Amanera

We spent our April anniversary at Amanera, and it was incredible. The horseback ride along a secluded beach and dinner by candlelight beside the ocean were both highlights. We also enjoyed the cigar boutique, where a local master rolls cigars by hand. The spa was peaceful and beautifully designed, with the best treatments I’ve experienced in the Caribbean. Everywhere you look, from the waves to the quiet moments, the beauty of God is present. Lionel and the whole Amanera team made us feel welcome; we had genuine conversations with everyone and learned something from each person we met. Amanera reminded us how special life and people can be.

The property is undeniably beautiful, and the food was good, but the evening fell far short of what I’d expect from a five-star resort. We were charged about $1,500 at premium rates, then told we couldn’t receive the same service as overnight guests. I was directly told the difference in treatment was because we weren’t staying there. I don’t complain about luxury prices, and I’m willing to pay when the care matches the cost. Here, it didn’t. The whole night felt like charges were being maximized while care and attention were minimized. I left stressed, and the value was nowhere near the price. I had planned to return for a stay, but I won’t now. My three-year-old daughter was left watching cartoons on a phone for hours while we paid for childcare. She became upset and overstimulated, and we eventually had to take her back and comfort her ourselves. The resort’s website describes thoughtful, engaging childcare, which wasn’t what we experienced. The disorganization was responsible for her not being properly cared for. We had told the resort before arriving that we’d be bringing two young children and needed childcare. Despite the website saying families can be accommodated, we were told on arrival that a nanny would be there in five minutes. We waited around 45 minutes, and our drinks took more than 40 minutes too. Once dinner began, the nanny sometimes expected me to look after my own children while still charging for her services. I made a formal complaint, but nearly an hour passed before anyone acknowledged it. When someone finally tried to help, the nanny stayed visibly close to our table, defeating the point of arranging care so we could have a quiet meal. I suggested reasonable alternatives, but nothing changed. Getting the reservation took four hours of phone calls because of repeated miscommunication and unclear answers. That consumed an afternoon for something that should have been simple. Service in the lounge was inattentive too. I repeatedly had to wave for attention, and another guest eventually signaled staff for us. That was below basic hospitality. There were apologies, but no meaningful action, and they came after the experience was already beyond repair. The setting and meal are why I’m not giving one star. I’m not someone who writes negative reviews at all, but the lack of professionalism, coordination, and attention to detail was deeply disappointing and didn’t match the resort’s claimed standard. Please don’t respond with a generic public apology. That would only make the service feel even more impersonal and transactional. If the resort wants to address this meaningfully, it has my contact details and can reach me directly.

Surfing was a highlight, so if you visit Amanera, try to budget for excursions. Angie also made childcare easy for us. Her kindness and creativity with kids put us at ease, and by the end of the week our son called her “his best friend.” The staff are what set this resort apart, even from other Aman properties. They were attentive and kind, always going the extra mile. We could message the team through WhatsApp, which made things easy and gave us a real sense of privacy. At times it felt like we had the hotel to ourselves. The resort is beautiful, the activities were fun, and the food at both restaurants was delicious. We felt spoiled with luxury from the moment we stepped off the plane. It was an unforgettable experience.

We chose this place for a honeymoon dinner, but the food was just mediocre for the price. The oysters weren’t good, the tuna tartare was disappointing, and the prawn tortellini was only okay. My fiancé’s rack of lamb wasn’t well seasoned either. I assume the prices reflect the resort stay, but the food and experience should match them, and they didn’t. I also would’ve appreciated some acknowledgement of our honeymoon, but there wasn’t any.