More travellers of the present day are leaving behind cookie-cutter hotel stays that promise a great experience in outstanding destinations, but somehow seem lacking and discordant at the end of the day. Instead, they seek more authentic, integrated, and immersive travel experiences that carry weight and feel meaningful.
One such hospitality group that offers just that is Aman, extending a rare opportunity for guests to engage with Indonesia’s diverse and ancient cultures, dramatic landscapes, and spiritual atmosphere across its five resorts on the archipelago. Each of these new experiences presents a unique journey of discovery, inspired by each resort’s story and setting, made possible through Aman’s long cherished connections within each community.
Amandari, Bali
Perched above Ayung River Gorge in Bali’s highlands, Amandari, which translates to ‘peaceful spirits’, was established in 1989 and is a part of a traditional Balinese village, Kedewatan. Villagers would have placed offerings daily at its riverside temple for 35 years this October.
To celebrate this milestone anniversary, a refurbishment at Amandari sees freshly landscaped gardens, newly thatched alang-alang roofs, and guest rooms overhauled with new bathroom fixtures and furniture in the original styles. Its relaunched library now boasts a special gallery dedicated to its history and also the list of firsts the resort had represented. Additionally, there are multiple culinary events in the build-up to its 35th anniversary dinners in October, including monthly Purnama (Full Moon) feasts.
Amandari has also forged partnerships with Karusotju, Bali’s finest spirit company, and The Talasi, a coffee plantation atop Mount Batukaru. Limited-edition bottles of Amandari X Karusotju, made with bespoke Karu 35 premium arak – a traditional sweet potato fermented spirit, will be available for purchase from October. Besides that, Talasi X Amandari presents three varieties of Balinese coffee within Amandari’s minibar along with complimentary homemade snacks.
Plus, Amandari will be featured in two books during the annual Ubud Writers and Readers Festival this October. The first by Rahadityo Mahindro Bhawono documents ‘100 Years of Balinese Hospitality and Bali Hotel Architecture’, and the second, ‘Indonesian Cigar’ by Yadie Dayana, spotlights Amandari’s locally sourced cigar menu in The Bar.
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Amankila Bali
On Bali’s east coast, Amankila will host a number of culinary events in the coming months to celebrate the revamp of Aman’s signature restaurant, Arva. Renowned globally for its ‘cucina del raccolto’ or harvest-style cuisine in select Aman destinations, Arva at Amankila has refreshed the poolside setting of The Terrace for a brand new dining experience with the same picturesque sea views.
From August, a new dining experience will also take place at Ujung Water Palace, an estate built in 1901 and fully restored in 2000, serving as the architectural inspiration for Amankila. The historic site will be made private after regular opening hours for resort guests to indulge in the multi-course Karangasem Royal Dinner taking place at the palace’s highest point, followed by a private guided palace tour.
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Amanjiwo, Central Java
Amanjiwo is resuming its offering of culture-rich experiences through an exclusive visit to Keraton Yogyakarta, the Yogyakarta Royal Palace. The first of two unique experiences includes a Keraton Royal lunch served in the home of the prince. The second is an explorative session of chronograms known as Sengkalan, whereby a Royal Historian will delve into the ins and outs of the lost tradition. These guest-only experiences can be booked separately, or in combination with a wider private tour of Yogyakarta, including a tour to Prambanan Temple and Sonobudoyo.
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Amanwana, Moyo Island
Overlooking the turquoise water of Amanwana Bay, luxury resort Amanwana is the perfect wilderness hideaway that offers full-board accommodation in only 17 luxury guest tents, extending guests with unrivalled access to some of the best scuba diving and snorkelling in Indonesia.
One of Amanwana’s latest experiences include a bespoke Whale Shark Excursion to the nearby UNESCO-protected Saleh Bay, home to one of the largest whale shark (Rhincodon typus) populations on Earth. The excursion comprises a two-hour sunrise cruise allowing guests to come face-to-face with the majestic creatures, an interactive and educational talk by Konservasi Indonesia, and an onboard breakfast.
The excursion is also part of the camp’s new Underwater Wellness Retreat, designed for wellbeing and diving enthusiasts alike. The six-day retreat harnesses the natural healing powers of the underwater world and includes breathwork practice, underwater meditation, free diving, snorkelling, and more, enabling participants to therapeutically connect with the healing energy of the ocean.
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Explore Aman resorts in Indonesia and the rest of the world at www.aman.com.
