Aman Summer Palace
The Aman Summer Palace merges seamlessly with some of the original buildings, gardens and gazebos of Beijing’s old imperial residence. It offers a sanctuary in which to take sumptuous refuge from the Beijing bustle, only 15 km from the city centre. The rooms and suites that surround the internal courtyard, formal gardens, and pathways evoke the elegance of the Ming dynasty. There is a sense of mystery throughout: a feeling of looking back to a different, more tranquil time.
All the rooms glow with polished clay floors and have cocooning four-poster beds and Ming-style armoires. The soft, muted colors and refined furnishings blend the simplicity of the past with the luxury of the new.
In the world-class spa, imperial Chinese techniques are combined with modern therapies. In the hands of skilled practitioners, you can retreat into a state of pure tranquility. Afterward, a short walk will take you beyond the willow-draped pond to the music pavilion where, on warm evenings, silk-clad musicians strum the erhu and guzheng to embellish the serenity of the setting. You can dine on delicious Cantonese fare in the Chinese restaurant, whereas succulent Peking duck or more unusual imperial dishes can be enjoyed in one of six small private dining rooms.
After a dinner you might like to wander over the bar. It overlooks the beautiful Chinese pond and garden and is the perfect place to relax. You might also be tempted to step out farther. You are after all within moments of some of China‘s most iconic sites: the Summer Palace and the Forbidden City.
