1

Aman Pr ivate Jet Expedit ion

9–26 October 2016

C H I N A • B H U TA N • I N D I A • S R I L A N K A

WHAT’S INSIDE

Page 3: YOUR PRIVATE JET

Page 4-5: THE JOURNEY AT A GLANCE

Pages 6–56: THE EXPERIENCE IN DETAIL

Chapter One... Aman Summer Palace, Beijing, ChinaChapter Two... Amandayan, Lijiang, ChinaChapter Three… Amankora Thimphu, BhutanChapter Four… Amankora Paro, BhutanChapter Five… Amanbagh, Alwar, IndiaChapter Six…. Aman-i-Khás, Ranthambore, IndiaChapter Seven…. Amangalla, Galle, Sri LankaChapter Eight…. Amanwella, Tangalle, Sri Lanka

Page 58: JOURNEY LEADER INFORMATION

3

YOUR PRIVATE JET

Introducing the Gulfstream G200

Seats: Just 8 passengers per jet

Cabin Size: 1.9m (6.25ft) tall and 2.2m (7.2ft) wide

Cabin Length: 7.5m (24.5ft)

Cruising Speed: 542 mph (471 knots)

Scheduled flights:

DATE FROM TO DURING

12 October 2016 Beijing Lijiang 3 hours 20 minutes

14 October 2016 Lijiang Paro 1 hour

18 October 2016 Paro Jaipur 2 hours and 30 minutes

22 October 2016 Jaipur Colombo 3 hours and 15 minutes

4

THE JOURNEY AT A GLANCE

DAY ONE Sunday 9 October 2016

Arrive in Beijing, China • Private transfer to Aman Summer Palace (45 minutes)• Afternoon at leisure

DAY TWO Monday 10 October 2016

Aman Summer Palace:• Full day of guided experiences, including the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square and the arts district

DAY THREE Tuesday 11 October 2016

Aman Summer Palace:• Full day of guided experiences, including the Great Wall and the Summer Palace

DAY FOUR Wednesday 12 October 2016

Aman Summer Palace:• Private transfer to airport (45 minutes)• Private jet departs from Beijing at 10.00am, arriving in Lijiang at 1.20pm (3 hours 20 minutes)• Private transfer to hotel (50 minutes)

Amandayan, Lijiang, China:• Afternoon explorations of Old Town

DAY FIVE Thursday 13 October 2016

Amandayan:• Full day of guided experiences, including Baisha Village, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Range and Peking Opera performance

DAY SIX Friday 14 October 2016

Amandayan:• Private transfer to airport (50 minutes)• Private jet departs from Lijiang at 10.00am, arriving in Paro, Bhutan at 1.15pm (5 hours 15 minutes, - 2 hours time difference)• Private transfer to Thimphu (1 hour)

Amankora Thimphu, Bhutan:• Afternoon at leisure

DAY SEVEN Saturday 15 October 2016 Amankora Thimphu:• Full day guided exploration in private cars, including Cheri Monastery and Thimphu Weekend Market

DAY EIGHT Sunday 16 October 2016

Amankora Thimphu:• Morning guided exploration in private cars, including the National Library and Changangkha Lhakhang• Private transfer from Thimphu to Paro (1 hour)

Amankora Paro:• Afternoon guided exploration in private cars, including Paro Dzong and the National Museum of Bhutan

DAY NINE Monday 17 October 2016

Amankora Paro:• Full day guided exploration in private car, including Tiger’s Nest Monastery

5

DAY 10 Tuesday 18 October 2016

Amankora Paro:• Private transfer to airport (30 minutes)• Private jet departs from Paro at 10:30, arriving in Jaipur, India at 12.30pm (2 hours 30 minutes, –30 minutes time difference)• Afternoon of guided experiences in Jaipur in private car, including Amber Fort, Hawa Mahal and Johri Bazaar• Private transfer to hotel in Alwar (2 hours) Amanbagh, Alwar, India

DAY 11 Wednesday 19 October 2016

Amanbagh:• Full day of guided experiences in private car, including Bhangarh and village experience

DAY 12 Thursday 20 October 2016

• Private transfer from Alwar to Ranthambore (3 hours 30 minutes)

Aman-i-Khás, Ranthambore, India:• Afternoon camel safari

DAY 13 Friday, October 21, 2016

Aman-i-Khás:• Full day safari in private jeep on the look out for tigers, jaguars, Chital deer and more

DAY 14 Saturday 22 October 2016

• Private small aircraft from Ranthambore to Jaipur (1 hour 45 minutes)• In Jaipur, deplane from the small aircraft and switch to the private jet for your flight to Sri Lanka (3 hours 15 minutes)• Private transfer from Colombo to Galle (2 hours)

Amangalla, Galle, Sri Lanka:• Afternoon at leisure

DAY 15 Sunday 23 October 2016

Amangalla:• Full day guided exploration of Galle Fort on foot with private butler

DAY 16 Monday 24 October 2016

Amangalla:• Morning of guided exploration in private car, including Galle National Museum• Private transfer from Galle to Tangalle (1 hour 30 minutes)

Amanwella, Tangalle, Sri Lanka:• Afternoon at leisure

DAY 17 Tuesday 25 October 2016

Amanwella:• Full day of guided experiences in private vehicle, including Tangalle Market and Village Nature Walk

DAY 18Wednesday 26 October 2016

Amanwella:• Private transfer from Tangalle to Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo (3 hours 30 minutes)

6

BEIJING, CHINA One of the world’s richest collections of ancient monuments, Beijing is home to six UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the 260-year-old Summer Palace, the gates of which lie just feet from Aman summer palace. In addition to the palace’s beautiful grounds and masterful architecture, the area offers the chance to explore the Temple of Heaven, the Great Wall, the Forbidden City and the maze of artists’ workshops which criss-cross the metropolis.

7

AMAN SUMMER PALACEAman Summer Palace lies just outside the east gate of Beijing’s Summer Palace, home to generations of Emperors and Empresses, who have all left their mark in the form of inspiring temples, halls, bridges, gardens, theatres, and dwellings. Today it is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Aman Summer Palace has been meticulously designed to exist in perfect balance with the graceful architecture of the former retreat of China’s emperors. A series of century-old guesthouses, built for dignitaries awaiting an audience with Empress Dowager Cixi, have been transformed into a retreat of just 18 rooms and 25 suites. With characteristic sensitivity towards historic properties, Aman has filled the interiors with period furniture and rich fabrics that evoke the grandeur of the palace itself.

8

SUITES

Aman Summer Palace interiors reflect the distinctive architectural style found throughout the grounds. The eight Suites have a combined bedroom and living area, with a further 17 Deluxe Suites enjoying a separate bedroom and living space. Each of the suites is decorated with handpicked furniture inspired by the Ming period and has a kingsize bed, daybed, reading chair and desk. Bathrooms feature indulgent freestanding bathtubs with a separate shower area and WC.

9

DINING

The Chinese Restaurant Classic Ming Dynasty-inspired furniture and imperial dishes such as Peking duck, along with traditional Cantonese cuisine, offer an authentic flavour of the region. In addition, six intimate spaces offer a thoroughly private setting for gatherings and celebrations.

The GrillWestern cuisine with an emphasis on grilled-to-order, prime cuts of meat and fresh seafood, available for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

NaokiFrench technique meets Japanese culinary artistry in Naoki’s French-kaiseki concept. An open kitchen with counter seating invites guests to experience the chefs’ culinary flair up close, for both lunch and dinner.

10

WELLBEING

When not exploring or simply relaxing, guests can enjoy the Aman summer palace Bar and Library, together with the spa, fitness centre and large pool of Aman Club–hidden below ground to preserve the harmonious aesthetic of the architecture.

11

Day OneSunday, 9 March 2016

Guests are met in the arrivals hall in Beijing.

Private transfer to Aman Summer Palace (approximately 40 minutes)

Dinner and cocktails – 7pm: A private cocktail reception with live performance at the reflection and music pavilions. From 8pm dine at your choice of three restaurants.

Day TwoMonday, 10 October 2016

EXPERIENCES

Breakfast from 7am: Enjoy breakfast at The Lobby. Located in the lower reception area of the Lobby building, the restaurant serves a variety of breakfast favourites.

The Forbidden City: A UNESCO World Heritage Site and the world’s largest palace complex, the Forbidden City is comprised of 9,999 rooms and is divided into two parts: the southern section, also known as the Outer Court, where the emperor held imperial proceedings, and the Inner Court to the north, where he lived with his royal family and where you will have the opportunity to visit the Chong Hua Gong Palace, usually off limits to the general public.

Tiananmen Square: Walk through the nearby landmark, where an oversized portrait of Mao Zedong keeps a watchful eye on passers-by. Mao’s Mausoleum is located in the Square, as is the Great Hall of the People, seat of the National People’s Congress; Qian Men, a tower that was once a gate to the city; and the Monument to the People’s Heroes, a granite pillar erected in 1958 that is decorated with bas-reliefs depicting episodes of China’s revolutionary history.

12

National Museum: First open in 2011 on the east side of Tiananmen Square, it may be the largest museum in the world with a footprint of more than 186,000 square metres (two million square feet). Forty-eight exhibition rooms are spread across six storeys, including two underground levels.

Lunch: Stop at the nearby Temple Restaurant for lunch. Enjoy contemporary European cuisine in a converted dining space that was formerly a television factory that produced the capital’s first black and white TVs.

798 Art District: Accompanied by an expert in contemporary Chinese art, pass the Water Cube and Bird’s Nest, icons of the 2008 Summer Olympics, on the way to the 798 Art District. Originally designed by East German Bauhaus architects in the 1950s to produce electronics and armaments, today it has been re-purposed to house scores of galleries, artists’ studios, and spaces used for fashion shows, product launch parties and other social events. Visit top galleries such as Long March Space and Beijing Commune as well as artists’ studios.

Dinner: Enjoy at your leisure.

Day Three Tuesday, 11 October 2016

EXPERIENCES

Breakfast from 7am: Enjoy breakfast at The Lobby.Private transfer to the Great Wall in a shared vehicle (approximately 1-1.5 hours).

Great Wall: Explore the steep, snaking path through the countryside, taking in original sections of the Great Wall at Mutianyu, one of the best-preserved parts of the Great Wall, dating to 1368 and accessed via cable car. One of the world experts on the Great Wall will join us to offer insight into the history and significance of the astonishing structure. Lunch – a specially prepared Aman picnic – will be enjoyed to the incredible backdrop of the Great Wall winding over the mountain

13

ridges into the far distance.

Upon arrival back at Aman Summer Palace, relax and explore the gardens, watch an expert in the ancient art of calligraphy or take tea in a traditional Chinese ceremony. When ready to explore further, enter the Summer Palace itself through a discreet, hidden door, connecting the hotel to the palace grounds.

The Summer Palace: Once the royal retreat from Beijing’s summer heat, the UNESCO World Heritage Site is a masterpiece of Chinese landscape and garden design with its exquisite combination of pavilions, halls, palaces, temples and bridges surrounded by lush gardens and a large, serene lake. Walk through the Summer Palace grounds with your guide, who will reveal the history of the palace monuments and structures, which date back nearly a thousand years. Dinner: Dine at one of the Aman Summer Palace restaurants.

Day FourWednesday, 12 October 2016

Breakfast – from 7am: enjoy breakfast for the last time at Aman summer palace before an 8.30am departure via private transfer to the airport (approximately 40 minutes).

Private jet from Beijing to Lijiang departing at approximately 10am (approximately 3 hours 20 minutes).

14

LIJIANG, CHINA With its charming canals, brightly coloured wooden homes, and winding cobbled alleyways, Lijiang’s unspoilt beauty belies its 800 years.

Thanks to its remote location, as well as a concerted effort on the part of its inhabitants, Lijiang’s particularly well-preserved Old Town earned a designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999.

15

AMANDAYANPerched above the winding lanes of Lijiang Old Town, Amandayan draws its name from the Sanskrit-derived word for ‘peace’ and ‘Dayan’, the historic name for Lijiang when it was first established in the 13th century. Open views from Amandayan offer a glimpse of the sights to explore close by, from the centuries-old UNESCO World Heritage-protected Old Town to the patchwork fields of the surrounding villages, and the snow-capped summits that define the horizon.

Designed in the traditional architectural style of the Nakhi people, Amandayan is housed in a series of small buildings arranged around peaceful courtyards with views of the landscape.

16

SUITES

Elegant, clean lines ensure Amandayan’s Suites are contemporary in style yet unmistakably Chinese. The 35 suites are decorated with materials and fabrics from the region, including Yunnan pine and Dong Bei elm-wood carvings. Every suite opens onto a courtyard or a terrace with views of Lijiang’s rooftops, Lion Hill or the UNESCO-protected Old Town, and the mountains beyond. Stone floors subtly reference the resort’s proximity to the mountains, while furniture is crafted in tactile elm.

DINING, WELLBEING & FACILITIES

Dine at your choice of Chinese and Western restaurants and enjoy the Tea House, Library, boutique, cinema, and Aman Spa’s gym and Pilates/yoga studio, and swimming pool.

The resort’s Chinese restaurant, ManYi Xuan (“lingering peace”), includes four private dining rooms and serves Yunnan and Cantonese cuisines for lunch and dinner, and a steaming dim sum lunch. The Lounge serves Western and Asian cuisines for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with an emphasis on locally-grown, seasonal produce and organic meat. The Tea House enjoys views of Lijiang Old Town, and offers indoor and outdoor dining. In the afternoons, traditional Chinese and Western tea ceremonies with savoury bites, cakes and pas tries can be enjoyed alongside dim sum.

17

Day Four Wednesday, 12 October 2016

Private jet from Beijing to Lijiang departing at 10am (approximately 3 hours 20 minutes).

Arrive at Amandayan around 2pm and enjoy a dim sum lunch at the Chinese restaurant.

EXPERIENCES

Old Town: Lijiang is renowned throughout China for the harmony of its setting and the simple beauty of its wooden architecture. Explore the charming Old Town, a world of narrow cobbled streets, virtually unchanged since the Ming Dynasty, where canals are lined with weeping willows and decorative arched bridges connect one alley to the next. The buildings’ colourful façades give way to shops selling local arts and crafts.

Mu Mansion: Set in the southwest of the Old Town, explore the grounds of the Mu Mansion, the rebuilt palatial estate of the Nakhi leaders who ruled over Lijiang for more than 400 years. The original Mu estate was built in 1382, but war and revolution left their mark before a severe earthquake in 1996 destroyed the original structure. What stands today is a faithful re-creation, completed in 1998, which feels like a town in itself, comprising 100 buildings spread across 3.2 hectares (eight acres), dotted with spacious courtyards, gardens of orchids and azaleas and ponds lined with weeping willows.

Spa Treatment at Amandayan – 4pm: Enjoy a massage from Amandayan’s extensive spa menu, with treatments drawn from local ingredients known for their healing benefits, and the wisdom of traditional Chinese medicine. The six treatment rooms each have a dressing room, treatment area, steam shower and bathing facilities, as well as a relaxation area overlooking the swimming pool. Two wet rooms are reserved for scrubs, wraps and other treatments. To avoid disappointment, guests are requested to book in advance.

18

Drinks and Dinner – 6.30pm: Sip a cocktail from a platform overlooking the Old Town, followed by a group dinner of organic cuisine at the Tea House terrace from 7.30pm.

Day FiveThursday, 13 October 2016

Breakfast – 7.30am: Enjoy in the lobby lounge. Suggested collection time is 8.30am Suggested return time is at 5pm

EXPERIENCES

Baisha Village – 9am: Visit Baisha village, just outside Lijiang. This ancient village was, for 400 years until the 12th century, the political, commercial and cultural centre for the Nakhi people.

Doctor Ho’s Traditional Medicine Practice: An expert in traditional Chinese herbal medicine, Doctor Ho has featured in National Geographic and countless other publications. The lively 93-year-old’s philosophy is simple: ‘optimism is the best medicine’.

Embroidery Workshop: Meet the artisans behind local textiles renowned for their fine needlework, elegant colours and graceful lines, designed in the style of traditional Chinese paintings.

Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Range: Enjoy a drive taking in the 13 snow-capped peaks of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Range, the southernmost glacier in the Northern Hemisphere. Viewed from Lijiang Old Town in the south, about 15 kilometres (nine miles) away, the snow-covered and fog-encircled mountain is said to resemble a jade dragon lying in the clouds.

Lunch: Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant serving Lijiang cuisine.

Impression Lijiang Show – 1.30pm: After lunch, watch Impression Lijiang, a cultural show with an outdoor cultural performance featuring singing and dancing

19

demonstrating the traditions and lifestyles of the Nakhi, Yi and Bai regional minorities. Directed by renowned Chinese director Zhang Yimou, this high-altitude experience has Jade Dragon Snow Mountain as its backdrop.

Golden Pagoda – 3pm: Visit the Golden Pagoda, a Tibetan temple in Lijiang.

Spa Treatment at Amandayan – 4pm: Enjoy a massage at the Aman spa.

Mr. Li’s residence: Visit this local home with an original Nakhi courtyard and exhibit.

Dinner – 6pm: Cocktails and home-cooked Nakhi cuisine.

Peking Opera – 8.30pm: A traditional Beijing opera performance at Wenchang Temple and after-dinner drinks.

Day SixFriday, 14 October 2016 Breakfast served from 8am.

At 9am, be ready for your private transfer to the airport (approximately 50 minutes).

At approximately 10.00am, depart by private jet from Lijiang to Paro, Bhutan (approximately 5 hours 15 minutes, -2 hours time difference).

Lunch will be provided onboard the jet.

20

THIMPHU, BHUTAN Set in a steep valley at an altitude of 2,350m (7,709ft), Thimphu is surrounded by richly forested mountains dotted with ancient monasteries and temples. The town, Bhutan’s capital since 1961, is built up from the Thimphu Chhu (river) and is centred by the Clock Tower and its surrounding lanes of shops, vegetable and meat markets. Although Thimphu is home to some 104,000 people and is an architectural hybrid of past and present with monasteries, palaces and dzongs side-by-side with more modern additions, the town is still entirely free of traffic lights. Elsewhere in the valley, you can visit Pangri Zampa, two 16th-century buildings that now house a monastic astrologer training school, and, at the head of the valley, a walk across one of the country’s oldest cantilever bridges leads to Cheri Goemba where the Kingdom’s first monk community was based.

21

AMANKORACombining the Sanskrit word for ‘peace’ with kora or ‘circular pilgrimage’ in Dzongkha, the Bhutanese language, Amankora is a series of lodges across the central and western valleys of Bhutan. The sole surviving Himalayan Buddhist Kingdom, Bhutan is located between the Tibetan Plateau and India, making it one of the most remote and pristine environments on earth. Descending from 7,000-metre high peaks in the north to the low-lying plains of the south, Bhutan’s rivers have forged deep valleys separated by high mountain passes. Historically isolated, each valley’s scenic beauty and topography affords visitors an opportunity for unique journeys of discovery between them.

Situated in a blue pine forest in the upper reaches of the Motithang area of the Thimphu Valley, the 16-suite Amankora Thimphu is close to the capital’s sights and shopping, while remaining a quiet retreat away from the hustle and bustle of the Kingdom’s main commercial centre. The resort’s dzong-inspired architecture incorporates whitewashed stone buildings accessed through an enclosed arrival courtyard. Stairs lead from this entryway to a combined Living and Dining Room with soaring ceilings and wood-panelled walls. An outdoor dining deck provides views of the nearby stream and surrounding forest. The Spa features three treatment rooms (two single and one double), a steam room and changing areas.

22

ROOMS, SUITES AND VILLAS

Amankora Thimphu suites combine a bedroom and lounge, and feature a king-size bed, a reading chair and a window banquette. A traditional bukhari is positioned between the bedroom and the bathroom. The suite’s interior features wood panelling and chocolate brown walls, and the spacious bathroom opens from the bedroom and provides twin vanities, separate shower and toilet, hanging space and a terrazzo-clad bath.

23

DINING

The Dining RoomDine on traditional Bhutanese cuisine prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients in a warm ambience of soaring ceilings and wood-panelled walls. Amankora Thimphu’s Dining Room, looking out on the nearby stream and forest, serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, specialising in Indian, Western and Bhutanese dishes. The stay at Amankora includes full board of breakfast, lunch and dinner each day.

24

Day SixFriday, 14 October 2016

Private jet from Lijiang to Paro, Bhutan (approximately 5 hours 15 minutes), arriving at 15.15.

Transfer to Thimphu (approximately 1 hour).

Early evening: Enjoy welcome cocktails and an art historian’s presentation on local art and learn more about Gross National Happiness (GNH), the Bhutanese philosophy which serves as a beacon for the search for greater well being crafted by the Fourth King of Bhutan.

Dinner: Enjoy dinner in Amankora’s Dining Room at your leisure.

Day SevenSaturday, 15 October 2016

Breakfast: Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.

Visit Thimphu with a private guide and car.

EXPERIENCES

Thimphu Weekend Market: Visit the vibrant Thimphu weekend market, which sells produce, local handicrafts and a range of other goods.

Astrology School – Pangri Zampa Lakhang: This former temple is now used as an astrology centre of the state clergy, and is the home to around 100 monks studying astrology.

Cheri Monastery: Explore the Cheri Monastery, home to Bhutan’s first community of monks. Established in 1620, Cheri Monastery has hosted its share of distinguished guests, from visiting Tibetan lamas to the founder of the Bhutanese state. A short distance outside Thimphu, Cheri Monastery sits atop a hill, and offers striking views of the valley below.

25

Memorial Chorten: Drive to the Memorial Chorten, dedicated to the third king, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. The basic structure of the chorten consists of a square foundation symbolising the earth, a dome symbolising water and 13 tapering steps symbolising the element of fire. The shrine is surmounted by a golden sphere that resembles a shimmering crown.

Motithang Takin Preserve: The takin is the national animal of Bhutan. There is a folk legend that when the Buddhist saint known popularly as The Divine Madman visited Bhutan in the 15th century, he was asked by the people to perform a miracle to demonstrate his credibility. He first demanded to be fed and he quickly devoured a large cow and a goat. The saint then placed the remains of the goat inside the cow’s carcass and ordered this new creature to rise and run into the fields, thus creating the takin.

Trashi Chhoe Dzong: Also known as Thimphu Dzong, it serves as the seat of the government and the centre of all religious affairs of the Kingdom.

Dinner: Enjoy dinner in Amankora Thimphu’s Dining Room at your leisure.

Day EightSunday, 16 October 2016

Breakfast: Enjoy breakfast in the Dining Room. Visit Thimphu in the morning with a private guide and car.

EXPERIENCES

National Library of Thimphu: Home to ancient Dzongkha and Tibetan texts, this stunning example of Bhutanese architecture was established in 1967 to preserve and promote religious and cultural degradation from rapid modern development. The library holds more than 10,000 volumes of scriptures in classical language and on the top floor, rare and sacred classical texts written in gold and silver letters are displayed.

26

National Textile Museum: Learn about the art of weaving, one of the Kingdom’s most important arts. The exhibition displays the major weaving techniques and styles of local dress and textile made by the Bhutanese women and men.

Folk Heritage Museum: A restored three story traditional packed mud and timber house, it showcases traditional artefacts used both in the present and the past as well as local folklore and legends.

Changangkha Lhakhang: An old fortress-monastery dating to the 12th century, it remains an active centre of Buddhist worship for Thimphu residents. The temple houses a statue of the eleven-headed God of Compassion, Avalokitesvara, and it is also a place of pilgrimage for families praying for the health of sick children.

Drive from Thimphu to Paro (approximately 1 hour) with private guide and car. Depart for Paro at your leisure; we suggest you leave after lunch.

27

PARO, BHUTAN Nestled among brush-covered hills of the Paro Valley, the village of Paro is home to some of Bhutan’s most treasured historical sites. The surrounding valley’s mixture of rolling hills and steep, mountainous inclines make Paro an ideal location for both novice and expert hikers, on their way to marvel at the Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) or simply ascending to appreciate the scope of the sunset as it sinks beneath the lip of the timberline.

28

AMANKORA PAROSituated in Balakha Village, the 24-suite Amankora Paro contrasts rustic elements with contemporary design. Its architecture features natural rammed-earth walls, gently sloping roofs and wood-panelled interiors. Centred by a large flagstone courtyard, a lime-washed stone pavilion houses the living and dining room facilities, library and outdoor terrace, all warmed by fireplaces.

29

SUITES

Like those at Amankora Thimphu, Amankora Paro suites combine a bedroom and lounge, and feature a king-size bed, a reading chair and a window banquette. A traditional bukhari is positioned between the bedroom and the bathroom, and the suite’s interior features wood and black stone panelling. The spacious bathroom opens from the bedroom and provides twin vanities, separate shower and toilet, hanging space and a terrazzo-clad bath.

DINING ROOM

The Dining RoomLocated below the Living Room, the Dining Room opens onto an external terrace which overlooks a small stream. Views extend to snow-clad Jhomolhari and the ruins of the ancient dzong. Classic simplicity of form meets a warm ambience with communal tables and dark wood walls reflecting historic Bhutanese motifs. Amankora Paro’s Dining Room serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, specialising in Indian, Western and Bhutanese dishes.

30

Day EightSunday, 16 October 2016

Arrive in Paro from Thimphu.

Dine at Amankora Paro if you haven’t yet had lunch at Amankora Thimphu.

Visit Paro in the afternoon with a private guide and car.

EXPERIENCES

Paro Dzong: Also known as the Fortress of the Heap of Jewels, it contains several important temples dedicated to prominent deities. Today the Dzong is the administrative seat of the District of Paro and it also houses a state-sponsored monastic community of 350 members. The central tower, or utse, is one of the most beautiful in Bhutan and displays superbly carved woodwork.

National Museum of Bhutan: View the extensive collections of Bhutanese cultural and religious artefacts spanning the centuries, including perhaps the most significant group of thangkas in the country. Don’t miss the large Temple of the Tree of Wisdom, an intricately carved sculpture depicting the history of Buddhism and its various branches.

Kyichu Lkakhang: One of the oldest and most sacred temples in the Kingdom, dating back to the 7th century when the seed of Buddhism was planted in Bhutan.

Drukgyel Dzong: Drive to Drukgyel Dzong and walk around the strategic fortress that protected the Paro Valley from Tibetan armies who invaded Bhutanese-occupied lands in the 8th century. If the weather is clear, you might have a glimpse of the snow-capped apex of 7,326m (24,035ft) Jhomolhari, known as the ‘Bride of Kangchenjunga’.

Dinner: Enjoy dinner in Amankora Paro’s Dining Room at your leisure.

31

Day NineMonday, 17 October 2016

Breakfast: Enjoy breakfast in the Dining Room.

Visit Paro with a private guide and car.

Tiger’s Nest: Rise early for a half-day hike to Tiger’s Nest. We recommend you leave no later than 8:30 for this activity. Tiger’s Nest, or Taktshang Goempa, is one of Bhutan’s most revered monuments. It literally hangs off the face of a cliff 900 meters (2,952 feet) above the valley floor. The legend states that Guru Rinpoche flew into Bhutan on a mythical tigress and meditated in a cave before bringing Buddhism to Bhutan. An approximately two-hour trek of moderate difficulty straight uphill will bring you to an observation pavilion at the halfway point to the monastery, where you may pause for tea and contemplation. Many people turn back here, but we recommend that you brave the final approach to Taktsang, which takes about 45 minutes longer. It is well worth the extra effort to experience the fantastic views of the mountains and valley below the monastery.

After the hike, relax at the hotel and enjoy a hot stone spa treatment, or continue to explore Paro and the valley.

Dinner: Enjoy dinner in Amankora Paro’s Dining Room at your leisure.

Day 10Tuesday, 18 October 2016

Enjoy breakfast at The Dining Room before departing at 9.30 for the airport (30 minutes).

Private jet departs Paro at 10.30, arriving in Jaipur, India at 12.30 (2 hours 30 minutes, -30 minutes time difference).

32

JAIPUR, INDIA Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, is known as the Pink City for its hallmark pale-pink stucco architecture. Home to a beguiling array of temples, forts, art galleries, gardens and bazaars, the city’s most iconic structure is City Palace, a gorgeous and intricate example of Mughal and Rajput architecture that was the former seat of the Maharaja of Jaipur.

33

AMANBAGHAmanbagh is a verdant oasis of mature palm, fruit and eucalyptus trees lying within a walled compound once the staging area for royal hunts. Evoking the palatial elegance of the Moghul era, Amanbagh provides a tranquil base from which to explore the rich heritage of Rajasthan, India’s dramatic frontier region. The topography of the surrounding Alwar region consists of sandy plains interspersed with craggy hills, a stark contrast to Amanbagh’s verdant setting, which give the property its name, from aman, meaning ‘peace’ in Sanskrit, and bagh, meaning ‘garden’ in Hindi.

34

SUITES

Garden Haveli SuitsEight Garden Haveli Suites are located on the ground level on either side of the swimming pool. The entrance to each Suite is via a courtyard with an outdoor dining area. Inside, a living area includes a large daybed, two armchairs and a writing desk. Beyond is a private courtyard. The adjoining bedroom features a domed ceiling high above a king-size bed and a bathroom filled with natural light.

35

DINING

The RestaurantThe Restaurant is positioned on the ground floor of the main building and provides a regal atmosphere beneath a double-height ceiling. The menu’s focus is fresh and seasonal Indian and Western cuisine. Salads, herbs and many vegetables are grown in the Amanbagh organic kitchen gardens.

The Library TerraceLocated on the second floor of the main building, the Library Terrace is ideal for informal dining in the evening, particularly under a starlit sky.

The Roof TerraceElevated above a canopy of trees, the Roof Terrace provides sweeping views over the surrounding landscape and is another option for dining and refreshments.

36

Day 10Tuesday, 18 October 2016

Private jet from Paro to Jaipur, India (2 hours 15 minutes), arriving at 12.30.

Lunch: Enjoy a special lunch at Rambagh Palace, a former residence of the Maharaja of Jaipur. Set in 19 hectares (47 acres) of landscaped gardens, the palace was built in 1835 and began as a modest garden house before being transformed into the palace it is today, upgraded with lavish details such as marbled corridors, carved pillars, and soaring domes.

After lunch, enjoy some time in the Pink City of Jaipur in a private vehicle with guide.

EXPERIENCES

Amber Fort: Drive 30 minutes to Amber, which was the ancient capital of this region and an active centre until 1727, when the rulers moved their court to Jaipur.

Hawa Mahal (Wind Palace): Built in 1799, by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh, the Wind Palace is the most recognisable monument of Jaipur. The five-storey, semi-octagonal monument has 152 windows with overhanging latticed balconies and is now a museum.

City Palace Museum: Home to the ruling families of Jaipur since the mid-18th century, the palace’s many courtyards and sprawling grounds occupied one-seventh of the old walled city of Jaipur, and its ornate architecture perfectly blends Rajput and Mughal styles.

Shopping: A treasure trove for shoppers, Jaipur’s markets and bazaars offer a wide range of handicrafts, most of which are produced in and around the city. The city is also one of the most important centres in the world for cutting and polishing precious and semi-precious stones, including diamonds.

Johri Bazaar: Smaller lanes Gopalji ka Rasta and Haldiyon ka Rasta house numerous establishments selling jewellery, while on the main road itself there are

37

silversmiths and boutiques selling traditional tie and dye fabrics and textiles.

Tripola Market and Chaura Rasta: The best stops for textiles, utensils, ironware and baubles. If you want to see the artisans at work, step into the side lanes and see for yourself.

Bapu Bazaar and Nehru Bazaar: Two delightfully bustling bazaars offering textiles, local perfumes and shoes made of camel skin.

Mirza Ismail Road (M.I. Road): The broad thoroughfare houses a large number of emporia selling a variety of goods ranging from jewellery and brass work to textiles, blue pottery and woodwork.

Transfer from Jaipur to Amanbagh in Alwar (approximately 2 hours). Depart for Amanbagh at your leisure; we recommend you leave Jaipur no later than 5pm.

Upon arrival at Amanbagh, relax and enjoy refreshing organic drinks from the hotel garden. In the evening, take part in an evening puja (Hindu prayer) before dinner, if you wish.

Dinner: Enjoy dinner in Amanbagh’s Restaurant at your leisure.

Day 11Wednesday, 19 October 2016

Breakfast: Enjoy breakfast at your leisure.

Visit the villages and ruins of the region with a private guide and car.

EXPERIENCES

Bhangarh: Twelve kilometres from Amanbagh, fifteen minutes by jeep, sits the intriguing old ruined city of Bhangarh. A medieval site of great archaeological importance, the city was built in the late 1500s and

38

legend has it that the now uninhabited city of once magnificent bazaars, palaces, gardens, temples and bathing pools was deserted overnight just a generation after its completion. If the atmosphere and mood suits, enjoy a yoga session on one of the temple platforms.

Cowdust Tour: Explore the villages surrounding Amanbagh in the afternoon when our local neighbours are herding their goats, cows and buffalos home after a day’s grazing. The locals will wave and the children will run after the car and you may even be invited for chai in one of our neighbour’s homes – for many guests, it is a profound and inspiring experience.

Dinner: Enjoy dinner at Amanbagh at your leisure.

Day 12Thursday, 20 October 2016 Enjoy breakfast at the Restaurant before a private transfer to Aman-i-Khás, Ranthambore (approximately 3.5 hours). Depart at your leisure.

Lunch: Enjoy a picnic lunch at a scenic spot during the drive across some of Rajasthan’s most ruggedly beautiful terrain.

39

RANTHAMBORE, INDIA Set beside the starkly handsome Aravalli Hills, Ranthambore National Park is one of the world’s premier tiger sanctuaries. Measuring 1,334 square kilometres, the park is home to an array of wildlife and takes its name from nearby Ranthambore Fort, one of the oldest forts in the Subcontinent with a history stretching back more than a millennium. More recently, the region was once a hunting ground for the Maharajas of Jaipur and was designated a nature preserve in 1955, one of the first in India.

40

AMAN-I-KHÁSOpen from October through May each year, the best season for wildlife spotting, Aman-i-Khás is a wilderness camp located in a brushwood forest on the fringes of Ranthambore National Park. Combining the Sanskrit word for ‘peace’, aman, with the Hindi word for ‘special’, khás, Aman-i-Khás offers accommodation in 10 air-conditioned tents each with soaring canopies draped in the Moghul style. There are also three separate tents for dining, spa treatments and relaxing. Twice-daily, guided wildlife viewing excursions take guests into the park to spot indigenous game including tigers, leopards, hyenas, sloth bears, crocodiles and chital deer.

41

TENTS

Aman-i-Khás features 10 tents identical in style, each set on a raised concrete plinth. They echo the rich Moghul travelling tents of bygone days with ‘rooms’ separated by cotton drapes. Constructed of canvas and supported by a steel frame, with interior walls and ceilings draped in fine cotton, each tent is air-conditioned and measures 108 square metres. Entry is through a screened area that contains an armchair, dining table and chairs. There is also room to sit outside on the concrete deck. The centre of the tent, with its soaring six-metre canopy, features an oversized daybed ideal for resting between safari drives.

42

RESTAURANT

The Dining TentSoftly lit by lamps, the Dining Tent is furnished with one large central table and several smaller tables. Indian cuisine and a range of Western dishes are served, and the freshness of produce is ensured by the camp’s own organic vegetable garden.

43

Day 13Friday, 21 October 2016

Breakfast – 5am: Enjoy tea or coffee and a quick bite before the first safari excursion.

EXPERIENCES

Wildlife Safari: There are twice-daily guided excursions in an open-top vehicle that transports guests on wildlife safaris into the core of Ranthambore National Park. The core of the park, which measures around 400 square kilometres, presents the best opportunities to search for tigers, leopards, jungle cats, hyenas and sloth bears. Guests are not guaranteed a tiger sighting, but the area is among the best to do so in India. Chital deer, antelope and gazelle can also be seen roaming the savannah whilst the lakes and waterholes are home to the Indian marsh crocodile. Bird life, both resident and migratory, is prolific and over 350 species have been sighted within the park.

The best time to view game is in the early morning and late afternoon from open-top safari vehicles. Trips are led by National Park-appointed guides who take guests through the park on a variety of routes. Snacks and drinks are provided. The morning excursion returns at about 10am when breakfast is served either in the Dining Tent or in the privacy of a guest’s own tent.

Afternoon excursions depart from the camp at around 3pm and generally return at 6:30pm. Excursion times are set by the park authorities as only a limited number of vehicles are permitted inside the park core at any one time.

Dinner: Enjoy dinner at the camp reflecting on the day’s sightings.

44

Day 14Saturday, 22 October 2016

Breakfast: Enjoy breakfast in the Dining Tent before departing on a private transfer to the airstrip, where you will board a small aircraft for Jaipur (1 hour and 45 minutes)

In Jaipur, deplane from the small aircraft and switch to the private jet for the flight to Sri Lanka (3 hours 15 minutes). Lunch will be provided onboard the jet.

45

GALLE, SRI LANKA

A charismatic UNESCO World Heritage site that combines native Sri Lankan traditions with Portuguese, Dutch and British heritage, the cosmopolitan port city has been a centre of trade for more than a millennium. Nowadays eclectic architectural styles sit side-by-side, and the energetic city radiates out from 17th-century Galle Fort on the coast.

46

AMANGALLAIn the historic port of Galle, Amangalla sits within the ramparts of Galle Fort. Named after the Sanskrit word for ‘peace’, and galla, the Sinhalese word for the town of Galle, the resort reveals the Fort’s daily activities and rich legacy, its narrow streets lined with buildings from the Dutch and British colonial eras. Offering views of the resort’s 200-year-old gardens and of the Fort and harbour beyond, Amangalla provides for the leisurely exploration of this historic trading port and the surrounding countryside.

Gentle strolls directly from the hotel unravel the unique history of this magnificent 36-hectare hexagonal stone fort, revealing colonial buildings still in use today, bustling narrow streets proffering the crafts of many generations, and the ramparts and seawall, where locals and visitors gather alike to fly kites, play cricket or simply inhale the wonders of its maritime legacy.

47

CHAMBERS

Ten chambers are located within the Church Street Wing and face the Fort ramparts. The entry leads into the open-plan room, featuring the bathroom, bedroom and separate sitting area. The bathroom has a large shower and free-standing bathtub. A gracious and authentic turn-of-the-century ambience is recreated with a four-poster king-size or twin bed arrangement, planter’s chair, writing desk, dining table and a pettagama chest perched atop gleaming teak floorboards.

48

RESTAURANT

The ZaalThe Zaal – the Great Hall – as it was known in Dutch times, is the entry point to the resort and features high ceilings, overhead fans and chandeliers. There is relaxed seating within as well as on the veranda facing the tree-lined street. The menu provides light meals and snacks in the morning and afternoon tea is served daily.

The Dining RoomAdjacent is the Dining Room that provides an intimate setting for dining with a colonial accent. The Dining Room is furnished with period chairs and tables, crisp white linen and antique silverware, with many of the original pieces being returned to their rightful place in the room. The Dining Room serves breakfast, lunch and dinner and provides a choice of traditional Sri Lankan curry and home-cooked dishes.

49

Day 14Saturday, 22 October 2016

Private jet from Jaipur to Colombo. Deplane from the private jet and take a private transfer to Galle (2-2.5 hours).

Before sunset discover the hotel gardens and wander among the historic surrounds of Galle Fort.

Dinner: Enjoy dinner in Amangalla’s Dining Room at your leisure.

Day 15Sunday, 23 October 2016 Breakfast: Enjoy breakfast in the Dining Room at your leisure.

Explore Galle Fort on foot accompanied by your private butler, an expert on the history of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

EXPERIENCES

Galle Fort: Spend time walking through the Dutch fort and along the old ramparts overlooking the turquoise sea. The fort covers 36 hectares (90 acres) and includes the well-preserved Groote Kerk (Dutch Church), Dutch Government House, the New Oriental Hotel (built in 1684), an old bell tower and perhaps most impressively, a tide-based sewage system. The Fort was established by the Portuguese in 1505 when a small foreign trading post was established. In 1640, the Dutch captured Galle, and by 1663 had constructed great ramparts and massive bastions to protect their interests. Within these ramparts, narrow streets are lined with houses displaying their Dutch and English heritage. Flanked by pillared verandas, these colonial homes and government offices remain in use today.

Spa: Enjoy a 90-minute treatment at the Amangalla

50

spa, The Baths. Recapturing a bygone era, five serene treatment rooms and two hydrotherapy pools host a variety of treatments: traditional aromatic massages, ayurvedic anointments, classical facials, reflexology, scrubs and wraps. An ayurvedic doctor is on hand to diagnose your dosha, give any lifestyle advice or heal an ailment.

Dinner: Enjoy dinner at your choice of restaurants.

Day 16Monday, 24 October 2016

Breakfast: Enjoy breakfast in the Dining Room at your leisure.

Explore Galle and its surroundings with a private guide and car.

EXPERIENCES

Galle National Museum: Housed in an old Dutch building at the centre of the Fort, the museum features exhibits on colonial weaponry, including a collection of Portuguese and Dutch swords, stone cannon balls, and battle axes made of brass and iron. Native handicrafts like turtle-shell ornaments and decorative pieces are also on display.

Maritime Archaeology Museum: Destroyed in the 2004 tsunami, the collection has been re-established in the newly renovated Dutch warehouse in Galle Fort. The exhibits of artefacts discovered on the ocean floor around Sri Lanka include the Avondster, a Dutch ship that wrecked off Galle Fort in 1659.

Gem Shopping: In a country where precious gems are mined, jewellery shops are in abundance. Browse the shops in search of treasure and don’t forget to bargain.

Private transfer from Amangalla to Amanwella (approximately 1.5 hours). Depart at your leisure; we recommend you depart after lunch.

51

TANGALLE, SRI LANKATangalle is one of the largest towns in southwestern Sri Lanka, a haven of sandy beaches, mild temperatures and lush forests. The name of the town in Sinhala means ‘projected rock’, referencing the rocks which form the coastline in the town area, and it remains a vital fishing port for the region.

52

AMANWELLAAmanwella is situated just west of Tangalle in a mature coconut grove fronting a crescent-shaped beach. The resort’s name derives from combining the words aman, or ‘peace’ in Sanskrit, and wella, the Sinhalese name for ‘beach’. The modernist design, informed by Sri Lanka’s most notable architect, Geoffrey Bawa, makes use of local materials and suites are linked by pathways, interspersed along the hillside to the west of the public areas, providing views of the ocean and beach flanked by two rocky headlands.

53

SUITES

Situated mostly on the hillside, the Suites enjoy views of the coconut grove and ocean. Floor-to-ceiling glass and latticed panels form two sides of the dwelling – one opening onto a private walled-in entry courtyard and plunge pool, with the terrace side opposite affording open views. There is a combined sleeping and living room with a king-size bed, writing desk, armchair with footstool and credenza. Sliding screens divide this area from the open-plan bathroom featuring a freestanding bathtub, twin vanities, dressing area and shower. Access to the spacious terrace, with dining table and lounger, is via sliding doors from the living areas and bathroom.

54

RESTAURANTS

The Restaurant Set within the cluster of public buildings at the southern end of the resort and open all day, the Restaurant is perched eight meters above sea level, offering stunning views across the pool towards coconut palms and the beach. Inside the Restaurant, doors open onto an internal grassed courtyard landscaped with frangipani trees and reflecting pools. The cuisine is Asian and Mediterranean with an emphasis on fresh local seafood from the Indian Ocean.

The Lounge and Bar Adjacent to the Restaurant, the Lounge and Bar also feature panoramic views, serving drinks and snacks alongside a range of sundowners. A selection of cigars is also available until late.

The Pool TerraceNext to the swimming pool, the Pool Terrace is ideal for alfresco dining. During the day, simple lunches as well as fresh young coconuts and local fruit are served, while evening menus include antipasti and home-style dishes.

The Beach ClubClose to the beachfront amidst coconut trees, the Beach Club provides an alternative venue for lunch and private dinners. The menu includes simple Asian salads, Mediterranean classics (using fresh local seafood), granitas and freshly churned ice cream. Seafood is cooked over a coconut charcoal barbeque and served with garden fresh salads and local relishes.

55

Day 16Monday, 24 October 2016

Arrive at Amanwella from Amangalla. Enjoy a refreshing afternoon stroll through the surrounding forests or relax on the idyllic beach.

Dinner: A welcome reception will be followed by dinner in the Dining Room.

Day 17Tuesday, 25 October 2016

Yoga: Start the day off with an early morning yoga session on the beach.

Breakfast: Enjoy breakfast at your leisure.

Explore Tangalle and the surroundings with a private guide and car.

EXPERIENCES

Early Morning Tangalle Market Visit: Ten minutes’ drive east of Amanwella, the town’s large fishing fleet and busy harbour make for a vibrant experience, and the daily fish, fruit and vegetable markets provide a colourful insight into Sri Lankan life.

Morning or Evening Village Nature Walk: An early morning or an evening stroll along the village paths that wind through the jungle offers a snapshot of daily village life. Amanwella is situated in the heart of Wella Wathura village, and chances abound to also view the diverse plants and wildlife in the area including monkeys, migratory birds, monitor lizards, hare and mongoose.

Dinner: Enjoy a farewell dinner in the Restaurant.

56

Day 18Wednesday, 26 October 2016

Breakfast: Enjoy breakfast at the Restaurant. Private transfer from Tangalle to Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo (approximately 3 hours 30 minutes). Alternatively, a sea plane charter to Colombo is available (30 minutes).

Terms and Conditions: Sed ut perspiciatis unde omnis iste natus error sit voluptatem accusantium doloremque laudantium, totam rem aperiam, eaque ipsa quae ab illo inventore veritatis et quasi architecto beatae vitae dicta sunt explicabo.

57

Some of her most memorable travel experiences include having a private lunch with the Queen of Bhutan in her palace; a magical NewYears Eve in Mongolia sharing a ger with a nomad family at -35°F; hiking to far-flung hill tribe villages off the grid in eastern Myanmar; off-piste skiing in Gulmarg, Kashmir in 1989; trekking alone in the Everest region of Nepal; taking a private helicopter up to view the peak of the third highest mountain in the world, Kanchenjunga in Sikkim; cruising in Siberia from the Arctic Circle to Vladivostok in a Russian icebreaker; chartering a private plane to visit remote corners of the Gobi Desert and eastern Mongolia; getting married in an Iban tribal longhouse in Bor- neo, a Hindu temple in Kerala and a Buddhist temple in Bhutan; and travelling solo across North Korea.

Catherine (née Evans) graduated from Shady Side Academy in Pittsburgh, and then headed to New York to attend Columbia University (Barnard College). 1980 was the first year Columbia of- fered Computer Science as a major, and her instinct told her computers would become increas- ingly integral into business and life in general. She earned her BA in Computer Science in 1984 and then spent four years writing code for Wall Street’s LF Rothschild, Unterberg and Tobin while at- tending NYU’s Stern School of Business, but she left for Hong Kong before she earning her MBA.

She lives with her husband, Donald Heald, a collector and purveyor of rare books and manuscripts, and their white Labrador, Burma, on Manhattan’s Upper East Side and in Sherman, CT. Her proud- est accomplishments include having been youngest female CEO of a publicly traded American com- pany at age 33 (as Catherine Winchester); being featured onstage with Bill Gates in two of his major keynote speeches in 1991 and 1993; and finishing the 1985 NYC Marathon in 101st place with a time of 3:17. She still runs 40 miles a week, albeit rather slowly now, and credits running and the self-dis- cipline she learned from daily training with being the foundation for all her achievements in life.

TOUR LEADER INFORMATIONCatherine E. HealdCEO and Co-Founder of Remote Lands

Catherine is an adventurer, an Asiaphile and a serial en- trepreneur. She describes her greatest fear in life as me- diocrity, and her second greatest as boredom -- and the combination being the stimulus for Remote Lands. A former software engineer and technology entrepre- neur, she considers herself lucky to have found her true calling at the age of 42, and to have been able to turn her life’s passion for Asian travel into her profession.

58

For more reservations or more information, email amanprivatejet@amanresorts.com or call +1 646 403 4128