Amankila, Bali

In the remote east coast of Bali lies the little hamlet called Amankila. A beachside retreat, it lies serenely amid lush vegetation and up against the breathtaking backdrop of Mt. Agung. It’s beguilingly simple interiors draws out the beauty of its surrounding overlooking the tranquillity of the Lombok Strait.

Location: Amankila is strategically located, a 2-hour ride away from Bali’s airport in Denpasar. This area is quieter than the busier neighbourhoods of Seminyak and Kuta and Aman guests and regulars enjoy the seclusion.

The property: The structure of the resort is a homage to the Karangasem palaces, which were the water palaces of Bali’s Karangasem dynasty. There is a quiet serenity to the place that one can’t help but admire, as you sit down with a book and a drink by the three-tiered pool that washes down the hillside; it is to experience beauty watching the sunlight dance of the cascading water in a million little sparks.

Accommodation: The Amankila has 33 suites that look like they stud the treetops like flowers.9 suites have a private pool while the rest have mountain, garden or ocean views. The cottages with thatched roofs offer some of the best sea views and on the inside, the same aesthetic is carried forward in the coconut wood furniture so that not for a moment do you feel an experience a break in the dream that is the Amankila.

Activities: There is much that can be discovered in and around Amankila, whether your passion is for its unspoilt waters which draw in scuba divers, snorkelers or if you choose to embark on a culinary journey during your stay.

Cuisine: Guests can choose to opt for Bnb or half board experience so they can rent a car and explore the surrounding areas or spend time snorkelling at the Blue Lagoon nearby. At their oceanfront restaurant, the focus lies in creating wholesome meals where each ingredient is locally sourced and kept fresh. Herbs are collected from the Amankila garden, poultry sourced from the nearby farms in the Jasri village, volcanic mud from Mt Agung all add an extra dose of freshness and nutritional value, that it becomes impossible not to feel healthy inside out. The dishes created are reimagined using the local techniques of East Bali and then combining them with contemporary cooking styles in an effort to bring back local cuisine. The staff can cater to vegan, Jain, paleo, kosher and gluten-free requests so please be sure to inform the management upon arrival about any dietary preferences or allergies.

Wellness: Due to the island’s royal history and lineage it positively exudes with arts, crafts, culture, and a noble past. Inspired by its history the wellness spa and centre at Amankila, has an extensive menu that draws from the spirit of east Bali and their therapies leave you feeling absolutely relaxed and blissed out. Whether you want to choose from their scrubs, wraps, or soak in their all-natural Balinese bath salts, there’s no denying the sense of healing and recuperation that one gets at the end of their wellness experience. Their holistic practitioners or healers are trained to guide you through your journey to recuperation with reiki or hypnotherapy, providing the tools for one’s own transformation in an episode that is both uplifting and joyous.

My days at Amankila would start with an early morning villa swim followed by a yoga session in the verdant outdoors. What followed would typically be a large breakfast of salmon, congee, black rice porridge, herbal tea and a fruit platter. One afternoon, we were invited out to sea on a snorkelling cruise aboard the Amankila Xii – an experience I will never forget. We swam with clownfish, a sea turtle, beautiful corals and schools of colourful fish. This was followed by a picnic lunch with champagne on the boat before we headed back. In an attempt to experience everything the property had to offer, I would go snag one of the cabanas at the beach club and hang out there until the sun came down. I find ‘wave watching’ extremely calming and therapeutic. I would draw a nice bath with hot salt and rose petals with the help of the incredible staff at Amankila and either cosy up to a lovely dinner at the villa or head out to a jazz bar in the neighbourhood for some live music. Safe to say that I slept like a happy baby each of the two nights that I spent at this gorgeous property.

Verdict: Perhaps it is the closeness to nature or the seclusion from the outside world that makes Amankila such an experience of tropical luxury. It is hard to leave it behind and not miss it, but the calm one experiences here stays for a long time. This place is perfect if you are looking to commemorate a special occasion or spend a weekend away with your family. There’s something for everyone here at Amankila. I cannot wait to be back. I’ll be dreaming about the day cruise on the boat. Until next time xx