Amankila of Bali

100   Recommended
Pool Suite
June 25, 2021 by

 Map | 14 Reviews | 57% Recommended
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Amankila
 Map | 14 Reviews | 57% Recommended

Save

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Pool Suite

Liked:
Location
Service
Food
Amenities
Room
Stats
Room
Pool Suite

Ah, Amankila, what’s perhaps amongst FT’s most well known and most loved hotels. Located in Eastern Bali, the hotel is a well-known haven of architectural splendour, cultural sensitivity, and exceptional service - well, mostly.

We booked via a Virtuoso agent who was able to combine the Idyllic Indonesia with Virtuoso benefits at around £650 a night, with a complimentary third night. 

Note that we booked a Virtuoso rate and received the published Virtuoso benefits. This included an upgrade to a Pool Suite, which was a nice gesture. Additionally I was surprised that we were initially refused the published benefit of USD100 or equivalent food and beverage credit, although after multiple calls to reservations that was later resolved. Frankly quite a poor start, but happy it was resolved.

Check In

We were picked up in Ubud at 11.00. We had initially scheduled a pick up at 11.00, later moved back to 13.00, and back to 11.00 at 9.00 on the day of due to sudden changes in circumstance. A car was dispatched immediately, for what was meant to be just over an hours drive. The car arrived 15 minutes late, although granted I was pushing it a bit far. That said, I was surprised they didn't pull it off for Aman, considering that the roads had no traffic - but it was entirely my fault anyways it is myself that is to blame.

The driver had seemed rather cold on the start although quickly warmed up after striking a conversation. He was a complete delight to talk to thereafter, and we had a great chat about Aman and Bali. 

I noticed that they had changed the vehicle to a newer model (I was told that they changed equipment every three years), and (sadly) gone due to the pandemic was the trademark white-linen clad seats along with the jar of cookies and crisps.

Upon arrival, we were greeted by the wonderful Ari at reception who welcomed us back 'home' and brought us to our suite. We had to sign a bunch of health forms that was apparently mandated by the local government. 

Room

As mentioned, we had been upgraded to an ocean view pool suite, which was well received. The suite itself is well kept, and as always still beautifully appointed with Ed Tuttle's timeless design. We were welcomed by the usually sanctioned fruit plate, which unfortunately seemed to get smaller each year. Long gone is Basil Pao's brilliant though dated catalogue of Aman Resorts (AMAN2), replaced with the newest catalogue. 

Again, absent too was was the usual snack jars of cookies and crisps as has the mini bar. This later was explained to be a pandemic related decision, although both jars of the brilliant oatmeal and chocolate cookies and vegetable crisps magically appeared after explaining how I missed them. Wonderful!

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Bedroom

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Lounger

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Desk and iPad

I wasn't a big fan of the iPad that serves as the new service directory for each suite, which compared to a normal handbook felt very clunky - particularly when browsing dining menus. Some past guests left warm messages in the notes app contained in the iPad, although I wasn't particularly a fan of one note containing a rather risque sketch by one party. I would have thought they'd reset the iPad after each stay. The old Bose speaker was replaced had been much nicer B&O speaker which was also there on my last stay two years ago. Additionally to old toilet had been replaced by one of the very high-tech Toto-smart toilets as well. 

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Toilet

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View towards bedroom from Bathroom and Shower

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View

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Suite in the Evening

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Iced Water and Sunscreen

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Turndown
Apart from that, everything else within the room was still as good as ever. The design by the late architect Ed Tuttle still remains as beautiful to this day, and even excels compared to some very poor room designs in newer hotels. I loved the multitude of towels folded and hung everywhere, and the wonderful natural insect repellent spray that saved me a lot of trouble with the many insect bites I got since arriving in Bali.

The condition terrazzo flooring, and coconut shell tables do not reflect the hotel's age at 29, a mark of Amankila's rigorous maintenance. Apart from one tap valve accessory falling off, everything was in pristine condition. 

Hand sanitisers were provided in the villa, although they smelled very strong. All the other toiletries and soaps smelled great and were of excellent quality as usual. All linens were crisp and white, and towels were plush. Nothing to complain about.

Service

I was delighted to see many familiar faces who took wonderful care of us during our stay. In particular, Kasih from the restaurant is always a delight and a wonderful reminder of great stays at Amankila in the past. Additionally, Ari at reception was also very warm, and friendly.

I was later approached by a young man, the assistant F&B Manager named Hubert. Despite only being at Aman for just over 2 years, he had a very impressive knowledge of Aman and hotels in general. He was great to talk to. 

Since the hotel has retired around 50% of its workforce, they have been hiring many people as trainees. At the restaurant regardless of staff, service is excellent and praiseworthy. Everyone remembered our preferences and orders and every request was taken cared of. Excellent! The fact that Kasih was there every morning made everything better. Service was very polished as expected.

This was the first time we had turn down service between the hotels we stayed at in Bali, although it appeared to be somewhat on demand. Whilst thankfully those thoughtful little gifts still show up every night, it was sad that the rooms weren't refreshed as often as before (later explained to be due to the Pandemic, to limit staff activity in room). Additionally and logically, it must be hard running with only 50% staff.

Unexpectedly, someone came into our suite unannounced and started cleaning the pool not realising that we were inside. After realising that, he explained he was cleaning the pool and left after I asked him to come back later. Furthermore, I was more so disappointed that people in the Pool or Beach Club neither knew our room numbers, let alone our names - and we were on several instances questioned for our room number. Rather disappointing.

Thankfully the faults were addressed by management, as well as Kila's General Manager, Ernst, whose responses and goodwill were much appreciated. Many thanks!

Dining

The quality of food is still as good as before at Kila, and a lot better than the underwhelming food we had at Dari the night before we arrived at Kila. Both the breakfast, lunch and dinner menu appeared to have been changed to follow a more seemingly health concious approach. 

For breakfast, alongside the typical fares like Eggs Benedict and Omelettes and whatnot, items like Mexican Eggs (Salsa, Eggs, and Tortilla) and Egg White Omelettes are offered. Additionally, things like healthy green juice mixes are also available. Wonderfully, some items from the past were still available on demand (and preordered) - including the iconic Moroccan Donuts. 

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Papayas

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Fried Rice

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Eggs Royale

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Fruit Salad

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Indonesian Rice Porridge - Bubur Ayam 

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Mexican Eggs

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Moroccan Donuts

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Green Goddess Green Juice

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Egg White Omelette

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Another Bubur Ayam

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Hash Brown

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Eggs Royale

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Exotic Fruit Platter

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Chia Seed Pudding

I have nothing to add about the meals at Kila. Everything was fresh and good, althought the menu can feel a bit limited at times. It is possible to order things off menu, although that understandably required an order in advance. All good. We didn't partake in the other meals every day as much, but everything was well cooked and very good.

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Fish Curry

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Fish Tacos

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Grilled Fish

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Cookies and Crackers

Location

Amankila is located in Manggis near Candidasa. Not much has changed in the area apart from some comestic developments near the entrance of the Karangasem Regency. Kila remains far away from other hotels apart from the sister hotel Alila Manggis (formerly GHM's Serai). There are sometimes more ships off the coast due to the hotel's proximity to Tanah Ampo and Padang Bai Ports. 

The hotel is physically located around two hours from Ngurah Rai Airport and an hour from Ubud, although traffic could make the journey longer. Nearby is Amed Beach which also serves as a great diving destination. Many excursions are offered by the hotel, among which includes a boat excursion around the islands near Eastern Bali. We did not partake in any excursions on this occasion.

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Amankila's forever iconic pool

Overall

As many have reported pre-pandemic, the hotel's clientele seemed to have a shift to younger and more tech-savvy crowds - more concerned about content creation if anything. I write this ironically, as someone rather young myself taking pictures to write for an FT review.

Each to their own, but one person who seemed to be an influencer appeared to have a photoshoot by the main pool and the Terrace showcasing a load of different dresses complete with two photographers each morning. Hard to ignore when trying to relax by the main pool.

Unfortunately, with the rise of the influencers and content creators, I can only imagine more and more of such scenarios going on in the future. Having said that I am happy that the hotel and other Amans banning the use of drones on property, which is a welcome decision to those looking to unwind. 

Despite this, Amankila remains a very welcome place of respite away from the hustle and bustle of urban life. The hotel's extraordinary setting and great service and food solidifies its status as a haven from the rat race. Although, the Aman brand overall is heading to unchartered waters, I trust that the hotel is trying hard to maintain its long renowned reputation and keeping its magic, despite changing circumstances.

As for the all new gimmicks introduced by VD's Aman? Only time will tell if myself and others will eventually embrace them as it had meant to be.

I conclude in saying that despite any shortcomings that had happened and later resolved, there truly is no other hotel that could second Kila. The setting, architecture, service, food, nature, and location is probably unfounded elsewhere. I don't know what the future will bring, but I can say for sure that Amankila is a very special place.

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