aman villas – rental
Amanusa (available October 2012)

global hospitality brands...still generally cater to international travellers...Chinese hotel brands have continued to grow a fair share of the domestic market but none have truly established themselves as peers with their western counterparts

distinctive difference about Ahn Luh lies in how we present the essence of Old World Chinese hospitality in today’s context of contemporary elegance. It juxtaposes East and West, and meaningful traditions with modern conveniences. Ahn Luh goes back to the roots of Chinese culture so that guests can experience the intricacies of the culture in a setting that is unique to the destination

GHM's tradition of creating iconic properties that blend seamlessly into the fabric of the existing destination and culture, the Ahn Luh developments will draw inspiration from their individual settings within China

embraces the essence of Chinese culture and tradition and permeates each Ahn Luh property in holistic fashion. We do not want to merely introduce "cliché" Chinese offerings — Chinese tea service instead of English afternoon tea service, for example. Nor would we simply remove 4th floor signage and thereafter claim the hotel has a Chinese soul catering to the Chinese traveler (or use that to appeal to Western travellers as evidence of a Chinese-inspired brand). What we propose instead is to deliver a product that will infuse in a very subtle manner the richest and most sophisticated elements of the Chinese cultural fabric

Ahn Luh must go beyond the colour red and overly traditional and ornate designs. Ahn Luh has to push beyond the Chinese cliches for a deeper and more meaningful experience

no reason why we should not be able to introduce an Ahn Luh in London, Paris, New York or Tokyo in the future

inspiration from the immediate surroundings when it comes to the design, but there will be a lot of flexibility in terms of the setting and nature of the development. We foresee being able to conceive an Ahn Luh as an urban retreat, beach resort, downtown commercial destination, in a rural setting, as a historic heritage site or as part of a mixed-use development residential property

Is it true that Olivia Richli (currently GM at Amangalla) will move to Italy to open Aman Venice? Seem to remember she studied art in Italy.

I hear that Aman Venice and Aman Jordan have both proceeded to mock-up rooms, so put these two on your to-go list for next year!

BIG news is that Tracy Atherton, who has been GM at Amankila for 9 years is leaving Aman to open a 68-room hotel in Canberra Australia.