DESIGN
Four-bedroom villa baths embrace a restful , earthy palette , with interiors finished in wood , stone and bamboo .
SECRETS OF AMANYANGYUN
While Amanyangyun itself is a great story , there are other fascinating stories within the big one . Here are a few of them : THE CAMPHOR FOREST . When the trees arrived in Shanghai , many people wanted to buy them . But Ma Dadong could not bear to sell even one because he wanted all the trees to be together . The trees that weren ’ t replanted on the hotel ’ s grounds were donated to parks in the neighborhood surrounding Amanyangyun . HIDDEN BASEMENTS . An extensive hidden underground world is hidden at the hotel . Nan Shu Fang , the cultural heart of the project , includes a special antique building with carved and vaulted ceilings and a koi pool in the main courtyard . But within the center is a deep basement displaying Ma ’ s nanmu wood furniture in a lofty , barrel-vaulted gallery space . In fact , all the private villas have large basement galleries that display valuable art collections and hold other amenities such as a cinema , wine cellar , gym and tearoom . SCREEN MOTIFS . Slatted screens are a recurring element throughout the project . They are a contemporary interpretation of screens traditionally used in Chinese architecture to mediate privacy and shade , explains Kerry Hill Architects . The contemporary screen design appears in nanmu wood in the hotel arrival space , in elm in the guest suites and public areas , and in bronze on the villa linkways and in the antique house . The shadows cast by the screen form a pattern of clouds . This is a subtle abstraction of the traditional Chinese cloud motif , which resonates with the idea of learning and culture embodied in the words “ Yang Yun .” TREASURES REDISCOVERED . During the project , historical treasures were rediscovered , including ornate stone carvings above the doorways of the Ming and Qing dynasty houses , now the antique villas . These carvings depicted the hopes , values and histories of the families in that home and were carefully preserved . Aman hopes that in turn they will fulfill the hopes and dreams of its guests . Books describing each villa ’ s history and former inhabitants are being made .
Ming courtyard suites offer guests expansive , light-flooded bedrooms .
in January compared with 71 % in January 2017 and 75 % in January 2016 , while ADR dipped to US $ 85 , from US $ 92 and US $ 94 in the same month in 2017 and 2016 . The city has 22,071 rooms in the pipeline over the next few years ; what ’ s more , openings last year were concentrated in the luxury segment , with their impact expected to be felt this year , according to Savills .
Fasel says Amanyangyun is viable . “ The resort epitomizes our brand in every possible way , and I couldn ’ t wish for a more positive expression of our brand .” He adds , “ It is the perfect complement to the buzzy bright lights of Shanghai , offering a rare chance to press pause on life in
very unique surroundings embodying the essence of Chinese spirituality , introspection and beauty .” Amanjunkies are already making way to the retreat , where the cheapest rate is US $ 1,100 plus .
“ What I perceive to be the most moving moment for guests is their chance not only to be part of the story , but to nourish the emperor tree ,” Fasel says . “ The emperor tree is the largest of all trees safeguarded from destruction and is a compelling visual reminder the entire project . Guests are invited to nourish the tree with water when they arrive — reflecting the importance of maintaining a connection with history to enrich the future .”
40 hotelsmag . com March 2018