Amandari

Located in central Bali amidst the soft green curves of rice terraces and above the rushing water of the Ayung River, Amandari is perfectly positioned to offer guests access to both the artistic community of Ubud and the natural wonders of Bali’s interior.

The spacious open-air lobby with towering posts of coconut wood and a cool honey-toned stone floor is designed after a village meeting place, or wantilan. For more than 20 years it has regularly borne witness to colourful village processions, passing through on sacred ground to the holy shrine in the valley below.

Thirty free-standing thatched suites, some with private plunge pools, are located on either side of the lobby, separated by andesite walkways, traditional Balinese-style gateways and private gardens. Local teak and coconut wood, as well as Javanese marble and volcanic stone, is used throughout the suites, creating cool contemporary spaces with all the warmth of a true Balinese home.

Amandari is designed in the same style as the charming local village within which it is located. While the 21st century has been accommodated with subtlety, Amandari's charm is bedded in its authentic architectural depiction of the indigenous lifestyle. The palette of honey, cream and white on simple fine lines, with handwoven batiks, is soothing, relaxing and appealing. Nothing interferes with the lush, tropical vegetation throughout the resort; the dense equatorial greens of the surrounding plants, palms and rice terraces are reflected in the resorts many glistening pools. Balinese-style stone gateways front Amandari's 30 walled, thatched-roof suites, each with a private garden courtyard. Wireless broadband connections are available in all suites and public areas.

All suites offer a garden courtyard, a living area and wall-sized sliding glass doors that open on three sides to the lush surroundings. The bathroom features twin vanities and dressing areas, a separate shower and toilet and an outdoor sunken marble bath behind a glass door. Walled but entirely open to the sky, the sunken tub is framed by large stone planters of ferns and heliconia. Suites come either as a single-storey or a two-level duplex. The duplexes have a queen-size, four-poster bed on a mezzanine level while the single-storey suites offer a king-size bed.

Amandari's Spa is located at the end of a winding pathway, and offers two open-air treatment bales, a beauty room, sauna and marble steam room. Surrounded by a lotus pond, it seems to float peacefully on the water.

A selection of body and beauty treatments is available, in the privacy of guest suites or in the bale overlooking the Ayung Valley. Body treatments include massage and scrubs using traditional, natural Balinese ingredients chosen for their soothing, healing properties.

There is no more exhilarating or scenic way to appreciate the beauty of Bali than by following a trail through the countryside on foot or by bicycle. Amandari offers several invigorating treks, including a walk along the Ayung Valley past sacred shrines and rice terraces, through mango, coffee and clove orchards, before finishing at Taman Burung Bird Park for breakfast.

The Restaurant, open to the breezes and crafted largely of teak wood, overlooks Amandari's swimming pool and the Ayung River Gorge. It serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, and specialises in Western and local Indonesian dishes. The Bar, with its terrace seating, features a wide selection of drinks.

Swimming pool: Amandari’s signature 32m swimming pool is lined with emerald-green tiles and lies close to the lip of the Gorge, overlooking the verdant rice terraces below.

Tennis: One hard court is available which can also be floodlit for night play. Balls, rackets and tennis shoes are complimentary and playing partners can also be arranged.