Tag Archives: Aman resorts

Amankila. Manggis, Bali

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When I first pictured Bali I pictured lush rainforest, white sandy beaches, birds of paradise flying everywhere, and monkeys playing in the trees. Although my imagination got the best of me a little bit with this idea, for the most part it was true. The Amankila truly embodied most of what I had dreamed Bali would be, with a few differences. Located along the Manggis coastline, just an hour and a half from the airport, I loved how the hotel was located away from the hustle and bustle of the city area. Bali has gotten to be quite a busy place, so it was nice to see what Bali was like before it became so developed. Unlike most Aman hotels, this Aman has white-washed walls and is very open-aired, a little more Bali than Aman.

Located on the cliffs of Amuk Bay, this hotel has some of the best views I’ve seen yet. Located among vast rice paddies, high volcanoes, and the ocean, this is the near-perfect location I’ve been searching for. There are 34 stand-alone villas nestled among the rainforest with alang alang thatched roofs fashioned after traditional Balinese beach homes. There are 6 different types of suites: Garden Suite, Ocean Suite, Pool Suite, Kilasari Suite, Indrakila Suite, and the Amankila Suite. Opt for the amazing Kilasari Suite, while all the rooms are pretty identical, this suite comes with Ocean Views and a 12m pool.

Above the romantic three-tiered pool over-looking spectacular views of the coastline is The Terrace restaurant, which serves Asian and Western cuisine and is open for lunch. The other dining option, The Restaurant, is available for evening dining with cocktails or aperitifs enjoyed in the open-air bar. The Restaurant also offers cooking lessons, in which a couple will travel to the fish market in the early morning and then travel back to the hotel where they will learn how to cook authentic Indonesian food for their lunch.

One of my favorite things about the Amankila is there beach club. It is a very rare find in Bali, especially to have such a beautiful black-sand beach that is actually swimmable. A path leads to the resort’s private beach which offers eight bales, windsurfers, kayaks, boogie boards, Hobie Cats and two outriggers. The beach club also offers a private restaurant, 41 meter lap pool, and butler service. The Amankila also offers numerous romantic activities for couples and family-friendly activities for those traveling with young kids. My favorite activity would be the privately chartered yacht for a cruise around the coast with snorkeling and diving activities, followed by a picnic on a private beach, and a sunset cruise with cocktails.The Amankila truly embodies what I feel Bali should offer for an island resort and is the perfect destination whether you are 30 on your honeymoon or 50 and traveling with your family.

 

Photographs courtesy of the property.

Amanyara Hotel. Turks & Caicos

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During my five years of working as a travel curator, I have never come across a property so perfectly executed like Amanyara. The fact that Amanyara is only a few hours away from major cities like Miami, Dallas, New York and Boston, makes it my favorite and most desirable beach destination (specially during the cold winter).

When you enter Amanyara  you will easily understand why I consider it to be the most beautiful hotel of the Aman brand. You will be welcomed by a contemporary setting, with an infusion of Japanese architecture. It is located in a sensual tropical island; one you would want to be lost in forever with your better half.

When you walk into the lobby you might have to pinch yourself once or twice to make sure you are not in a wild dream. The hotel has 38 pavilions and 20 villas, which are equally as beautiful. If you are traveling with a big family a Villa might be the best option due to their size, they all range between 3 to 4 bedrooms. If you are on a romantic getaway, I suggest staying in either the Pool Pavilions 120 or 125.

As soon as you realize that the beautiful pavilion the manager is walking you to is yours, you might feel dizzy and extreme excitement all at the same time, they are absolutely stunning. Each features a private pool, not plunge pool, but a 30-foot pool, therefore there is no need to share it with strange guests and unwanted small humans.

The restaurant terrace is the perfect place to have a decadent breakfast before heading to one of the gigantic lounge sala´s next to the pool. If you get tired of tanning (not that anyone would get) the library is the perfect place to unwind and sip a delicious Mojito. If for dinner you want something extra special, get a private table at the picturesque cove right on the beach. Maybe, if you’re lucky, you will get to see famous celebs, such as Mary J. Blige and Sting, who usually perform at Amanyara’s holiday parties.

 

Photographs courtesy of the property.