Amankila

Amankila, Manggis, Indonesia: A Comprehensive Review of a Michelin Two-Keys Property

Amankila, a Michelin Key Two-Keys property nestled on the serene east coast of Bali, offers guests a tranquil and luxurious escape with breathtaking ocean views and impeccable service. Often described as a "serene paradise" and one of Bali's best luxury resorts, it consistently receives high praise for its stunning design, secluded location, and exceptional hospitality.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

Amankila generally garners an outstanding reputation, with many guests rating it highly, often as "outstanding" or "great." The sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with visitors frequently describing it as a "paradise" and a place that fulfills fantasies, offering a blend of luxury and tranquility. It's celebrated for its ability to induce a "slow-down mood" and create lasting memories.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently rave about several standout features:

• Architectural Design & Pools: The resort's iconic three-tiered cascading infinity pool, dramatically appearing to descend into the ocean, is a masterpiece of design and a major focal point.
• Location & Views: Perched on a cliff overlooking the Lombok Strait, Amankila offers stunning, unobstructed ocean views from many vantage points and its suites.
• Private Beach Club: The private black volcanic sand beach, accessible by stairs or buggy, provides a secluded and beautiful setting with a 41-meter (130-foot) lap pool and lounging bales.
• Exceptional Service: The warm, personalized, and attentive service from long-tenured staff is a recurring highlight, making guests feel like welcomed friends.

3. Room Quality

Amankila boasts 34 freestanding, thatched-roof suites that dot the hillside, connected by stilted walkways. The interiors are designed with traditional elegance, using local materials like coconut wood, rattan, and bamboo, and feature king-sized canopy beds. Bathrooms are spacious, often including a window-side divan, a deep soaking tub, separate shower, and double vanities. Each suite typically includes an outdoor terrace with a daybed, table, and chairs.

While the design is timeless and sophisticated, some reviews suggest that the rooms and their bathroom fixtures could benefit from refurbishment. Upgrading to suites like the Indrakila or Kilasari, which often include private pools and expansive outdoor spaces with direct ocean views, is highly recommended by guests for an enhanced experience. Notably, the newly revamped "Infinity Pool Suites" offer private 9-meter infinity pools with views.

4. Dining Experience

Amankila offers multiple open-air dining options, including The Restaurant, Beach Club, The Bar, and The Terrace (poolside dining), alongside in-room dining. The cuisine is generally praised as "top-notch" and "sensational," featuring a blend of European and Indonesian dishes, with fresh, locally sourced seafood.

• Breakfast: Often described as a "pleasant affair" and a favorite, breakfasts are excellent and can be enjoyed at the main restaurant or in the privacy of your suite.
• Lunch: The Beach Club and Terrace restaurants serve light meals, including delicious tacos, salads, and pizzas.
• Dinner: The main restaurant offers Western and Indonesian options, with some guests highlighting dishes like grilled snapper and local king prawns. The Italian restaurant is also noted for its excellent food.
• Afternoon Tea: Complimentary afternoon tea served poolside is a cherished ritual.

Some guests have mentioned that the food variety in the main restaurant could be more extensive, and wine prices in Indonesia are generally high.

5. Service & Staff

The service at Amankila is consistently highlighted as a major strength, often described as "impeccable," "truly satisfying," and "exceptional." Staff members are known for their warmth, genuineness, and personalized attention, often remembering guests' names and room numbers. Many team members have been with the resort since its opening, contributing to a sense of familiarity and excellent working environment.

Personalized touches include welcome amenities, refreshing towels and drinks after excursions, and nightly turndown service with local gifts and "bedtime stories." Housekeeping is particularly praised for its discreet efficiency. However, some guests have noted instances of slow service at meals, suggesting that staff might be overstretched at times, particularly post-pandemic.

6. Location & Accessibility

Amankila is situated in Manggis, on Bali's less-traveled eastern coastline, offering a secluded and private feel away from major tourist hubs. The resort is approximately a 90-minute to two-hour drive from Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) in Denpasar, with complimentary airport transfers often included.

Its cliff-side location provides stunning views of the Lombok Strait and Mount Agung. While remote, it offers opportunities to explore East Bali's rich Balinese culture, traditional villages like Candi Dasa and Tenganan, and historical sites. Activities like rice paddy treks, water sports, and ATV rides are also available. The property's elevated walkways and numerous stairs mean it might not be ideal for guests with mobility issues, though buggies are available for transport to the beach club.

7. Value & Pricing

As an Aman property and a Michelin Two-Keys recipient, Amankila is positioned as a high-end luxury resort, and its pricing reflects this. Room rates can start from around $1100-$1330 USD per night, with some higher-end suites reaching significantly more.

While undoubtedly expensive, many guests feel it offers good value by Aman standards, especially with included benefits like breakfast and airport transfers. The overall experience of privacy, stunning design, exceptional service, and unique activities often justifies the "splurge" for guests seeking an unparalleled luxury retreat. However, some reviewers suggest that given the high prices, the resort's facilities and rooms should be impeccably maintained and updated, hinting that current rates might feel steep considering minor refurbishment needs.

8. Common Complaints

Despite its overwhelming positive feedback, some recurring criticisms and considerations include:

• Refurbishment Needs: The age of the resort (opened in 1992) is evident in some areas, with rooms, particularly bathroom fixtures, and the fitness and massage pavilions noted as being in need of refurbishment.
• Ocean Plastics Pollution: While the private beach is regularly cleaned, ocean plastic pollution in Bali is a pervasive issue, and early risers might observe some garbage on the beach.
• Oil Tankers in View: Some guests have mentioned the presence of oil tankers in the distant ocean view, which can be a "buzzkill" for those expecting an unblemished seascape, though they are not typically noisy.
• Occasional Service Lapses: While service is generally excellent, some guests have experienced slow service at meals or communication issues, particularly regarding booking activities or New Year's Eve programs.
• Lack of In-Room Coffee/Tea: A minor but surprising omission for some guests is the absence of tea or coffee facilities directly in the room.
• Limited Chinese Services: One reviewer noted the single restaurant lacked a Chinese menu and staff, which they found unaccommodating given the number of Chinese guests.
• Quiet Environment: While a highlight for many, the secluded location means very little nightlife, which might not appeal to those seeking a more active social scene.

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