.