A Review of Amankila: Elevated Seclusion on Bali’s East Coast

Amankila is one of those places that seems to exist slightly outside of time. Set high above the Lombok Strait in East Bali, it offers a kind of tranquillity that’s become rare—even in a region known for retreats. With just 34 suites, many raised on stilts and connected by quiet stone walkways, the property is intimate without being insular, luxurious without being loud.

Guests consistently describe their stays in glowing terms—highlighting the gentle rhythm of service, the calm that settles in from the moment of arrival, and the sheer beauty of the setting. Ratings reflect near-unanimous praise for service, room comfort, and cleanliness. While the spa and gym facilities feel secondary to the main experience—and a few suites are starting to show signs of wear—the sense of place remains Amankila’s real luxury.

This review looks at how the resort continues to deliver on its quiet promise, and where it might benefit from a more modern touch.

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Where Is Amankila Located, and What’s the Surrounding Atmosphere?

Amankila is located in East Bali, near the village of Manggis. The resort sits on a forested slope above the Lombok Strait, with views of Mount Agung and the sea. The area is quiet, undeveloped, and far from Bali’s commercial centers.

There is no passing traffic, retail, or nightlife in the immediate surroundings.

Guest feedback consistently mentions the calm—air movement, birds, and distant waves replace city noise.

The setting supports privacy and disconnection. Suites are spaced apart and integrated into the hillside. Stone paths and dense vegetation keep the layout discreet. The grounds are intentionally low-profile, designed to blend into the landscape rather than shape it.

This location serves travelers who want physical and sensory distance from busier parts of Bali.

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What’s the Design Like, and How Does It Feel to Stay Here?

Amankila was designed by architect Ed Tuttle to reflect Balinese form without decoration. The structures use natural stone, wood, and thatch. Open-air walkways connect the suites across the hillside. The three-tiered pool mirrors local rice terraces and has become a defining feature of the resort.

Suites are elevated and set apart. Interiors are minimal: vaulted ceilings, hardwood finishes, and wide terraces. Most overlook either the ocean or the surrounding jungle. Guest reviews describe the spaces as calm and well-proportioned. Some mention aging fixtures, particularly in bathrooms, but the function remains solid.

The design avoids trend. It favors quiet materials, long sightlines, and distance between guests. The visual language is consistent—restrained, deliberate, and suited to the landscape.

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What Can You Do at Amankila—and What Should You Know?

Amankila is built for rest. Most guests stay on property, spending their time between the tiered main pool, the beach club, and their suites.

• The main pool is divided into three levels. It’s a focal point—not just visually, but in how guests spend their day. It never feels crowded.
• The beach club, set below the hillside, includes a long pool, daybeds, and access to a black-sand beach. The beach itself is quiet, not ideal for swimming, but peaceful.
• Wellness offerings are available but minimal. Massages are offered in open-air pavilions. The gym exists but is small and rarely used.
• Staff are attentive without being visible. Service is consistent, personalized, and often praised in reviews.
• Activities are available on request—hikes, cultural tours, snorkeling—but most guests don’t come here for that.

This is not a high-activity resort. It’s best suited for travelers who are content with stillness, space, and privacy.

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How Close Is Amankila to the Water—and What’s the Coastal Experience?

Amankila sits high above the waterline, with wide views across the Lombok Strait. The beach lies below the property and is accessible by a short path or shuttle. It’s a quiet, black-sand stretch—natural and largely undeveloped.

The Beach Club sits just above the shoreline, with a long pool, shaded daybeds, and light food service. The ocean is visible from most of the resort, but not the main focus of daily activity. Swimming in the sea is possible, though guests often stay near the pool due to currents and surf conditions.

The connection to the water is visual, not immersive.

The views are constant, but the resort is built for elevation and perspective—not direct beach living.

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What Makes Amankila Different from Other Bali Resorts?

Amankila is smaller, quieter, and more remote than most resorts on the island.

It does not compete on volume or spectacle.

Instead, it offers a narrow set of strengths: privacy, architecture, and service consistency.

Guests consistently rank the staff among the best in Bali. Service is discreet and intuitive, without being formal or distant. The design, while restrained, is coherent and tied closely to its setting. The layout avoids density. Suites are spaced far apart. Noise is minimal. Movement is limited.

There are resorts in Bali with more dining options, larger spas, or newer rooms. Amankila holds its position through clarity of purpose. It delivers a precise type of experience—for guests who know exactly what they’re looking for.

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Is Amankila Worth Staying At?

Amankila suits travelers who value privacy, landscape, and consistent service over novelty or trend. The resort is quiet, intentional, and designed for those who prefer stillness over choice.

It is not central, not flashy, and not new in feel.

But it performs well where it matters—clean rooms, attentive staff, and a setting that does not require enhancement.

For guests who want space, calm, and a stay without interruptions, the property delivers.

The value depends on expectation. Those looking for variety or modern polish will find better fit elsewhere. But for the right guest, Amankila is exact—and rarely disappointing.