Nestled between jungle and sea in the remote 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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Get off the Grid in Style at Bali's Amankila
Amankila is one of three Aman properties on Bali and, perhaps, the most remote, with its private beach and views of the Lombok Strait. The suites themselves are reason enough to go. Airy and enormous, each is filled with a fabulous selection of local fruits and snacks, and carved teak furniture, and outfitted with a large private balcony with views of the strait. Pry yourself from this luxury and you’ll find infinity pools, a half-mile stretch of beach, and any number of activities, from Balinese massage to surf lessons from a local. As for food, stick to the local specialties: savory nasi goreng, the classic Balinese fried rice, and the sizable cocktail menu built around arak, or rice liquor.