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.