What is it? Luxury hotel group Aman has got its hands on a village near Hangzhou and turned it into a five-star resort - in a good way. The village buildings have been cleverly transformed into the usual high-end hotel staples - a reception area, a library, guest bedrooms, several restaurants and a spa - but the result is remarkably unhotel-like. It all blends in perfectly with the bucolic surroundings of tea bushes, woodland and bamboo groves.
So is it historical or contemporary? Both. The original dark wood, shuttered-window houses and stone streets have been retained but the interiors are modern. In deference to the historical exteriors, the furnishings are simple and neutral. Traditional materials and techniques such as elm wood, latticework and rice paper have been used throughout. A few new buildings have been added but you'd be hard-pressed to guess which ones they are.
What are the bedrooms like? Each is different. They range from terraced 'village rooms' (above right) to two-storey villas with courtyards. The most exclusive come with massage treatment rooms.
What should I pack? Ladies, leave your Louboutins at home. The heels won't be able to take the cobbled streets that lead around the property and, besides, Amanfayun is all about stealth wealth. Cashmere layers and Tod's moccasins were created to be worn here. If your wardrobe is lacking in luxurious yet understated casual separates then check out the Aman boutique on the main thoroughfare, next to the spa.
Tell us more about the spa: it's been impressively designed to fit in with the original decor and the rambling countryside. Housed over several buildings, there's a reflexology room above the reception area and a number of treatment rooms scattered around a gentle hillside. Treatments are tailored to the four seasons and utilise local herbs and plants. In winter, that's wild ginger for its yang warming qualities. Even if you don't book in for a treatment don't miss the (complimentary) Bath House - a private and serene space with rain shower, steam room and large wooden tub for one or two.
What if I'm feeling a bit more active? Not a problem. On site are also yoga and pilates studios plus a decent sized gym - all incongruously but effectively housed in traditional village buildings. A good size swimming pool is set in a walled garden surrounded by trees and Chinese umbrellas.