Amankila

The meals were delicious, and when I asked for two dishes to be changed, the chef did it without hesitation. For our Indonesian dinner, the staff helped us dress in Balinese clothing. From Laurent to Wayan, our driver and guide, everyone was gracious and gentle. I'd return with my family. Our villa felt like a second home: gorgeous design, excellent linens, and modern high-tech touches alongside a feel from days gone by. White bougainvillea spilled over the parapets, and the endless views had ships twinkling far away. The team responded straight away to requests on WhatsApp, and they delivered those super walnut cookies every day. An unpretentious private hotel with seriously high-end luxury.

We had booked three nights at this Aman property at the beginning of the month for our anniversary, after enjoying the service at other Aman properties. After a two-hour drive from Kuta beach, the manager told us at check-in that construction was underway. We had no idea. The pile driver started up as he spoke, making deafening noise that my Noise app registered at 130 db. He said our Oceanview villa was closer to the work and there was no availability at the North end. The construction wasn't mentioned to us or our travel agent in the many emails about dietary preferences and arrival and pickup details, and I couldn't find it on the hotel's website. I walked around the property and heard the noise everywhere. Inside our assigned villa there was no escape from the machine's constant thumping. They played loud music in the villa to drown it out, which felt deceitful. Within half an hour, my wife had a migraine from the noise. I managed to book a riverfront villa at the Mandapa in Ubud, which I'd highly recommend, but we had to endure another two-hour drive. I feel the owners should close the property for a few days to get the heavy construction done rather than expose guests to noise at a level known to cause hearing loss. We're Aman fans, but this left a bad taste. If possible, avoid this property for the next few weeks.

What stayed with me most was how welcome the people made us feel. My daughter and I are leaving Amankila tomorrow after four nights, grateful to everyone who works here. The resort itself is phenomenal and gorgeous, but the staff are what make you feel wanted, and we had so many lovely conversations. The food was fabulous at both restaurants and the beach club. The beach staff were attentive and friendly, too. We also took a private boat trip with snorkeling and lunch, and the two gentlemen who took us were wonderful. It really felt like a piece of paradise.

We spent five nights here last year and had a great time. The property itself is incredible, the beach was amazing, and the staff were great. Body boarding was especially fun, thanks to the staff who helped us on the beach. Highly recommend!