Introducing Amandayan and Hotel Tips from the Chic Collection
Amen to Aman
Yes! One of my favorite hotel brands is opening a new spot up in the UNESCO heritage town of Lijiang in China. It’s the Aman's third address in the PRC (there’s also one in Hangzhou and another in Beijing), and it looks mighty fine. Overlooking the Old Town from a nearby hillside, Amandayan is built around a preserved Wenchang Palace. Dating back to 1725, the surrounding courtyard sets the scene for the rest of the property, which incorporates aspects of the local Nakhi architecture. All of the 35 suites have been designed using locally sourced materials, such as Dongba wood and Yunnan pine, and all feature terraces that look out across the frosty mountains, including Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in the distance. Though it’s going to cost a pretty penny to stay here, the spot does have its perks: a luxurious spa, private 30-seat cinema and panoramic views of one of China’s most beautiful outposts.
Rooms from $6,196. 29 Shishan Rd., Gucheng District, Lijiang, China, (+86) 888-533-9999, www.amanresorts.com.
Ask an Expert
Nigel Bolding, founder and CEO of Chic Collection—a hotel curation platform highlighting over 100 luxury addresses—started the company in 2003 after penning "Mexicochic," a book about Mexico's classy indie hotel scene. Bolding tells Kate Springer about his favorite properties in Asia.
HK: What are some overlooked destinations in Asia?
NB: Sri Lanka and India. The latter still only attracts around 6 million visitors a year yet it is a world of surprises, culture, tigers, mountains, beaches, food and of course people. People either love or hate India, understandably. Sri Lanka on the other hand is “India lite.” Smaller and more manageable, great beaches, tea plantations, wonderful great value hotels. And now that peace has returned to the whole island, investment in infrastructure has restarted, making the whole country accessible.
HK: What hotels do you recommend in India?
NB: Sher Bagh in Ranthambore National Park is a gem: “Tented chic” at its most sublime, and adjacent to one of India’s best-managed tiger reserves. For the ultimate Rajasthan adventure start at The Lodhi in Delhi then to Oberoi Rajvilas in Agra to see the Taj Mahal from your shower, thence to Sher Bagh and back via Jaipur and the recently opened Rajmahal Palace.
HK: And in Sri Lanka?
NB: In Sri Lanka head to the beach and the wonderful River House in Balapitiya: just five rooms tucked away in a tropical paradise. Then head into the hills to the Heritance Tea Factory hotel before climbing Adam’s Peak to see the sunrise. It’s a grueling climb through the night but well worth it as the sun rises over the hills that sweep away in front of you. Just make sure you can head back to the pool, as the next day will be a complete write-off!
Choose your Hue
More food news for all you wandering gourmets: the picturesque La Residence Hotel and Spa in Hue, Vietnam, has just introduced a cool “Hue Food Trail” package, which includes a cycling tour to eight of the city’s best local noodle shops, stewed fish joints and hawker stalls. You will get to try some famously delicious Vietnamese staples, including bun bo Hue (Hue-style noodle soup), banh cuon thit nuong (fresh spring rolls) and banh beo (steamed rice cakes). The gastronomic outing is just the beginning: the package also includes a three-night stay as well as a hands-on cooking class on traditional Hue cakes. To top it all off? Guests also get to indulge in an authentic multi-course imperial feast fit for a Nguyen emperor.
From US$499 ($3,872) per person, available until Dec 20. 5 Le Loi St., Hue, Vietnam, (+84) 54-3837-475, www.la-residence-hue.com.
Have a query you need answered or a travel tip you’re keen to share? Email me at [email protected] or tweet @KateSpringer, #hktravels.
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