Luxury Hotels - Trip report Philippines: One night Peninsula Manila and 12 nights Amanpulo

We travelled with Emirates via Dubai in business class which was good, and arrived in Manila late afternoon. After luggage claim, we were met by a representative from Amanpulo. Amanpulo had organized our one night stay at Peninsula incl. pick up from airport to Peninsula and return to the Amanpulo lounge the next day. Good and efficient.

Peninsula Manila

Check in went smoothly and the nice lady from reception showed us our room. We had booked a grand deluxe room, and were told during check in that they had upgraded us to a slightly larger corner room (cannot find it at their internet site so I am not sure which category it was). The room was more than OK for a one night stay with a large bathroom, good beds and coffee making facilities. Design pretty old fashioned and not my style. We freshened up and went out to take a look at the shopping malls across the street which had a very good selection of prestige and mainstream brands. Lots of security everywhere to check bags etc. before one could enter hotels and malls. After some shopping, we went to have Chinese dinner at the Shang Palace restaurant in the Shangri-la hotel. Very good food, so good we ended up going back the last evening before our flight back home.

Amanpulo

Pre arrival service
From the first moment I contacted the Amanpulo team to discuss our reservation, preferences and activities; I felt that this would be a great holiday. Nothing was a problem; everything was taken care of in a very professional, warm way with great service all the way. All we had ever asked for in several emails over a longer period of time during planning of our stay was taken care of upon arrival.

Arrival
The Aman driver met us at Peninsula and took us to the Amanpulo lounge. The Amanpulo lounge was small but nice and we were welcomed, served drinks and canapés + cakes while waiting for the flight departure. We travelled with only one more family, so there was no problem to bring excess luggage (there is a limit of 20 kilo per adult and 10 kilo per child). The red carpet was rolled out and we boarded the small plane, and after a little bit more than one hour, we were landing at Pamalican Island where Amanpulo is. By landing we were greeted by senior staff (GMs were away for holidays, so we met them only later when they were back). We were taken on a small trip to see the main areas of the island which was very nice and informative. Drinks were served at the spa, at the clubhouse and at the beach club, before we arrived at our beach casita. More great welcome drinks and some snacks, both for adults and kid, were awaiting us there and the paperwork was done very quickly.

Beach casita
We were slightly worried based on pictures that we had seen, that the casita would look at bit old, but were really very positively surprised. Maintenance is excellent and the design fits perfectly into the setting of this paradise island. It is really not very easy to show on a picture how nicely done and beautiful the casitas are, one has to be there to experience it.
The combined living room/bedroom has a very comfortable bed (we had asked for a double mattress topper to be put on the bed to make it softer since we know that (some of) other (older) Aman beds are quite hard, and this worked really well). There is also a writing desk, two daybeds, a round table with chairs for in room dining, mini bar, TV with DVD player, mini bar, coffee-making facilities and storage space.
The bathroom is very large with large bathtub, good, separate shower, separate toilet, double vanities, a table, and plenty of space for our luggage. My hair and body very much liked the toiletries provided.
One of the daybeds had been made up as a comfortable bed for our son. This bed was later moved to the bathroom where it was plenty of space for it. We prefer it like this since we are then able to use the living room also after he is asleep.
Outside the casita is a large terrace with daybeds from which we had a wonderful view of the beach. Down some stairs there is a very comfortable hammock and a little sand walkway down to our beautiful private stretch of beach where our sun beds and umbrellas had been set up.

Villa
After 7 nights in a beach casita, I was surprised with a move to a villa for the last 5 nights. My husband had organized this secretly with help of the wonderful Aman staff. One of the staff came to say that he wanted to show us some villas after breakfast one day (which I had mentioned that I wanted), and when we came into the 2nd one, I suddenly noticed that all of our things had been moved over there while we were having breakfast. Wow!
While the casita was great, the villa was absolutely stunning. In addition to the two bedrooms (same as casitas), there was a living room with sofas and chairs, a large flat screen TV and a wine fridge, a dining room and – best of all – a huge terrace with very large private pool, loungers and a sala with daybeds. From the villa, a path lead down to a beach, passing an outside shower. Sun loungers and umbrellas were set up at the beautiful beach.
And finally: All villas come with private chef and butler who could not do enough to fulfill all our dreams and wishes. We hardly left our villa after moving into it, and felt like very special living in it. A real highlight.

My recommendation if you want to splurge, would actually be to split stay between beach casita and villa as we did. Enjoy beach and all of the island during your time in the casita and stay in to fully enjoy your villa and private pool when you move over there.


Overall design and atmosphere
Design is very natural and timeless, not at all modern, but very well kept, perfectly fitting with the island.
Atmosphere is very private and very laid back, no need for shoes except flip flops and no need to dress up even for dinner (you can if you like, of course, but we saw mainly casual guests rather than dressed up ones). Most of the time I felt that we were alone on the island, we saw few other guests, and when we saw them, they would mainly not spontaneously engage in a conversation. The personnel in restaurants or activities/beach team are very open and nice chatting to if you like. Senior management goes around talking to guests, we were chatting with them once or twice every day, typically before or after meals. All personnel felt to be really extremely well aware of our preferences and always made sure that things were how we wanted them to be, or even better. Little things like sweetener for the coffee or loads of extra chopped chilies with my husband’s meals was always remembered, no matter which restaurant we ate in. Also in terms of activities or special requests we had, we never experienced any kind of communication problems or “sorry, I have to check and call you back”, really excellent.

Food
You can have breakfast in your casita/villa, at the beach club and at the main club house – or in one of the special salas. The menus vary and selection is best at the main club house, but everything (and anything else you might prefer instead) can be had wherever you are. The items on the menu were all really good - some Spanish specialties were offered at the beach club, while the club house had Pilipino/Asian and Japanese breakfasts as well as the wonderful tropical bircher muesli and tropical fruit, several really tasty sweet dishes in addition to egg in any form, salads, jams, juices, great croissants and other bread. Breakfast was a real highlight I would say. The personnel would always remember our preferences and serve us with a smile.
Lunch is served in villa/casita, at main club house, in the pool salas, at beach club or pizzas at the picnic cove. We are not really eating a lot for lunch, but really enjoyed the pizzas and smaller snacks options in room or at the club house.
There are three locations for dinner in addition to in room dining and the special dinners that they offer; The beach club for wonderful tapas, paellas and other Spanish dishes as well as fresh seafood, the Lagoon Club for very tasty Vietnamese cuisine, in addition to international and Asian specialties (Indian, Thai, Philippine) in the main clubhouse. We were more than happy with the food quality and choice, even for our 12 nights stay, we did not get to try everything. Our preference for extra spicy food was always remembered, and my husband got to try loads of different chilies that really made him sweat! Great!
We mostly ate Asian food during our stay, so I cannot really comment on the international dishes.
Very beautiful sunsets with pre dinner cocktails at the beach club, star gazing at the main club house.
After we moved over to the villa, it was possible to enjoy all meals in the villa, prepared by own chef, served by butler. Our chef were able to cook us Indian, Thai, Italian and Mexican food and the most wonderful own catch fish lunch + great little salads and snacks whenever we felt like it. We would just tell him what kind of food we liked to have, and let him surprise us for the rest, which was always sucessful. Our table was beautifully set up inside or outside dependent on our wishes and the meals very good and enjoyable.

The very best dinner experience we had during our stay, was the private beach BBQ. We got to choose between different menus (or add own wishes) and the food was cooked by private chef and served by private butler at the beach and everything was just beautifully set up with loads of candles, a bonfire and comfortable seating. Very good, very romantic. A must do!


Activities/excursions
While Amanpulo is a wonderful place to do nothing at all, they have a number of excursions and activities on offer as well. We went out for snorkeling (two complimentary trips per day), went with a boat to see the neighbor island and have picnic lunch at a beautiful sandbar (amazing!), we had cocktails and snacks at the kawayan (floating) bar (fun!) and went for sunrise fishing (chef prepared out catch for lunch afterwards) in addition to exploring all parts of the island by foot and buggy and water sports, of course.
All excursions were truly Aman style always with some extra luxury touches; for example we asked for just some croissants take along to eat during the fishing trips since we would have full breakfast later, and found coffee, tea, croissants, butter and marmalade beautifully set up in the boat when we entered it very early in the morning. Another example is the treasure hunt for our son, the island map had been made to look old like a real pirates map. Final example: when coming back from the beach BBQ there were hundreds of candles and floating lights at our villa pool. Amazing!

Spa and sport
I visited the spa three times, for a pulo signature massage, for a full body treatment (steam, scrub, soak and massage) and for a facial. All great treatment and a very skilled and friendly team at the spa. Beautiful view from the spa as well.
Husband and son played tennis every day. There are four tennis courts, two of them with lights at night, great pros. We did not visit the gym a lot (laaaazy holiday feeling), but it is very well done with good equipment. Also yoga and pilates offered (but again did not try).

Beach and pool
The beach is the best I have seen, white, fine, soft sand, crystal clear turquoise water. The main pool was the only thing I would not rave about. Too much concrete around it, not as tranquil as many other pools I have seen. Salas around it were, however, great, and the water nice and warms, drinks cold and service good, so we enjoyed spending time there in spite of the design.

Overall
The best service I have ever experienced after having been at 8 Amans, 11 FS resorts (most Asia) and several other luxury hotel.
The most relaxing holiday I have ever been on.
A beautiful island with dream beach and wonderful people.
Just go!

Opening flyertalk to find a trip report from Musken is always such a pleasure. I will move Amanpulo way up on my list of places to go, thanks to this superb, insightful, detailed report. Thanks so much, Musken. Remind me -- when will we have an Amanruya report from you???

Wonderful, Musken! Thanks.
I'm taking the libery of also posting your earlier comments about mini-Musken just to keep this all in the same place....

________________________________________

Our son is 8 years old.

Amanpulo is really great for kids. We did not meet a lot of kids (I think we saw two or three younger ones while we were there - most kids are during Christmans, Easter and Chinese New Years I heard), but they are really very kid friendly. Firstly the fantastic beach is great for kids to play, and amazingly, the sand does not get very hot even when the sun is shining on it all the time. They set up as many umbrellas and sun loungers that you need in front of your casita, and have beach toys available.

There is a kids club, focused on rather very young kids, located at the departure lounge at the island airport. Also there is a playground so well hidden that I never saw it, but my husband and son visited one day, and again this was for rather young kids. There are lots of nannies available, and - if requested - they can come to babysit or play with the kids in the villas or casitas as well. Not sure about costs.

Kids club has games and the main library also a number of kid friendly DVDs to watch in your casita or villa.


A very cute tradition at Amanpulo is that all kids get to plant their own tree; someone has already prepared a hole for it, so the kids just put it in and shuffle earth over it and water it and then there is a special wooden sign preparred with name of kid and date + of course cold towels to wash hands afterwards - it is Aman after all. Our son has already told me that we need to go back to see his tree some day, so great future marketing as well as fun!

One day, we asked them to prepare a treasure hunt for him, and he got a map of the island and his first hint on his bed at night one day, and had four of five different tasks to solve before he found his treasure the next day. This was not something they had done before, they prepared it all especially for him, but it might very well be something they do for more kids since it was great fun.

Also he got to make his own pizza, got "chef clothes" and a special Amanpulo junior chef sign (both to keep) and had fun making pizza at the picnic cove with the team there (a little before normal lunch time so no other guests were there).

He (and his parents) got to see turtlenesting at night and help releasing turtle babies into the sea one day. Wonderful and a real highlight.

He played tennis every day (they have kid size equipment), mostly with my husband, but there are also pros that could have given lessons (complimentary) if my husband would not have wanted to play himself.

He learnt to make fruit drinks himself, got to help behind bar at first and also at the excurisons to the raft bar. Great fun.

He went with us on excursions (snorkelling (they have kids size equipment) boat excursions to sand bar, to the raft bar and fishing) and loved it as the staff would always take extra good care of him.

But most importantly: When we moved over to the villa, he and the butler really become playing friends. Our son went to the butler kitchen as often as he could, helped cooking with the villa chef (especially fun cooking his own fish after fishing excursions), he got to visit main kitchen to get stuff for the villa, got to prepare many more fruit drinks or played football or other things with the butler.

Some of these activities were Amanpulo initiatives, others were our own ideas that they organised for us or things happening spontanously just because our son was open for it and the staff is so great (and would be briefed every day about the things he had done, what he enjoyed etc. so that they would know).

All in all the favourite holidays also for our son.

Oh, and the bed thing: They set up the bed as shown on the picture, but actually asked us when we were shown our casita if they should rather move it to the bathroom (did they read here that we always like that or are they just so much better understanding what we want before we even say so???) so we did that and there was loads of space still in the bathroom, so no problem. Also they have kids size slippers and bathrobes automatically in the villa. And kids size mountain bikes, even saw one with those supporting wheels.

In restaurants or for in villa dining there is kids menu with very reasonable prices. And I saw high chairs for those in need of such.

Oh, yes: Also welcome drink and snacks for my son + goodbye gifts.

(and if I go on like this answering questions, I might just drop writing the real trip report ;-)

Opening flyertalk to find a trip report from Musken is always such a pleasure. I will move Amanpulo way up on my list of places to go, thanks to this superb, insightful, detailed report. Thanks so much, Musken. Remind me -- when will we have an Amanruya report from you???

Thanks a lot for the kind words.
We will be in Amanruya in July.

Thanks also to you, Erika. And copying the child info like you did, makes you qualify as Kages 1st assistant (he already suggested we should do this). :D

Fantastic report!^;)

We will be in Amanruya in July.

Exactly what I was hoping to hear -- because that means I'll get the benefit of your trip report, presumably, before I'm there in mid-Aug.

Musken - Great report!

Musken previously >
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/18223579-post89.html (pics)
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/18223709-post91.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/18224196-post93.html
treasure hunt for our son, the island map had been made to look old like a real pirates map...hundreds of candles and floating lights at our villa pool.

yoga and pilates offered

The beach is the best I have seen

The best service I have ever experienced after having been at 8 Amans, 11 FS resorts (most Asia) and several other luxury hotel.

The most relaxing holiday I have ever been on.
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/luxury-hotels/1327385-hotel-not-missed.html >
holiday was the best I ever had

right now, I love Amanpulo the most
It just got me

total experience was just perfect

The memories from Amanpulo will always be in my heart, other hotel memories are on pictures

yoga and pilates - classes? free?

just wow. seems like whatever issues have been reported at pulo in the past are currently long gone.

me >
exclusives - http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/18225059-post98.html
villas - http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/18148909-post66.html

***

some here going to ruya in june

Musken, you spoke about food & restaurants. What about prices (food & wine)?
It may seems a stupid question, but how does it work when you're in villa?

What a fantastic report ! Going to Bali for the Aman Bali journey this summer but this kind of reporting makes me (and my parents) long for Amanpulo !

Musken, you spoke about food & restaurants. What about prices (food & wine)?
It may seems a stupid question, but how does it work when you're in villa?

The prices for food a were similar to other luxury resort, i.e. more of less similar to what one would pay at for example Sveti Stefan which I know you have been to. Portions generous, though, so we ended up ordering fewer items than normal once we got to know that. Wine costs not as high as the Maldives, but almost. Think the cheapest bottles would be starting at around 60 euro if I do not remember wrongly. High quality wines, though. I found soft drinks and cans of beer from the minibar to be priced above "normal", I think it was 6 euro for a can of diet Coke and 8 for a can of San Miguel beer.

I fully understand your question about the villa meals; I was also wondering what they would charge for private meals that had been cooked especially for us with no menu to choose from. :eek: We actually asked to see an overview of our bill after two days in the villa just to have a look at this, but were very happy to find out that these meals were not priced any higher than eating in any of the restaurants. Meals in villa would be family style (to share) and it was always possible to ask for a bit extra of whatever if we would like. Very much like at home, just much better if you know what I mean.

Beach bbq was more expensive, but totallly worth it.

I have not looked at the total bill, so I cannot give you any more specifics, try to aviod thinking about that :p

What a fantastic report ! Going to Bali for the Aman Bali journey this summer but this kind of reporting makes me (and my parents) long for Amanpulo !

Oh, I am sure that Bali will be wonderful. Bali is my favorite island, since it has so much to offer in terms of culture and nature and great food on top of the relaxation, pools and beaches and the Amans there are excellent and the service is great as well. We have been to all the Indonesian Amans except Nusa (thinking of going to Nusa for the first time and back to Kila next winter, actually), and even though I say that service at Pulo was the best ever, the Indonesian Amans are just a tiny little bit behind, just talking details here. You will love it!

Musken, as I've said in another thread, having this report before I go there could not be better timing - thank you again for taking the time to write and photograph so much! It is hugely appreciated.

Just was informed that casitas 27, 28 & 29 will be unavailable from about May 1 through December - due to renovation construction

Just was informed that casitas 27, 28 & 29 will be unavailable from about May 1 through December - due to renovation construction

I think that they are building new villa(s) next to them. Maybe they make them unavailable to avoid any construction noice because of that?

Would not worry, though, I actually thought the beach was nicer a bit closer to the beach club. Beach and vegetation was "wilder" as further towards shark point (after 29) you would get.

Musken, thanks - I was thinking of going to the other end of the beach casitas (1?) now - but I don't think I'm going to be in danger of hearing lots of noise regardless.

Thank you so much for this wonderful and detailed report. I have admired Amanpulo from afar for some time, and this report makes me want to go even more.

If I have one, somewhat embarrassing hesitation, it as a result of what my masseuse told me the other day when I told her I want to go to Amanpulo in the Philippines to see their wonderful beach. She told me that I must be crazy to go all the way to the Philippines just for a beach when the Caribbean is right next door...This got me thinking....The Philippines do not hold the same attraction for me as does Bali or Thailand, so I wonder whether this is really worth the journey from Canada for the beach vacation alone...

That being said, I will go anyhow. :D

go all the way to the Philippines just for a beach when the Caribbean is right next door...This got me thinking....The Philippines do not hold the same attraction for me as does Bali or Thailand, so I wonder whether this is really worth the journey from Canada for the beach vacation alone

first re "alone" - you can combine amanpulo with anything else

re amanpulo >

1. private islands
2. top beaches
3. amanresorts (with villas)

and consider reported occupancy levels

maldives are best beach value because higher density and higher occupancy

philippines is irrelevant, just like with maldives, youre staying on private island

caribbean (north america) is terrible value compared to asia, without even discussing quality

since this is FT, when traveling to asia you can fly asian F class (CX/KE from YYZ)

Thank you so much for this wonderful and detailed report. I have admired Amanpulo from afar for some time, and this report makes me want to go even more.

If I have one, somewhat embarrassing hesitation, it as a result of what my masseuse told me the other day when I told her I want to go to Amanpulo in the Philippines to see their wonderful beach. She told me that I must be crazy to go all the way to the Philippines just for a beach when the Caribbean is right next door...This got me thinking....The Philippines do not hold the same attraction for me as does Bali or Thailand, so I wonder whether this is really worth the journey from Canada for the beach vacation alone...

That being said, I will go anyhow. :D

If you like the beach, you can't go wrong with Amanpulo. Haven't been to the Carribean in awhile, but I don't think anything there compares. More to do in Bali and Thailand, but even at Puri and Kila the beaches are not anywhere near as nice.

1. private islands
2. top beaches
3. amanresorts (with villas)...

philippines is irrelevant, just like with maldives, youre staying on private island4. No unwashed masses on group package tours.

4. No unwashed masses on group package tours.

that is number 1 primarily, then number 3 secondarily :D

Thanks for the report !!

Peninsula Manila
We freshened up and went out to take a look at the shopping malls across the street which had a very good selection of prestige and mainstream brands. Lots of security everywhere to check bags etc. before one could enter hotels and malls. After some shopping, we went to have Chinese dinner at the Shang Palace restaurant in the Shangri-la hotel. Very good food, so good we ended up going back the last evening before our flight back home.
a Manila food thread: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/asia/803739-best-food-manila.html

I read so much about malls in Manila, are the malls the thing to do while in Manila?

a Manila food thread: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/asia/803739-best-food-manila.html

I read so much about malls in Manila, are the malls the thing to do while in Manila?

she did mention shopping, and cramming in sightseeing isnt very laid back?

Musken bumped thread you linked >
We are thinking "fine dining"...Peking Garden as well as Shang Palace of Shangri-La Hotel and the Jasmine restaurant of the New World Renaissance Hotel has been recommended to us

I have been to Shang Palace and while I like the food and the ambiance...it's very fine dining

Musken, thanks - I was thinking of going to the other end of the beach casitas (1?) now - but I don't think I'm going to be in danger of hearing lots of noise regardless.

It is really not important which one you are in. I found the beach from 16-25 a tiny little bit nicer than the rest, but it is all great. It will be slightly more quiet at the end on both sides (nr 1 and nr 29 since they have "close" (nothing is really close) neighbours on only one side. I would avoid the casitas next to the beach club for max privacy, unless one travels with small kids and want to be extremely central.

Thank you so much for this wonderful and detailed report. I have admired Amanpulo from afar for some time, and this report makes me want to go even more.

If I have one, somewhat embarrassing hesitation, it as a result of what my masseuse told me the other day when I told her I want to go to Amanpulo in the Philippines to see their wonderful beach. She told me that I must be crazy to go all the way to the Philippines just for a beach when the Caribbean is right next door...This got me thinking....The Philippines do not hold the same attraction for me as does Bali or Thailand, so I wonder whether this is really worth the journey from Canada for the beach vacation alone...

That being said, I will go anyhow. :D

I agree that Philippines is generally much less attractive than Bali and Thailand, since the latter can offer so much more than just beach (culture, nature, shopping, food, markets, temples etc.) If you want more than a beach holiday, you should go somewhere else or combine a stay at Amanpulo with something else. That something else is not Manila for me which I found to be "disappointing" from a tourist point of view compared to other Asian cities as it is not "very Asian" (catholic, was a colony, modern).

However, the beach holiday experience and atmosphere and service was far better than any other such that I have experienced, so for me it was worth it.

Thanks for the report !!

a Manila food thread: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/asia/803739-best-food-manila.html

I read so much about malls in Manila, are the malls the thing to do while in Manila?

We did not have time to do more, but honestly I did not feel that what I read about the sights in Manila would make me want to spend more time there either. Malls were close by and quite nice, but no reason to visit Manila.

It is really not important which one you are in. I found the beach from 16-25 a tiny little bit nicer than the rest, but it is all great. It will be slightly more quiet at the end on both sides (nr 1 and nr 29 since they have "close" (nothing is really close) neighbours on only one side. I would avoid the casitas next to the beach club for max privacy, unless one travels with small kids and want to be extremely central.

+1

For those wanting more than what Manila has to offer, keep in mind that Hong Kong is a 1 1/2 hour flight away. It makes for a good layover on the way in or out.

And the Philippines has much more to offer a vacationer than the Caribbean IMHO. It has generally better beaches, water, snorkeling/diving, service(!), value, and yes I do think it has a more interesting culture given that it is on the other side of the world.

It is really not important which one you are in. I found the beach from 16-25 a tiny little bit nicer than the rest, but it is all great. It will be slightly more quiet at the end on both sides (nr 1 and nr 29 since they have "close" (nothing is really close) neighbours on only one side. I would avoid the casitas next to the beach club for max privacy, unless one travels with small kids and want to be extremely central.

Do you think they all have that "carved out view" from the decks? I wonder if some views are better than others?

Thanks for sharing the report. It sounds quite compelling.

Do you have any pictures of your room that you can share by chance?

GMs were away for holidays
I wonder where they go on holiday? ;)

Do you have any pictures of your room that you can share by chance?
Musken previously >
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/18223579-post89.html (pics)

>
http://www.flickr.com/photos/24567041@N06/?saved=1
sorry if my post wasnt clear

Very concise and accurate review of Amanpulo, Musken, and really good photos! You should be working for a travel magazine!

Very concise and accurate review of Amanpulo, Musken, and really good photos! You should be working for a travel magazine!

:D:D

yoga and pilates - classes? free?


I think there were complimentary yoga classes early morning. Otherwise personal or group classes for an additional charge dependent on number of participants.

I did not try, was just too lazy or too busy enjoying.

Do you think they all have that "carved out view" from the decks? I wonder if some views are better than others?

No, not all have that carved out view, some casitas are completely hidden in the vegetation, you should make sure to ask for it if it is important for you. Our casita was number 20, and it had a very nice view which I had not expected. I loved it! Others might want (even) more privacy (obviously it is theoretically possible that someone walking by sees your terrasse if you have a view, but really it is just theoretically since the few people that walk by walk down where the water edge is where nothing can be seen anyway).

Thanks for sharing the report. It sounds quite compelling.

Do you have any pictures of your room that you can share by chance?


I wonder where they go on holiday? ;)

Kage has already kindly linked to my pictures.

I know where the GMs went on holiday, but maybe should not share everthing I hear. Instead I can tell you that one GM that I met at another tropical resort told me that he always went on holidays to places with absolutely no palm trees. :p

i would do a casita compilation, but vegetation changes
i find it interesting which resorts do which (for beachfront)
yara - completely private
parrot cay - only 1 (full size) seems not "completely" private
and maldives vary, etc
although sometimes elevation is used, i guess at pulo villas arent quite high enough

I think there were complimentary yoga classes early morning.

Musken ... thanks for your excellent trip report and additional comments and perceptions. Like you, I very much enjoyed Amanpulo and can't say enough about the service, beaches, etc..

I was recently also reviewing your Amanpuri / Trisara review thread and was curious what your take is on Amanpuri vs pulo? Obviously totally different in terms of venues, but from the perspective of the accommodations, food, service, beach, etc... if you have some time and wouldn't mind writing up your thoughts, we'd love to hear it.

Musken ... thanks for your excellent trip report and additional comments and perceptions. Like you, I very much enjoyed Amanpulo and can't say enough about the service, beaches, etc..

I was recently also reviewing your Amanpuri / Trisara review thread and was curious what your take is on Amanpuri vs pulo? Obviously totally different in terms of venues, but from the perspective of the accommodations, food, service, beach, etc... if you have some time and wouldn't mind writing up your thoughts, we'd love to hear it.

Thanks. No problem for me to write a comparison, I actually really enjoy to do such things, it is often something we talk about as well during and after holidays. :D

Amanpuri vs. Amanpulo

First of all; I have only visited each of them once, three nights at Amanpuri (March 2011), 12 nights Amanpulo (March 2012), so everything is very subjective of course.

Secondly I love both of them, but they are really very different. A little comparison below:

Overall
Overall I think that the main difference between the two is the ambience and atmosphere. Amanpulo is very warm and friendly, very laid back, private and informal while I found Amanpuri to be a bit "colder" and more formal. Amanpuri is also more of see and be seen kind of place. While we never felt to be really appreciated as guests when arriving at Amanpuri - we felt like returning back home when we came to Amanpulo, reflected in how we were treated by everyone from the personnel at restaurants to the top management.

Service
Service was really excellent both places, nothing was difficult, nothing went wrong, they read our needs, but the warmth and friendlyness of the Amanpulo people made the service experience even more pleasant there. I also felt that the remembering of our preferences was better at Amanpulo and that the staff was better at sharing information about us between themselves in order to service us even better. Finally I felt that senior management and GMs were very invisible at Amanpuri compared to Amanpulo, at Amanpuri the GM did not respond to mail, also we never met him, while at Amanpulo all senior management incl. GM spend lots of time taking care of us before and during our stay.

Accommodation and design
No doubt the overall design is more special and memorable at Amanpuri. The design at Amanpulo is very natural and fitting with the beautiful island but the Amanpuri design is more monumental, more an experience in itself. For accommodation (and here I can only compare Casita at Amanpulo to Pavilion at Amanpuri since I did not have the pleasure of staying in a villa at Amanpuri), I loved the bathroom at Amanpuri (mainly for design reasons) but prefer the bedrooms at Amanpulo as I feel that they were more spacious and lighter. Amanpulo offers full privacy, but at Amanpuri this depends at the location of the pavilion. The outside areas are both nice, I love the sala for in room dining at Amanpuri but also loved the outside daybeds at Amanpulo. Amanpulo has coffee making facilities in room which I love. Amanpuri has better in room cookies. :-D

Food
I found the food at Amanpuri to be slightly better than the food at Amanpulo and I really loved the Japanese restaurant at puri. On the other hand, I felt that there was more variation offered at Amanpulo, in particular the spanish restaurant was a great option for non-Asian food and the private dinners were just wonderful.

Beach
Both beaches are among my favorites, but Amanpulo wins. Sand quality, colours and of course that you really feel that you have a beach for yourself, makes it the best. However, if you like to see people, like to be at a place that offers full beach service, Amanpuri is the best.

Spa/gym
Nothing beats Amanpuri for gym, I have never seen a better gym in any luxury hotel. Also the spa at Amanpuri is world class, but Amanpulo is not far behind.

I would almost totally agree with everything Musken says. I've stayed once at Pulo and maybe a half dozen times at Puri. Just a few comments.

1. The overall design and ambiance of Puri especially from the main pool area is one of the most beautiful and tranquil man made settings anywhere on the planet.

2. The natural setting is more beautiful at Pulo.

3. As Musken says food is a little better at Puri. If you like Thai food, Puri has some incredible dishes.

4. Spa - I think the therapists at Puri are better.

5. I like the villas better at Puri for the most part, but the Garden villas there lack privacy and feel a little crowded. I've opted for Trisara when the only thing available was a Garden Villa at Puri. The pool villas are Trisara are really, really nice.

6. Ditto on the beaches. Note that the ocean at Puri is a little rough in the off season.

7. Service - ditto except Sandra (AGM?) at Puri is very good and very attentive.

They are both really incredible places. I would be hard pressed to pick just one so I'm thinking of going back to both in April and May.

Musken that is a lovely report and I am so pleased you had a great time. Amanpulo is exquisite although I feel that it is a little bit cramped now with the villas (especially the second phase ones).

I must confess that I prefer Amanpulo under the previous GM! Nick and Chris are doing a great job though with the villa management.

As for the pool it is my favourite. Old fashioned proper pools rather than the fancy overflow modern ones. Think of the pool at Amangalla - so classy and beautiful.

Musken and 5khours ... thanks to both of you for your comments. I really appreciate it. I had a wonderful stay at pulo last year, albeit short, and will finally be visiting puri next week. Through David O, the puri GM has been very responsive and accommodating. Nick at pulo was also fantastic, and I must agree that the service there and natural setting are amazing.

Those beaches are truly something to behold at pulo. My companion and I had a sunrise champagne breakfast at the northern tip of the island which was absolutely, unbelievably spectacular. Due to jet lag, it was no problem timing wise either. Although after that champagne, I certainly needed a nap!

Thanks again for your helpful comments.

when returning to MNL from pulo >
x if pulo lounge is ever available, for how long / until when

x anyone happened to hear about raffles/fairmont manila schedule
i presume no decent small properties.

(questions for anyone)

when returning to MNL from pulo >
if pulo lounge is ever available, for how long / until when?
where at the airport do you come out if leaving airport?

anyone happened to hear about raffles/fairmont manila schedule?
i presume no decent small properties.

Pulo airport lounge in MNL is available for as long as you want to stay when returning to MNL, and I would recommend staying as long as possible since the lounge at MNL is a total dump.

Pulo airport lounge in MNL is available for as long as you want to stay when returning to MNL, and I would recommend staying as long as possible since the lounge at MNL is a total dump.

Agree. Another alternative is to have Aman take you on a tour of Manila, recommend restaurants/activities/etc. Anything to minimize time in MNL is a good idea.

have Aman take you on a tour of Manila

interesting - aman driver/guide? (also re drive to lounge and lounge staff)

I would think a helicopter to the Pen from MNL is unnecessary. Get a nice car, typical ride time is on the order of 20 minutes, even in Manila traffic.

interesting - aman driver/guide? (also re drive to lounge and lounge staff)

(questions for anyone)
when returning to MNL from pulo >
- where at the airport do you come out if leaving airport? is there a choice?


Yes - aman can provide a driver/guide (we did this, as we had something like 8 hours to kill).

The airport is quite small - no real choice of exit.

thanks all, moving my questions to aman thread
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/luxury-hotels/1297098-amanresorts-thread-2012-started-amanjunkie-post18587846.html#post18587846

Just left Amanpulo and wanted to thank all of you who answered many questions and posted your excellent trip reports. Had a wonderful time (even with not-so-great weather). And my concerns about privacy and quiet were completely unfounded - as many people said previously, you feel like you're the only ones there!

Just left Amanpulo and wanted to thank all of you who answered many questions and posted your excellent trip reports. Had a wonderful time (even with not-so-great weather). And my concerns about privacy and quiet were completely unfounded - as many people said previously, you feel like you're the only ones there!

I was pretty sure you would enjoy, but still very happy to hear it.

Just left Amanpulo and wanted to thank all of you who answered many questions and posted your excellent trip reports. Had a wonderful time (even with not-so-great weather). And my concerns about privacy and quiet were completely unfounded - as many people said previously, you feel like you're the only ones there!

Glad you had a good trip!

Well, I finally pulled the trigger and am booked for Aman in November, with many thanks to DavidO.

I will have very brief overnight stopovers in Manila on the way to Amanpulo and on the way back. I plan on staying near the airport, possibly near Resorts World for the casino, for one of these stopovers, and perhaps Makati for the other one.

I have a couple questions;

1. Is the Amanpulo car pick-up and drop-off service (@$80 each way) in Manila something that is desirable in my circumstances? First time to Manila, but if it doesn't include true arrival services (not sure), and is just a taxi service, then is it worthwhile when my hotel might only be 5 minutes from the Amanpulo hangar? Is it a more worthwhile service if I stay in Makati? Any thoughts or additional considerations would be appreciated. I am a big fan of the seamless Aman transfers, but wonder if this is useful in these particular circumstances...

2. How long should one allow for travel time to the Amanpulo lounge in Manila, from say, Makati, for say, a 1:30 pm flight to Amanpulo?

3. I plan on getting scuba certified at Amanpulo. My current plan is to do the elearning and pool portion here at home, and do the open water dives (4, I believe) at Amanpulo, over the course of 5 nights. Is this something that will overwhelm me when trying to relax at Amanpulo, or be appropriate for this length of trip?

4. I got the impression that the Peninsula was satisfactory, but not a place that one would particularly care to return to...Is that the case?

Musken and anyone else who cares to chime in, I would really appreciate it...

it is possible to get VIP service at MNL

raffles manila might be open by then

nonluxury - marriott and a casino hotel are across from MNL terminal 3

The drive between anywhere in the airport region and Makati generally takes less than 30 minutes, and in the worst traffic, 45 max. Would much rather go to Makati for a night than stay in the disappointing area near the airport, it just isn't that far.

I am among those who finds club level at the Shangri-La nicer than the Pen. The two hotels are across the street from each other.

I just think that it is the nicest way to arrive so i would go for the aman pick up. Especially in a chaotic and different destination compared to home. We did not have any vip pick up, but it worked really well and i felt that i was partly already there. If there is a special vip pick up, i am sure aman can organise it.

And i am not sure thst "just a normal taxi driver" would find the amanpulo lounge. It is NOT at the airport but completely separate (but obviously connected to the runway).

I was just there 2months ago - the Pen was just fine for two overnight stays. Their - and Amanpulo's car services were travel-only (although there is a lounge that I didn't really use, due to flight times). I was through customs in a flash though ( but I never have checked luggage...) so didn't miss having anyone expedite that. And Richard's travel times are what I experienced also - although early morning took only about 20 min from the Pen to the airport.

Aman would advise you regarding travel time from your hotel to airport dependent on day and time of day. Just ask them.

Hotels are ok for a night. Or for two. Not a destination in itself. we stayed at the pen. amanpulo has special rates and takes care of everything.

I just think that it is the nicest way to arrive so i would go for the aman pick up. Especially in a chaotic and different destination compared to home.

Many thanks for this advice, Musken. Do you happen to know whether the car service offered from Aman is charged per segment?, i.e.

MNL>PEN (1 x $80);
PEN>MNL/lounge (1x $80);

MNL/lounge>PEN (1 x $80); and
PEN>MNL to catch flight home (1x $80), for $360 total....

The drive between anywhere in the airport region and Makati generally takes less than 30 minutes, and in the worst traffic, 45 max. Would much rather go to Makati for a night than stay in the disappointing area near the airport, it just isn't that far.

Many thanks for this, RichardInSF. For whatever reason, the impression that I am getting about Manila from my online research and speaking to my children's nanny, is that Manila can be very dangerous, and is not a place to walk about, or to take anything but a hotel car....Is this the usual bogus hype, or is this place different from Bangkok, Singapore, HK, etc., where crime is of no concern whatsoever....

Many thanks for this advice, Musken. Do you happen to know whether the car service offered from Aman is charged per segment?, i.e.

MNL>PEN (1 x $80);
PEN>MNL/lounge (1x $80);

MNL/lounge>PEN (1 x $80); and
PEN>MNL to catch flight home (1x $80), for $360 total....

I looked it up now and see that i was quoted php3000+ per car per way. Of course it would work with taxis and there is money to save, but we stayed two weeks partly in villa plus business flights and this was just so little in the huge bill, but seeing it now, yes it was expensive and less value for money than the rest of the trip.

I looked it up now and see that i was quoted php3000+ per car per way. Of course it would work with taxis and there is money to save, but we stayed two weeks partly in villa plus business flights and this was just so little in the huge bill, but seeing it now, yes it was expensive and less value for money than the rest of the trip.

LOL. Yes, point taken... :D

Many thanks for this, RichardInSF. For whatever reason, the impression that I am getting about Manila from my online research and speaking to my children's nanny, is that Manila can be very dangerous, and is not a place to walk about, or to take anything but a hotel car....Is this the usual bogus hype, or is this place different from Bangkok, Singapore, HK, etc., where crime is of no concern whatsoever....

Makati feels like singapore or modern parts of bangkok to look at. Feels safe. Lots of guards and security checks at entrances to shopping malls and hitels (like bali).

LOL. Yes, point taken... :D

But i recognise myself in you. Sometimes i can be thinking a lot about diet coke prices of 7 euro++ in a lux hotel, but in the big picture it is not really worth it.

Many thanks for this, RichardInSF. For whatever reason, the impression that I am getting about Manila from my online research and speaking to my children's nanny, is that Manila can be very dangerous, and is not a place to walk about, or to take anything but a hotel car....Is this the usual bogus hype, or is this place different from Bangkok, Singapore, HK, etc., where crime is of no concern whatsoever....

It really depends on what part of Manila you are in. Never felt any danger wandering around the area near the Pen and Shangri-La. There is an upscale mall, an art museum, a separate upscale restaurant mall, and corporate HQ for some large companies.

Well, ok, I stayed inside the Shangri-La the one time there was an abortive coup attempt that centered on the Pen across the street, but even during that no one got hurt and the Shangri-La club lounge kept serving food and drink as normal.

Incidentally, $80 to get between the Pen and the airport area is an absurdly high price for any car less specialized than the Popemobile.

In the spirit of full disclosure....Makati has some history of terrorism and explosions..... but we like to believe they are getting better at their own security and preventive measures. It doesn't stop us from staying in Makati anymore than it stops us from visiting Bali, Morocco, etc.

Found my amanpulo trip report for whoever asked about kids activities. It is in this thread. Not first post but ericka had it copied and pasted from somewhere else.