Having already long become an avid Aman lover for many years of all-things-Aman, I am in love with this property.
Aman Group has set itself apart from many other hotel, resort or property management groups. Their dedicated, exclusive, mind-blowing attention to every (personal) detail, truly ranks them far above and beyond competition and thereby makes them my uber favorite among all reviews, as a group.
This particular property in Beijing I would say like all other Aman locations, has set a standard that most can only strive to achieve.
I am that impressed.
However, like anything – open for constructive criticism – there is always room for improvement.
First things first, this Aman site quite literally sits on UNESCO World Heritage grounds (The Summer Palace and Lake Kunming), protected by both the local principality amidst the Fifth Ring and of course having successfully surmounted the Chinese government to gain exclusive property rights on site. That is a feat unknown to most properties in China no less and Aman was ultimately successful in promising to devise a property plan conducive to maintaining historic relevance.
My property review takes you through their every day activities, my host parties, private, discreet concierge services, amenities, spa treatments, spoilingly-indulgent courtyard living space and of course meeting with their General Manager Todd and friends during my special visit this past month.
Updated 31May2013
Here is my welcome note and guest package (includes local map of Metro Beijing, useful Mandarin Chinese-to-English translation card for essential phrases, emergency local telephone numbers, daily activities) from GM Todd and a slight study of the vast grounds. Once you peruse on foot, you needn’t carry the property map. It is a large expanse of green and bush but you’ll assimilate in time.
True to the architectural structures of the Summer Palace grounds, the Aman’s main lounge area offers guest more civilized greetings by whole staff and introductions to those who will be at your beck and call. This was my first interior view of the main imposing building from their meet-and-greet welcome reception upon arrival and disembarkation in Beijing direct from the long 13+hr flight from London Heathrow.
As my beloved architect and mentor friend Kate Foster always pointedly said about interior structures, “Continuity”. She would be proud of me for noticing. Aman constructed NEW courtyard buildings in similar size but to the exact – albeit stronger, modern eco-friendly materials – as is the former Emperor’s Summer Palace grounds, which is another feat to offer guests and visitors a sense of ‘continuity’ from the property grounds to the UNESCO World Heritage site, all evidenced here.
I am not solely here to build relationships and power network, conduct meetings and host parties, but principally I am here as a student of interior design and architecture. One has to be attuned to every painstaking detail and ‘notice the details’ and be able to decipher and discuss any flaws or improvements. My training is hands-on or rather ‘eyes on’ in the face of educating beyond the classroom. Here stands the main entry of Aman’s cultural building offering guests classes in traditional Chinese tea ceremony, calligraphy and art. It happens to be a great investment in this property’s activities program.
This photo reveals what guests see upon leaving their courtyard living space. To the left is the music pavilion which offers private dining and classical Chinese ambience while overlooking a koi pond, surrounded by towering pines and bamboo. I am standing on top of a staircase for a higher view at the main guest entry corridor.
