Aman defends Summer Palace resort
BEIJING – Reports from China confirm speculation that ancient buildings at the 258-year-old Summer Palace in Beijing will be converted into an Aman resort and a private exclusive club by the end of the year.
The hotel will be situated a few metres from the Garden of Harmonious Interests, or Xiequyuan, at the northern tip of the park, while the club is likely to feature multiple dining and special function venues, a performance pavilion, a boutique hotel and an underground spa.
Despite initial objections by the public to place a luxury resort in one of China’s national treasures, authorities and Aman Resorts management have insisted that the plan fits well with the ancient imperial garden.
A Ministry of Construction spokesman confirmed the deal, but refused to disclose details this week.
The opening was originally planned to coincide with the Olympic Games but development is behind schedule.
Aman Resorts owns 18 resorts in 12 countries.
Long considered, along with the Great Wall of China, as the most alluring draw on the capital’s tourist circuit, the palace and gardens were first built in the 12th century, and developed continuously for 700 years.
In July, a branch of US coffee shop chain Starbucks in the Forbidden City in Beijing was forced to close after protests from local citizens.
Ian Jarrett
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