What it is

A collection of Ming and Qing Dynasty structures brought to a lakeside perch and reborn as 14 guest villas, plus 26 modern suites, a tranquil spa and lauded restaurant.

What it isn't

Boring. Guest experiences include tai chi sessions, tea tastings in the car-free Xintiandi district and strolling 1,700-year-old Zhujiajiao street.

What we think

On the fringes of Shanghai, tucked between towering camphor trees, Aman built what could well be deemed a Hospitality Wonder of the World: reclaiming 50 buildings from an age-old village that was going to be demolished to make way for a reservoir, and bringing them here to become a truly exquisite resort instead. You can, for example, stay in the intricately carved five-bedroom Ming Antique Villa, or an ornate wood pavilion turned into a one-bedroom space with its own leafy courtyard. Or opt for a new, 1,065-square-foot suite, where lattice shutters, soaring blonde wood walls and fireplaces recall history without bowing to it. Our favorite may just be the four-bedroom Qing Antique Villa, thanks to its own private swimming pool in a walled courtyard and butler service. Even Qing-era emperors didn’t have it this good.

You're here because

You’re bringing the kids, and Aman dotes on littles, with family cooking classes (including vegetable picking in the organic garden), youth yoga, and movie nights.

The Moment

You never expected to have the best Italian meal of your life in Shanghai, but at Arva, the hotel’s lakeside restaurant, that’s exactly what’s for dinner. One bite of the nettle pasta with caviar and lemon zest and you know you’ll be back again tomorrow—and every night of your stay.

Restaurants & Bars

LAZHU - Fine Chinese cuisine

ARVA - Traditional Italian flavors

NAMA - Fine Japanese cuisine

The Bar - Casual space for cocktails and light bites

Cigar Lounge - Offering specialty cigars, wines and spirits

Location

A 45-minute drive from Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport, and about an hour’s drive from the Shanghai Museum of Glass—a former glass bottle factory that’s now full of eye-popping exhibitions, including ginormous and glimmering castles and guitars made of...you guessed it.