Amankila

Our stay at Amankila in Bali was great. From the moment we arrived, we were greeted with warm smiles and the feeling of being 'home' again, despite never having visited this particular Aman. We booked a Garden suite but were upgraded to an Ocean suite. It's not over-the-top luxurious, but the design is timeless and works well. But I feel like the in-room amenities could be better, seamlessly blending new technology into the overall service experience. Aman is conservative though, so I doubt we'll see that anytime soon. I'm a big fan of architect Ed Tuttle and in particular the work at Amanpuri. This one is maybe a little impersonal with all the stone and big pools, I think the 'grandeur' of the property could have been toned down a little bit. It's hard to not like the Balinese decor and the private terrace overlooking the sea, where I could unwind and soak in the serene atmosphere. Service is as expected at an Aman; just great. Location; so-so, far from everything, but not remote. Value for money could have been better, but it seems like all Amans have increased in price in the last couple of years.

Going to Amankila is a unique experience. Yes, it is expensive. But, it is worth it at least once in a lifetime. As this was my second visit, I knew what to expect, but I had forgotten how good it was. From the moment you are greeted by the staff, you are treated as an honored guest. At Amankila they don’t know the meaning of “no”. My traveling partners and I realized we were in the Aman cocoon when we went to dinner at the restaurant next door, “Sea Salt”, and Laurent the Food and Bev manager at Aman had called ahead to make sure they understood our food allergies. Once you enter the Aman door, every person knows your name, they check you in at your room, and everything is done at your pace. They shuttle you to the local village and pick you up, offer suggestions. The menus are basically “suggestions” and the chef, Jati, will come out to discuss any questions. You want fettuccine Al pesto, no problem. Leaving was difficult. The only thing I would mention is that there are quite a few stairs. There isn’t an elevator and not really any ramps. Captain Morgan

If you’re planning a trip to Bali, and considering East Bali Maggie — Amankila is the place to stay. The most beautiful beach resort we’ve ever stayed at. The most outstanding feature is Amankila’s 3-tiered pool with a view of the Lombok Straits is simply divine. The 40 metre pool at the Beach Club and coconut grove is also very beautiful; fantastic to do laps. Villas are beautiful decorated with perfect house keeping. The room is equipped with thoughtful features like reading lights, day beds to lounge. The room has with no televisions and clocks to remind you of time. As per other travellers’ comments, indeed the resort doesn’t have much of a gym. The spa is housed in a villa. The therapists and privacy from an individual spa villas makes up for the lack of a purpose-built spa. I should add though that the therapists are better at the COMO Shamble Estate in Ubud. Hard to find a drawback but I’d have to say very low water pressure at the swimming pool showers and room showers. Maybe as a water saving feature. The General Manager doesn’t come by to say hi, but his Director Rooms & Director of F&B more than make up for it. They were wonderfully warm and hospitable. The restaurant staff are also helpful and gracious. Airport transfer faultless. All in all, an excellent resort which upholds the Aman brand. If you’re looking for a way to digitally detox in an outstandingly beautiful surrounding — this is the place.