Ken Wong
Google
I had an amazing weekend at Amanwana on Mojo island. After an existential crisis i needed solitude, isolation and a whole lot of pampering. The notion of filming whale sharks was also an attractive prospect, so this secluded resort seemed to tick all the boxes. The venerable resort was set up in the 90s and, though still luxurious, is, understandably, showing its age in terms of fittings and facilities. Nevertheless the immaculate service provided by the staff lived up to the legendary reputation of the Aman brand. Every activity was personalized to my liking and convenience. If i preferred something off menu, even if it was lobster or steak, it would be arranged without hesitation. The room was serviced and turned down, not at prescribed times, but only when the staff perceived that you had left the villa. Luggages were moved spontaneously without the need to call the concierge. Kudos must be given to the obliging manager Mr Adis, who anticipated my needs and saw to my every request with a calm demeanour and quiet efficiency. At departure i was accompanied from the resort, throughout the 45min speedboat ride, overland in the suv, to the airport, and was assisted at every step of check in till the departure gate. It helped that Aman, in its infinite wisdom, had invested in the infrastructure of the local settlements and staff members were given deferential treatment by the security and airport personnel. But Mr Adis' ultimate feat had to be arranging for an airport concierge to meet me at Bali airport when the domestic connector between Sumbawa and Bali was a whole 2 hours late, throwing my planned connector to Singapore in jeopardy. The veteran operative whisked me from the baggage area, sprinted with the trolley and spirited me through check in and security in record time ( an amazing 30minutes after touchdown); such that i arrived at the garuda departure gate with minutes to spare. I am certain that my otherwise idyllic weekend would have been marred by a missed flight had it not been for the thoughtful foresight of the intrepid manager. I find myself blown away by this phenomenal level of personalized service that has drawn so many to be ardent proselytes of the Aman brand. A must visit for those yearning for privacy and peace in a remote and unspoilt island setting.