Amanresorts Set to Open in Beijing Adjacent to the Summer Palace

Amanresorts Set to Open in Beijing Adjacent to the Summer PalaceAman at Summer Palace is a peaceful retreat from which to explore the many exciting faces of China’s capital.
Beijing today is one of the world’s most remarkable cities, offering visitors a kaleidoscope of Old and New China. Many ancient monuments stand in pristine condition in elegant juxtaposition with modern buildings. One such historic site is the Summer Palace, a 250-year-old World Heritage. And here resides The Aman at Summer Palace. Built in 1750, The Summer Palace is a beautiful garden estate dotted with palaces around the contemplative Kunming Lake. It long served imperial retreat, used to escape the summer heat of the Forbidden City. The Summer Palace covers some 290 hectares, encompasses a variety of palaces, gardens and other classical-style architectural structures and is considered a must-see site for visitors to Beijing. And just steps from the East Gate of the Summer Palace grounds is Aman at Summer Palace covering a series of dwellings, some of which date back over a century. And it was Amanresorts which was granted the opportunity to renew and conserve them. In the restoration process it showed respect and sensitivity to their history, original architecture and original materials. Now set to open in September 2008, The Aman at Summer Palace in Beijing offers suites and rooms which harmoniously blend modern comforts with classic fabrics and finishes, paying homage to traditional Chinese design. In addition, the property offers a variety of dining areas, a comprehensive Spa and a range of recreational facilities. The Aman at Summer Palace will offers a variety of accommodation, Suites surround an internal courtyard, crisscrossed by stately pathways separating formal gardens and shaded by established trees. There are eight Guestrooms and 10 Courtyard Guestrooms, most of which feature king-size four-poster beds and Ming-style armoires. The 25 spacious Suites also feature furniture pieces inspired by the Ming dynasty, and while some have a combined bedroom and living area, others have separate bedrooms, and all feature king-size beds, daybeds, reading chairs and writing desks. The seven Courtyard Suites are identical in design to the Suites but even more spacious, while The Imperial Suite comprises three separate dwellings: the private dwelling, the living/study dwelling and the formal dwelling. Every Room and Suite has its own unique layout and orientation with cool, roomy bathrooms featuring island bathtubs and separate shower and toilet areas. Simple and redolent of the past, the Rooms and Suites also feature traditional wooden screens and bamboo blinds, creating a mysterious sense of peeking through the veil of time to the romance of another era. The Aman at Summer Palace Beijing will offer guests its own extensive selection of dining options. Open all day, the Lounge is located in the reception of the main building and is characterized by relaxed seating overlooking a traditional courtyard of trees. The courtyard restaurants consist of two dining rooms each dedicated to a different cuisine. In Naoki, open for lunch and dinner, Chef Naoki Okumura will serve original French Kaiseki, cuisine which combines the best of French techniques with a Japanese artistry. The Grill, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, will serve Western fare, specializing in grilled-to-order prime cuts of beef, lamb, game and fish. The Chinese Restaurant with its elegant Ming Dynasty-inspired design is spread throughout nine different dwellings with six private rooms. Open for lunch and dinner, it will serve traditional Cantonese dishes, as well as other regional dishes such as Peking duck and other "imperial dishes". The Bar which overlooks a peaceful pond and garden, and features a Cigar Room is perfect for quiet moments. Beyond the pond is a Music Pavilion where Chinese instrumentalists will perform on balmy afternoons and evenings. The Aman at Summer Palace, Beijing will offer guests easy access to Beijing’s wealth of diversions and historic sites. Private excursions will be arranged for guests wishing to explore the beautiful Summer Palace. Guests will also have the opportunity to marvel at The Forbidden City, the Great Wall, The Temple of Heaven and a host of other cultural landmarks. The Spa features nine double treatment rooms, as well as a dedicated pilates/ yoga room, a beauty and hair salon, and will offer a world-class menu of spa treatments, including massages, facials and other holistic body delights. The hotel also offers a fitness facility including a sleek, 25 m indoor lap pool, a 300 square-meter gym with state-of-the-art fitness equipment, two squash courts, and a juice bar. On-hand fitness consultants will be available for personal training. The library is another secluded haven. It houses an eclectic selection of books on various subjects in several languages. A Chinese calligrapher will be on hand to showcase the ancient art. Wireless internet connections are available. The Boutique will offer rare Chinese artifacts and exquisite gifts. ABOUT AMMAN RESORTS AmanResorts was founded by Adrian Zecha who envisioned a collection of intimate retreats in beautiful surrounds with the unassuming, warm hospitality of a gracious private residence. The first resort, Amanpuri (Place of Peace) in Phuket, Thailand, introduced the concept, and since then, Amanresorts has grown to encompass 20 resorts located in Bhutan, Cambodia, China, France, French Polynesia, Indonesia, India, Morocco, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, the Turks & Caicos Islands and the USA. For more information mail anihalchand@amanresorts.com Picturing: All set for the opening in September 2008 - Aman at Summer Palace in Beijing