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.