Amandari

There are very few places in the world we return to every single year, no matter how full our calendars become. This is one of them, and we always go out of our way to be here. For us, it ultimately comes down to two deeply compelling reasons. First, the spiritual connection. The land itself feels profoundly special—quiet, grounding, and almost reverent. The grounds exude serenity, while the standalone villas pay beautiful homage to timeless Balinese culture, creating a sense of place that feels both authentic and enduring. Second, the people. This is among the rare places where you arrive as a guest and leave feeling like part of the family, a warmth that cannot be taught, only genuinely felt. The culinary experience continues to evolve meaningfully, improving with every visit and reinforcing our desire to return. We also love the boutique, where a thoughtful curation of in-house brands and works by local artisans strikes a perfect balance—distinctive, refined, and quietly exquisite. Quite simply, this is not just a destination we visit—it is a place we are drawn back to, year after year.

We recently spent a truly memorable evening at Amandari in Ubud, a timeless hideaway tucked into a Balinese village with sweeping, uninterrupted jungle views. The night began with sundowners at the bar, watching the sun sink into the valley as small oil lanterns were lit. Dinner followed in the semi–open-air restaurant — an experience that felt more like being welcomed into a friend’s beautifully kept home than dining at a hotel. The atmosphere recalls the Bali of another era — serene, intimate and rich with a sense of place. The food echoed that spirit. Every dish carried authentic Indonesian character, and the Sop Buntut was easily the best we’ve ever tasted — deeply comforting and absolutely worth ordering. Amandari remains true to its original 1989 design, impeccably maintained and exuding Balinese culture, heritage and old-world charm. A highlight of the evening was our conversation with Pak Erik, the hospitable and knowledgeable Food & Beverage Manager, whose stories about the resort, Ubud and Bali’s myth and magic added an extra layer. An exceptional choice for anyone seeking an exclusive, authentic Balinese dining experience with a true sense of place.

Our stay at Amandari was nothing short of magical. Nestled into the lush Ubud jungle, the resort feels like a serene sanctuary, where timeless Balinese design and understated luxury come together in perfect harmony. From the moment we arrived, we were struck by the beauty and peacefulness of the property. The stone pathways, traditional thatched-roof villas, and infinity pool overlooking the Ayung Valley create an atmosphere that feels both intimate and deeply connected to nature. The villas themselves are spacious, elegant, and calming, with every detail reflecting Amandari’s commitment to authenticity and comfort. Waking up to the sounds of the jungle and enjoying quiet moments on the terrace was unforgettable. The service was flawless — warm, discreet, and thoughtful. Every interaction felt genuine, with the team making us feel both at home and completely cared for. Dining was also a highlight, with dishes that celebrate local flavours while maintaining Amandari’s refined touch. Amandari captures the essence of Ubud: spiritual, tranquil, and timeless. It is more than just a hotel; it’s an experience that lingers long after you leave. Truly the perfect retreat for anyone seeking peace, beauty, and classic Aman luxury.

Maybe I just needed to go back to an Indonesian Aman where I became a fan of the brand. As I told Devayani my last night there was something about their smiles and hospitality that will give you that original Aman spirit as this was the 2nd one built. Although not like newer ones, it is still very well maintained and just a peaceful place to be in. You will feel connected to nature and the Balinese culture. As my friends stayed at a Resort close by and I saw the difference, I knew I made the right choice by staying in this Aman. One precious moment is when a double rainbow showed after some morning rain. The younger staff were still excited to see this view as I saw it in their faces and some even went to have a closer look. Most of the Amandari team I’m sure were still very young when I celebrated my birthday in Amanjiwo 2016. They still gave me the peace of mind an Indonesian Aman has shared with me in the past. To Chandra, Bianca, Devayani, Tiara and all the ladies in front, Eka and the night shift team, Bayu, Jaya, Ryan, Aris and all the restaurant team, Chef Iwan, Spa team, the drivers, Resort Manager I Made Muliana, Front Office Manager Arkan, the mascots. Thank you once again.

I stayed at Amandari in summer 2024, it was absolutely amazing. If you’ve ever stayed at an Aman property, you’ll know the feeling : calm and understated luxury. The location is perfect: close to Ubud, but tucked away enough to feel totally peaceful. Just next to the Ritz Carlton Reserve. Even though the place was fully booked, it felt like I had the whole resort to myself. My room was spacious, quiet, and spotless, all natural materials, high ceilings, and a lovely private outdoor area. What really makes this place special is the service. Every staff member was warm, thoughtful, and genuinely attentive, always there when you needed something, but never in your face. That's the real Aman feeling ... Food was excellent, and when we wanted to head out, the team gave great suggestions. One evening I tried Room4Dessert in Ubud, based on their tip, absolutely worth it. Only small downside: the Wi-Fi was a bit patchy at times, and there was a short power outage one night. But honestly, it didn’t bother me much. Aman hotels are just hard to beat...