The Modern Balinese Experience

Perched on Indonesia's Indrakila hill, Amankila is an illustrious and lavish coastal resort that promises top-notch hospitality and facilities

- AMOS CHIN

NINETY MINUTES AWAY from the I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport lies Amankila, an illustrious and luxurious coastal hotel in east Bali, perched on the hill of Indrakila. With sacred Mount Agung as its backdrop and unimpeded views of the Lombok Strait, Amankila enjoys a breathtaking hilltop spot near Manggis in the historic Karangasem Regency, away from bustling Seminyak. That said, the vicinity sees a lack of restaurants and shops. However, with such lush amenities within the haven, a trip to the outside is almost superfluous.

With 33 suites - comprising six different sizes and themes to choose from, we got to relish in the stilted Garden Suite. Inside, inlaid pearl, rattan, bamboo, and coconut-shell furniture decorate the villa, complementing the kingsize bed, living area, large bathroom with a soaking tub, and the outdoor terrace with a private pool - inducing a feeling of understated luxury. The ever-so modish yet oriental interior captures the zeitgeist of the '80s.