Amankila, Manggis, Karangasem

The Best Hotels in Bali, From Beach Bungalows to Cliffside Villas

"Even though this Ed Tuttle-designed classic on Bali's hushed east coast has been around for more than three decades, stepping inside its hilltop lobby still induces goosebumps. The view from here is dazzling: three travertine pools, cascading like Balinese rice paddies towards the crashing waves of the Lombok Strait below. There's a fringe of blushy bougainvillea and a backdrop of swaying palms, plus a small army of saronged staff serving satay skewers and passionfruit daiquiris to guests lounging at the poolside balés. The villas, connected by a stilted walkway cutting through the jungle, are spacious pleasure palaces with arched doors and floors from creamy terrazzo, vaulted alang-alang ceilings, and furnishing with mother-of-pearl-y coconut and seashell inlays. And while the two pools, that three-tiered stunner and a palm-fringed one at the beach club below, make it tempting to simply loll around all day, the sunrise breakfast in a hidden hilltop balé and the morning cruise with snorkeling tour on the resort's private outrigger is well worth the 5 a.m. wake-up call." - Chris Schalkx, Juliet Kinsman

Amankila

"Start us off with the basics—what's this place about?
Wend your way to Bali’s less-explored and truly rural east coast; just after the almost-hidden sign for Amankila has nudged you to turn off the road, the dramatic watery horizon comes into view. With greenery stretching for miles below and the island of Nusa Penida in the distance, this is the paradise travelers dream of—a world away from traffic-clogged, built-up Seminyak and Nusa Dua. One of the original Aman resorts, whose name means "peaceful hill," remains as charming as ever. Wow. Tell us more: What makes it so charming? What's the vibe?Architect Ed Tuttle’s walkways zig-zag up the hillside; thatching and paras-stone walls feel like a welcome respite from the glitz of Bali's showier and more corporate-feeling luxury resorts. The design of the three-tier infinity pool was inspired by the nearby water palace at Ujung and sacred Mount Agung. As tranquil as this spirit-lifting sanctuary may be, try to tear yourself away and let the hotel plan an offsite excursion; say, a guided cycling tour through pristine rice paddies, a landscape punctuated by Balinese Hindu temples. The design sounds striking. How are the rooms themselves?
Staggered on a hillside frothing with frangipani and bougainvillea are 34 standalone alang-alang-roofed villa suites. Even the entry-level Garden Suites are a cut above, but for a truly unforgettable experience, the Kilasari Suite, named after Amankila’s main temple, has a lovely sea-view infinity pool. There’s no dazzling you with hi-tech frippery; rather, here the luxury is a feeling that comes from having your own villa and private terrace. Rooms have sophisticated furniture with inlaid coconut and shell, ensuite bathrooms nearly as large as the sleeping quarters.

 The two-bedroom Amankila Suite opens onto a large terrace with a private pool—perfect for celebrity families, including, as the rumor goes, one very famous retired English soccer player and his wife, a former Spice Girl. You know what would make a celebrity-endorsed experience even better? A good meal, and a strong drink.Order a mangosteen martini to toast your unmistakably Balinese setting—and your good fortune to be staying at an Aman. Then, in the open-air restaurant, feast on just-caught seafood, suckling pig, satay skewers, and sambals. There's also a good selection of Mediterranean food, including pizzas and pastas done right. How's the service?Much of the staff has worked here since the property opened—nearly a generation ago. Everyone is ridiculously hospitable. Who else are you likely to see here?Aman junkies: an elite jetset who are hooked on Aman's stealth luxury retreats. Aman properties have hosted royals, world leaders, and celebrities, and that's certainly the case here. What's the caveat?This hotel is undeniably expensive—if you can't afford an Aman, it's probably not the one to stretch for. For those who can, you're paying for tranquillity and exclusivity, rather than fancy facilities. Any other amenities of note?There's an outdoor gym and an impressive lap pool. The Beach Club occupies a vast stretch of private, powder-soft black volcanic sand. There’s no spa, but you can book an excellent Balinese massage or an inspired wellness session, including yoga. Throughout the property are countless leafy corners that encourage mindfulness and meditation. Bottom line: Worth it? Why?This is a class-act Bali experience." - Juliet Kinsman

"Nestled between jungle and sea in theremote Karangasem Regency, Amankila evokes the shapes of the nearby Ujung Water Palace yet also captures the spirit of everyday Bali . Modeled after traditional Balinese beach houses, the 34 suites are stilted among bougainvillea and frangipani trees and topped with alang alang thatched roofs; inside, royal doorways, pillared bed canopies, and marble vanities blend with more understated pieces crafted from bamboo, rattan, and coconut wood. Elevated marble walkways turn and intersect until they reach the colonnaded main buildings and three-tiered pool, inspired by the country’s hallmark rice terraces, and steps wind down from the resort to the oceanfront Beach Club, which features a restaurant, a 130-foot lap pool, and eight shady bales (pavilions) tucked into a coconut grove. Windsurfing boards, Hobie Cats, and outrigger boats resembling jukung (traditional fishing crafts) encourage guests to get in the snorkel-friendly water. Though Amankila offers everything a guest could need for a relaxing holiday, visits to nearby temples, ornate water palaces, and artisan villages complete the experience."

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"Wend your way to Bali’s less-explored and truly rural east coast; just after the almost-hidden sign for Amankila has nudged you to turn off the road, the dramatic, watery horizon comes into view. With greenery stretching for miles below and the island of Nusa Penida in the distance, this is the paradise travelers dream of—a world away from traffic-clogged, built-up Seminyak and Nusa Dua. Staggered on a hillside frothing with frangipani and bougainvillea are 34 standalone alang-alang-roofed villa suites. Even the entry-level Garden Suites are a cut above, but for a truly unforgettable experience, the Kilasari Suite, named after Amankila’s main temple, has a lovely sea-view infinity pool. There’s no dazzling you with hi-tech frippery; rather, here the luxury is a feeling that comes from having your own villa and private terrace. Rooms have sophisticated furniture with inlaid coconut and shell, and the ensuite bathrooms are nearly as large as the sleeping quarters. Order a mangosteen martini to toast your unmistakably Balinese setting—and your good fortune to be staying at an Aman. Then, in the open-air restaurant, feast on just-caught seafood, suckling pig, satay skewers, and sambals. One of the original Aman resorts, its name means “peaceful hill,” and it remains as charming as ever." - CNT Editors, Betsy Blumenthal