Amankila, Bali

Descending the grand stone staircase to the Amankila’s iconic three-tier infinity pool, we realized that this was not just another luxury resort. Amankila nourished our senses with sights, smells and flavors that stirred something in our hearts, inducing memories we’d savour for a long time.

We came to the Amankila from Ubud, having been transported from the lovely Amandari (review soon!) and the first impression was that of arriving at a friend’s residence rather than a resort. A very rich friend, and one with exquisite taste, it has to be said.

Set on the cliffs and overlooking a dark volcanic beach, Amankila offers its own exquisite brand of laid-back luxury, in a very private setting.

Slow Living

This place put us into a slow-down mood. Every morning we’d get up to a new, completely relaxing day. We would leisure at long breakfasts, either at the hotel’s restaurant by the main pool or in the quietness of our pool suite.

For us, the suite encapsulated the resort living at Amankila. Spacious in- and outside, with a large swimming pool, it had the Aman’s trademark exceptional attention to detail, and style that captured the spirit of Bali.

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Design Unity

The resort is a great example of the Aman’s unique formula in which minimalist style contemplates local building traditions. The stacked-up swimming pools are just the most obvious manifestation of this philosophy: they carry in them a distant echo of the Balinese rice paddies, so ubiquitous on the island.

But the architectural art of the Amankila’s cliff-edge terraces is but one aspect of the hotel experience. The strength of the resort’s design is in its duality—it never shies away from distinct features, but it can also fade away after a while, be a mere backdrop as another relaxed day rolls by.

The Aman Experience

Every time we write about our experience at an Aman resort we try not to fall back to a “you have to be here to truly ‘get it’ ” cliché. But it’s true, at least to some degree. This is because ultimately what matters is not only the architecture or luxuries of the guest rooms, or even the excellent art-on-the-plate dining.

What makes the Aman experience unique is the always-smiling, personalized service and soothing atmosphere. That, and the Aman’s conscious immersion in its locale, for many experiences and excursions the resort offers are focused on a close connection with the local culture.

The moment-to-moment moods are encapsulated in the evening music and authentic Balinese dance performances, and in those nice touches of local children making token “offerings” out of bamboo leaves when we’d come down for the afternoon tea.

All this fills the day with moments of delight. We cherished them and cherished our time at the hotel stay as a whole—like the beautiful time it was.

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in our opinion

Amankila stands as an excellent example of the unobtrusive service and stunning design, perfectly orchestrated to provide the legendary Aman experience.

It's a haven of seclusion, and one of the most romantic hotels we stayed in Bali. Awarding the Editor's Pick.

What we love

• Amankila design embodies the Aman philosophy of subtle references to local traditions and natural surroundings, starting with the architectural influences drawn from the nearby Karangasem palaces—and ending in the echoes of rice terraces, evident in the stunning three-tiered infinity pool.
• The fantastic cliff-top position overlooking the Lombok Strait. Best admired from the pool area, or the bar/restaurant higher up.
• We absolutely loved our Pool Suite (#33). Beautifully laid out, with a very large swimming pool and view towards the ocean, it was a perfect holiday hangout.
• All rooms have sophisticated interiors that induce a feeling of understated luxury. Elegant furniture is crafted from coconut wood, rattan, and bamboo. A royal entrance leads to a bedroom with a four-poster bed, and then on to a large bathroom with marble vanities.
• Excellent service: your every need is anticipated. Housekeeping—as always at Amans—is stellar. Amankila staff truly deserves a special mention. The majority of them have been working at the resort from the very beginning (this also speaks to a great working environment).
• Sensational food! Nasi Goreng was always perfectly prepared and the Moroccan doughnuts with spiced custard and espresso cream deserve their fame. Evening meals were small exercises in the art of cooking and service.
• Afternoon tea served by the pool. Offered are also traditional delicacies made by local villagers—always tasty.
• Lovely night atmosphere, with candle lights and traditional Balinese dance performances by the pool or live Balinese music.
• Great oceanfront Beach Club, featuring a 130-foot lap pool and a restaurant, tucked into a coconut grove. It's adjacent to a long, wide beach.

What you should know

• We combined Amankila with a stay at Amandari, a very different place in the heart of Ubud. Staying at both gives a complete island experience. They will also drive you between the resorts, and stop at sights if you want.
• The elevated, intersecting marble walkways that connect the cliff-side suites and the main building require a bit of climbing—at least from some of the rooms. Request a room close to the main building when booking, if this is a problem.
• To get to the Beach Club would mean taking a long winding staircase down… if not for the specially modded cars, which are fun to ride. Just ask a member of staff.
• Some Garden / Ocean Suites are less private, as they have a walkway in front. Book one of the Pool Suites for maximum privacy (and luxury!).
• Ocean Suite No. 37 has the best view in the category, but it's positioned right next to the resort road… it's not like there is heavy traffic, though.
• The beach is lovely, but the sand is of the volcanic kind (dark if not black) and it gets sizzling hot in the day.
• Getting there: The flight-comparison sites such as Skyscanner (www.skyscanner.com) or Kayak (www.kayak.com) will help you find the best flights and deals.