Amankila , ‘ the peaceful hill’ ... Well away from Bali’ s overcrowded tourist sites to the Southwest of the island, the hotel’ s architect has succeeded in creating a tour de force that marries the resort with its natural surroundings. The inspiration was the floating lake of Ujung, a former Balinese kingdom, and its design gives the impression that the bungalows — some with private terraces — have existed forever, despite the fact Amankila opened in 1992. The rooms are remarkable: decorated with exquisite hand-carved furniture and sculptures of Hindu gods on the porches, they ensure privacy and seclusion. Perhaps the hotel’ s strongest point is the quality of the cuisine prepared with great care by a very talented chef.

Amankila’ s main restaurant is a true marvel and justifiably considered to be among the best in the world. The triple-tiered swimming pools (inspired by the island’ s rice fields) merge and flow into one another and seem to plunge straight into the sea, thanks to a skilful optical illusion. The consequent vista across the Badung straits is quite staggering.

The magic formula of this hotel is simple, but is rarely found to be so well-applied: unbelievable service plus exceptional surroundings plus sophisticated cuisine equal a fabulous hotel.

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