MATHIS Lodge Amed

The massage was amazing, and the place itself is lovely, with friendly staff and good food. The shuttle only runs once an hour, though, and every 30 minutes would be much better. The last kilometre of road isn’t great. I’d add something to the spa, like a hammam or sauna, and maybe a space for Pilates or yoga classes and a gym. When the weather’s bad, there isn’t much to do.

The setting is stunning, up in the mountains outside Amed, and our large villa had plenty of outdoor space. It’s rustic and charming, with tasty à la carte breakfasts and a great restaurant, though the restaurant is a little pricey. An hourly shuttle takes guests up and down the very steep, treacherous mountain road. It’s a hidden gem for relaxing, but the villas don’t feel especially private. We could hear plenty from neighbouring villas, as well as villagers playing loud music at night. There was some construction nearby too, though it didn’t disturb me.

Mathis lodge is a beautiful, relaxing spot on the mountainside, a little slice of untouched Bali. The staff made us feel welcome at every turn, and the friends we made there feel like lifelong friends. I suggest hiring a scooter and leaving it at the drop zone. Amed stretches out, and the roads feel very safe to ride. Our family will come back. To sum it up: “Bagus Sekali”.

The views are nice, but the noise and isolation made this a terrible stay for us. There was construction from a huge project next door all day, every day, and loud parties at a nearby hut sent music echoing across the valley. One night the bass was so strong I could still hear it over a movie with my AirPods at maximum volume. The resort kept saying these things were outside its control, but that doesn’t mean guests should have to put up with a ruined holiday when there are better options. It’s a 20-minute drive from anywhere civilized, up a difficult, winding road, and I felt trapped. The food was too focused on truffle. Main portions were decent, but the juices were tiny and the coffees only half full. Staff didn’t seem to care that we’d paid for a relaxing stay. I’m usually positive and don’t complain much, but I wouldn’t have stayed another night, even for free. I’ve also heard that many five-star reviews are given in exchange for free drinks. My family and I won’t return. Learn from our experience and stay elsewhere.