Tag Archives: amankila

Amanwella. Tangalle, Sri Lanka.

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Just off the southeast coast of India lies the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka. Often overshadowed by its popular neighbors, India and The Maldives, Sri Lanka is at the cusp of a tourism overhaul. Due to it’s vibrant culture, fusion food, sublime beaches, and kind people, Sri Lanka is one of 2016’s must-travel destinations.

By far, Sri Lanka’s most prestigious accommodation is the Amanwella, situated on a mature Coconut Grove just outside the town of Tangalle in southern area of the island. This contemporary beachfront property is reminiscent of my time at the Amankila in Bali because of the strong Asian influence in the architecture of the property as well as it’s use of natural colors and textures. Accessed only a thin and windy gravel road, you open up to a large red pebbled courtyard which leads you to the stunning (and private) crescent-shaped beach.

There are 30 identical suites that are divided between oceanfront and hillside views. Unlike many Aman properties, Amanwella has the option to connect two Suites via a shared courtyard, which is perfect for traveling families. The Suites each come with floor-to-ceiling glass panels to reveal a private terrace and plunge pool.

There are also a number of dining venues at the hotel so you’ll never feel a repetitiveness with meals. The Restaurant is located adjacent to the Arrival Pavilion and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Sample the local fisherman’s catch of the day in an intimate and romantic dining experience that combines Asian and Mediterranean influences. The Lounge Bar is a more casual dining venue, but with similar panoramic views to The Restaurant. Be sure to grab a cocktail and paired cigar there at sunset. The Pool Terrace is the perfect place for alfresco dining and a refreshing coconut drinks. The adjoining Beach Club also offers lunch and a private beach BBQ dinner, ideal for you and your loved one.

The Amanwella Spa is the quintessential place for a little R&R. Listen to the sounds of the waves crashing below you on the beach while you indulge in their signature massage, the Abhyanga Massage, which is a traditional Ayurvedic massage including warm oils to remove impurities from the body. If you want a little more action and a little less rest, explore Sri Lanka’s Mulgirigala Rock Temple or try your hand at surfing with one of Amanwella’s expert surf instructors. While Sri Lanka’s weather is pretty moderate year-round, be sure to visit between November-April and go whale-watching!

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.