Amanfayun

It’s hard to imagine a more peaceful setting than Amanfayun’s, surrounded by ancient bamboo groves and tea plantations. There’s even a monastery next door, so you can be certain that a serene atmosphere pervades this place.

Some of Amanfayun’s rooms date back over a century, and their design pays homage to their long history with traditional elements such as stone tiled floors and ceiling beams, blinds and screens carved from local dark wood. Village Suites are appointed with furniture traditional to the Jiangnang region, while Deluxe Village Suites and Village Rooms boast views over serene courtyards and the forest beyond. For extra privacy, go for Amanfayun’s villas, which are spread over two luxurious levels and afford views over the village and surrounding woodland.

With no fewer than five restaurants, serving a range of regional and international cuisine, there’s no reason to go hungry at Amanfayun. Start off the day at the Steam House, where congee porridge and Hangzhou-style soup are among the traditional Chinese breakfast items on offer, and enjoy a lunch of dim sum accompanied by locally grown tea at the Tea House. For dinner, head to Hangzhou House for traditional local recipes or the Vegetarian House for a range of meat-free treats – you may find yourself sitting next to one of the local monks here. Alternatively, if you’re missing home comforts, a range of Western dishes are on offer at the Restaurant.

In keeping with most Aman properties, Amanfayun is home to a truly indulgent spa, a beautiful space surrounded by tea gardens where a range of traditional Chinese and modern international therapies are on offer to help you relax. Treatments like the heated bamboo massage make use of the local environment, while tai chi is on offer in the adjacent meditation room.

Amanfayun sits near the shores of the serene West Lake, a site of great natural beauty which has long inspired writers and artists from across China and beyond. It’s a beautiful place to spend an afternoon walking around, crossing its wooden bridges to the islands, temples and monasteries which dot the water. It’s possible to visit the monks and join in with meditation in the seven monasteries here; you can also try your hand at traditional Chinese arts at the hotel, with calligraphy, tea rituals and Buddhism classes all on the agenda. Despite the hotel’s rural setting, the city of Hangzhou is within easy reach; be sure to check out Hefang Street, lined with silk traders.