Aman at Summer Palace

Heading up the trend to build resort hotels in the city is the new Aman, really on the outskirts of Beijing and utterly superb. The upper echelons of the Qing Dynasty came here to escape the summer heat. The bedrooms are absurdly tranquil and the spa has a wonderfully sleepy aura. It’s not so much east meets west because the spa draws its therapies not only from local tradition but also from India and Thailand. The sesame scrub with gold leaf and honey is pure decadence and the customised grapefruit and juniper berry bath, which you soak in for a couple of hours, a proper recommendation. Pilates is taken seriously but those on a kickstart should also sign up for the Postural Assessment – a personal programme targeted towards long-term feelgood goals. This place has an imperial atmosphere and some of the most glorious and original treatments out there.