“After staying at two city Aman hotels, this was my first resort Aman experience. Amankila is easily one of my favourite hotels for the three-tier pool, a private sunrise cruise and exemplemary staff who’ve been there 15 years. The food and gym don’t keep up. ”
Update, November 2026: Amankila is closed from 20 October 2026 to 19 January 2027 while private residences are built next to the resort.
At a Glance
Location: Manggis, Karangasem, East Bali. About 90 minutes from Denpasar airport
Room: Ocean Pavilion (no. 37), 94 sqm, no private pool
Perks: complimentary return car transfers
Stay: 1–3 May 2026 (2 nights)
Awards: 2 Michelin Keys (2026)
Score: 9/10
Location and Arrival
Amankila sits on a hillside above the Lombok Strait, a long way from the Seminyak and Canggu crowds. The hotel's driver collected us from Mandapa in Ubud and took us to the airport for our flight home. Both transfers were complimentary and on time.
The resort is built in steps. Stone staircases link the lobby, pavilions, pool and beach, and every turn opens a new view. Pack comfortable shoes!
The Room: Ocean Pavilion
We stayed in pavilion 37, an Ocean Pavilion, and it had the best views on the property. The 94 sqm pavilion stands on stilts, with a canopied king bed and a terrace daybed facing the sea. The bed was comfortable, and the soaking tub has a view of its own.
There's no private pool (you need an Ocean Pool Pavilion for that) and no TV, which we didn't miss.
About the view though: The bigger catch is the cargo ships anchored out in the strait, right in the middle of the view from the room and the main pool. It's open water, so it's understandable, but it takes a little shine off the picture.
Facilities and Dining
Three-tier pool: the reason most people book, and my favourite spot at the resort. It steps down the hill towards the sea.
Beach Club: a black-sand beach with a 41-metre pool. We did early-morning yoga there, then spent the day in a raised cabana with food and drinks.
Private sunrise cruise: the best thing we did. We left at 5.30am on an Aman outrigger with breakfast on board. The sun broke through behind the hills in vertical rays, like a painting, and the sky was clear enough to see Mount Agung. It's the best sunrise I've ever seen.
Private dinner by the pool: booked for a friend's birthday. The team setup a private table next to the tiered pool, and the setting beat the food.
Tenganan to Tirta Gangga trek: starts in Tenganan Pegringsingan, a Bali Aga village where you can only live by birthright and villagers don't marry outsiders, then crosses rice terraces. Afterwards, staff cleaned and washed our muddy shoes without being asked.
Spa and gym: there's no proper spa building. Our 150-minute Asuci Angga treatment was set up outside, just in front of our pavilion entrance. It still felt private, and we could hear the ocean the whole time. The therapists were friendly, kind and skilled, and it was very relaxing. The gym is a converted pavilion with dated equipment.
Food: dinner at the main restaurant was fine, but nothing memorable.
Shisha: one of my favourite amenities — sushi is served and available throughout the entire resort
Service
Service is why Amankila gets a 9, even though it had one slip. The team offered to unpack for us, but when we got back from dinner nothing had been done. We had to call to get it sorted, and ended up in bed late before a 5am start for the sunrise cruise.
The recovery was better than the mistake. The team apologised and fixed it straight away, and from then on the whole resort seemed to know. We were looked after extra carefully for the rest of the stay, including complimentary drinks at the bar. Many staff have been here for 10 to 15 years, and some worked under Aman's founder, Adrian Zecha. They're happy to share stories if you ask. The staff have a lot of class, and demonstrate exemplary hospitality skills to make you feel appreciated, and very well taken care of.
Tips
Ask for an Ocean Pavilion high on the hill. Pavilion 37 has the best view.
Add the private sunrise cruise when you book. The 5am alarm is worth it.
Plan by email before you arrive. The beach dinner was fully booked for our dates, so we switched to the poolside dinner.
Book in-pavilion treatments early. The massage pavilion was full in the afternoons.
Don't worry about the residence construction. During our stay it was on the far side of the resort from the main pool and Ocean Pavilions, and it never affected us.
Amankila Review Verdict: 9/10
My first Aman set a high bar. The pool, the sunrise cruise and the long-serving staff carry it. The food and fitness facilities don't match the price.
Best for: couples, birthdays and anniversaries, a first Aman stay, quiet East Bali instead of the busy south.
Skip if: you want a full spa, a proper gym or a food-led trip.
FAQ
Is Amankila worth it?
Yes, if setting and service matter most to you. Amankila scored 9/10 on our May 2026 stay for its three-tier pool, sunrise cruise and long-serving staff. The food and gym are average for the price.
How much does Amankila cost per night?
We paid USD 1,450 per night for an Ocean Pavilion at Amankila in May 2026, or USD 1,754.50 including 21% tax and service. We booked direct with Aman.
Does Amankila have a spa?
Amankila has no full spa building. Treatments are given in or just outside your pavilion, or at a small massage pavilion. Our 150-minute Asuci Angga was set up in front of our pavilion, with the ocean audible throughout.
How far is Amankila from Bali airport?
Amankila is about 90 minutes by car from Denpasar airport. Return transfers were included in our direct booking.
Is Amankila open?
Amankila is closed from 20 October 2026 to 19 January 2027 while private residences are built next door. Check with Aman before booking dates around the reopening.
Details
Address: Jl. Raya Manggis, Manggis, Karangasem, Bali 80871, Indonesia
Price paid: USD 3,509 for 2 nights, Ocean Pavilion, including 21% tax and service
Dates: 1–3 May 2026
Book: aman.com/resorts/amankila
Instagram: @amankila
Related: Aman New York Review