Though many hotels like to describe themselves as ‘sanctuaries’, it’s hard to make a convincing claim when situated in the heart of a highly populated city. This isn’t the case for Amanyangyun, however: Situated on the outskirts of Shanghai, this 10-hectare resort is a retreat in every sense of the word.
Upon arrival, guests can watch a short documentary on the hotel’s origins and background. Although skeptical, we left the theater feeling inspired and moved. The man behind it all was the hotel’s owner, Ma Dadong, a philanthropist and entrepreneur from Jiangxi province in southern China. In the early 2000s, he set about saving over 10,000 ancient camphor trees and several antique houses from destruction in his hometown. Fifteen years and more than 400 miles later, these would find a new home on the grounds of Amanyangyun.
This story is more than just an elaborate publicity stunt, it sets the context for each guest’s experience at the resort. From the design and art on display to a restaurant serving lesser-known regional cuisine and cultural immersion classes, Amanyangyun is steeped in southern Chinese tradition and history, which defines this location’s concept. For anyone wishing to escape the crowds and get a taste of China’s fascinating culture, this destination hotel is perfect for a short getaway.
The lobby at Amanyangyun / ©Aman
Stay
Amanyangyun comprises restored Antique Villas and 24 Ming Courtyard Suites. We stayed in the latter, and despite being the resort’s ‘entry-level’ option, each suite boasts a not-so-modest 1,066 sq ft alongside ample outdoor space. Inside, the suite’s contemporary design envelops you in complete stillness, and it’s easy to imagine being the only person around. Combining Ming architecture-inspired touches with Aman’s unmistakable design philosophy, this is the work of international and local design teams from Kerry Hill Architects.
The Antique Villas are jaw-dropping. The centuries-old Ming and Qing dynasty houses salvaged during Ma Dadong’s restoration project have been moved and reconstructed the villas brick-by-brick on the grounds. These now house Amanyangyun’s most luxurious villas, ranging from one to four bedrooms, with several configurations available for ultimate comfort and space. Each option includes exclusive access to a shared garden and courtyard, as well as a private pool. The largest villa is 10,258 sq ft, ideal for large groups or families.
Relax
The 30,500-sq-ft Amanyangyun Spa & Wellness Center is one of the most comprehensive in Shanghai — and the largest wellness center in the Aman group. Inspired by the resort’s name, which means ‘nourishing cloud’ in Chinese, the atmosphere is every bit as relaxing and comforting as you’d expect.
On arrival, guests can enjoy tea in the lounge overlooking a central courtyard. Aside from eight single treatment rooms and two double spa suites, the spa is also home to a sauna, plunge pool, Jacuzzi and Russian and Turkish-inspired spa houses. Of course, there are also indoor and outdoor pools with forest views, although, unfortunately, only the indoor pool is heated.
For health-conscious guests, the center’s fitness facilities are about as complete as they get, including a very well-equipped gym and pilates and yoga studio, complete with Reformer Pilates apparatus. I enjoyed two wellness sessions here: an energizing personal training class and a calming cymbal therapy session. Despite not speaking much English, the instructors were warm and enthusiastic, making an effort to overcome the language barrier.
Amanyangyun Spa
Dine
There are three dining options to choose from at Amanyangyun. Arva is a cozy lakeside restaurant that serves daily breakfast and Italian-inspired ‘harvest cuisine’ that highlights seasonal produce (some of this is grown in a garden right by the restaurant). Dishes are classic yet comforting — the orecchietta and tiramisu stood out in particular.
Yinlu is an elevated take on a well-known and loved Chinese hot pot in a Cantonese style. Seasonal vegetables, fresh seafood and high-quality cuts of meat are brought to the table and cooked on the spot in silver pots, which can be enjoyed with an array of dipping sauces.
Paying homage to Amanyangyun’s roots, Lazhu is a Chinese restaurant serving dishes from Jiangxi, the home of the camphor trees and antique villas.
The Antique Villas
A rare exercise in architectural and ecological preservation, Amanyangyun’s Antique Villas were relocated from Jiangxi province and rebuilt, brick by brick, on site. Dating back to the Ming and Qing dynasties, each has been carefully restored to retain its original character while incorporating modern comforts. Expect private pools, tranquil courtyards, and garden views that open onto a 1,000-year-old camphor forest.
Images / ©Aman
A rare exercise in architectural and ecological preservation, Amanyangyun’s Antique Villas were relocated from Jiangxi province and rebuilt, brick by brick, on site. Dating back to the Ming and Qing dynasties, each has been carefully restored to retain its original character while incorporating modern comforts. Expect private pools, tranquil courtyards, and garden views that open onto a 1,000-year-old camphor forest.
Images / ©Aman
A rare exercise in architectural and ecological preservation, Amanyangyun’s Antique Villas were relocated from Jiangxi province and rebuilt, brick by brick, on site. Dating back to the Ming and Qing dynasties, each has been carefully restored to retain its original character while incorporating modern comforts. Expect private pools, tranquil courtyards, and garden views that open onto a 1,000-year-old camphor forest.
Images / ©Aman
A rare exercise in architectural and ecological preservation, Amanyangyun’s Antique Villas were relocated from Jiangxi province and rebuilt, brick by brick, on site. Dating back to the Ming and Qing dynasties, each has been carefully restored to retain its original character while incorporating modern comforts. Expect private pools, tranquil courtyards, and garden views that open onto a 1,000-year-old camphor forest.
Images / ©Aman
Explore
Amanyangyun is so vast that you can easily spend days on the grounds without ever needing to leave. Our jam-packed itinerary included morning wellness classes, bicycle rides through the forest park and on-site art space visits.
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