Set down a narrow lane in Kedewatan, on the western edge of Ubud, is a tranquil haven styled as a luxurious Balinese village. Amandari, an effortlessly stylish resort, brings its guests quiet, high-end Balinese living in complete comfort.
With views across the main pool and the sweeping rainforest backed by stunning blue skies, the lobby area is an open pavilion with magnificent hand-carved stone walls. Winding andesite walkways and moss-covered paras walls guide guests around the thatch-roofed suites and villas under the watchful eye of Balinese statues.
The traditionally clad staff are always on hand to assist, answering questions about the local rituals and tradition, where to eat and the best day trips with ease. Equally, they are so unobtrusive that you’ll come back to your room from a short walk around the resort, or a Balinese coffee and sweet by the pool, to find your room comfortably tidy.
The thatched-roof suites start at an expansive 220sq.m. and open on three sides with glass sliding doors offering river valley, rice paddy or village views. With a lush garden courtyard and terrace with sun loungers outside, indoors there are coconut and teak wood accents, lounging chairs and antiques, a lofted ceiling and beautifully decorated sliding panels to cover the windows at night, as well as a hugely comfortable king-sized bed. Some are single storey, some duplex and some have a private pool.
The gentle sound of Indonesian gamelan and the dusk chorus of birds chirping accompany dinners in the dark-wood, open-air Restaurant, which serves hearty local and international cuisine. If you prefer a more personal dining experience, the staff will happily make you a picnic to eat in the grounds, set up a romantic private dinner, or you can dine in your room at any time, day or night.
No trip to Amandari would be complete without a visit to the spa. Set by a lotus pond and taking a holistic approach, a massage in one of the open pavilions is so good that once will surely not be enough. There is also a beauty room, sauna and marble steam room, as well as a gym and tennis court.
If you can manage to prise yourself out of the resort, which to be honest we couldn’t, there are adventures galore, all of which can be arranged by Amandari, such as exploring the morning market, cooking in a local home and meeting a renowned Balinese healer. A full schedule of local rituals and celebrations for that month is also available, along with explanations.
As they will tell you at Amandari, no request is too great and no detail too small, which makes for a delightfully personalised exploration of Bali in absolute comfort.
Amandari
Kedewatan, Ubud, Bali 80571, Indonesia
T: (+62)361975333
