Singapore/Bali Trip Report - Amankila, Four Seasons, Ritz Carlton, Etc.
Oct 27, 2003, 5:42 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2003
Programs: UA1K, *G & Wife of UA1K MM
Posts: 3,431
Singapore/Bali Trip Report - Amankila, Four Seasons, Ritz Carlton, Etc.
Singapore. What a lovely city. Fabulous hotels and fabulous food, and so much to see and do. My husband and I commented we wouldn’t mind living there someday. We wish we had more time, as we were only in the country for one day and two nights – bookends on either end of our Bali trip. For people on a tight timeframe, we highly recommend the botanical/orchid gardens, but try to go early in the morning before the heat sets in!
RITZ CARLTON MILLENIA – SINGAPORE
We booked a marina view room and the pictures we took from our bedroom and bathroom windows were postcard-perfect! The city view is what makes this property a Ritz Carlton flagship. The rooms are large and beautifully furnished, if somewhat modern. The bathroom…well, what you’ve heard is true. Given our limited time at the hotel, we decided against the concierge level, but were pleasantly surprised by the Asian-influenced breakfast buffet in the Dale Chihuly filled lobby. The service was both friendly and attentive. Also, for a hotel of this stature, you’d be surprised by the great rates you can get if your timing is right.
HOTEL INTERCONTINENTAL - SINGAPORE
We booked a concierge level room at this hotel, expecting to be unimpressed and wanting to ensure we were in one of their better rooms. While the rooms were definitely smaller than the Ritz Carlton, they were quite lovely. A small foyer beckoned us into the room with a pattern of inlaid wood flooring, the bedding was fabulously down and the bathroom surprised us with a stunning blue/black/silver granite countertop like we’ve never seen before. For those on a budget, this hotel will give you a taste of the finer things. While the service lacked the warmth of a Four Seasons/Ritz Carlton/Aman experience, it was always prompt and efficient. The surroundings and restaurants were wonderful, and the rooms, hallways and public areas were trimmed in white wood, a very cool feeling in an always hot city.
--------------------------------------------
Bali. Truly magical – if wet. Turns out the rainy season came a little early this year, but the luxury accommodations more than made up for the dampness. Our impression of Bali is that it is a wonderful place for vacationers who like to experience many things, including ocean and jungle environs, mountain terraces and beautiful vistas of rice paddies, shopping, fabulous restaurants, snorkeling/diving, and a unique and beautifully ceremonial culture.
BALI HYATT – BALI
We spent one night at this property because our plane got in late and it was fairly close to the airport. Having spent one night and one morning in the Regency Club, we can make the following observations. The grounds, beach and ocean were very nice. The people were friendly and the concierge pavilion (where they served breakfast and cocktails) was lovely. But the rooms and public areas were dated, and the lounge singer that worked the bar in the evenings was singing all of the American lounge-like songs that we came to Bali to escape.
AMANKILA – BALI
This was where my husband and I became Bapak and Ibu (Mr. and Mrs.) XXXXXX. And, if you can’t tell by the length of this review, this is the property we consider the end-all, be-all of our trip, and the property that will someday draw us back to Bali.
We were picked up by private car and greeted by some of the most welcoming, warm people we have ever met. Taken immediately to our villa by multiple staff members for a more personal check-in experience, we were met with a full bottle of Moet & Chandon French champagne. Knowing that this property would have one of the more stunning vistas of our trip, we booked what our research told us would be the villa with the best view – the Indrakila suite. Unlike the rest of the property, this villa is only two years old. We had seen pictures of the villa and its view prior to our visit, and were driven to pay an unprecedented amount of money (for us) to secure the accommodation. Have you ever anticipated a place so much, that when you finally got there, you could be nothing but disappointed? This was not the case with the Indrakila suite. When the staff members left us, I remember turning to my husband and saying, “We’ll never be able to top this.” He agreed. The 180-degree ocean, mountain, temple and black sand beach view was pristine and breathtaking. Our oversized patio stepped down to a large, blue-tiled pool and a private bale, where we would take breakfast and after dinner cocktails. The inside of the villa was nearly as beautiful, with terrazzo tiled floors and sliding windows lined up to take best advantage of the spectacular scenery. All of our time in the villa was spent with gentle “selon ding” music playing in the background. We especially enjoyed leaving it to play overnight, with the sound of waves joining it in the background.
Putting views and luxurious accommodations aside, the most amazing thing about Amankila was the staff. They knew who we were and where we were at every moment. They learned what made us happy and they shared that information with each other. They knew when we were out of our room and when they could get into it without disturbing us. Each staff member was equipped with either a cell phone or a radio – groundskeepers, too. When we would leave our room, the groundskeepers discretely reported it to the front desk, the front desk would then conversationally find out, from us, where we were going and report that to the staff members in our path. The result was an absolutely blissful, if eerie, experience where every staff member we ran into (even the person in the gift shop) was anticipating our arrival and knew our name. Amankila also kept a computer record of our likes and dislikes. They only asked my husband once how he likes his martinis. And a week later, when we had dinner at Amandari (while staying at the Four Seasons Sayan) the people at Amandari knew our names, knew we had spent time at Amankila, and knew how to make my husband’s martini – they didn’t have to ask!
Every moment of our stay was special. The hotel had arranged a gamelan band and a charming children’s ceremonial dance, even though there were only 6 couples at the property that night. And when it rained, there was a staff member ready for us with an umbrella before we even knew it was raining. Each day, two young local girls would sit on their mats and create welcome crafts/gifts for the villas. Referring to one of the crafts that a girl was working on, I said, “That’s beautiful.” The young girl smiled genuinely and replied, “So are you.” There was the ever-so-private dinner on the beach, where the chef spoke to us at length about what we would like him to prepare, and the not-to-be-missed Indonesian afternoon tea. And, when it came time to leave, my husband had to return the book he was reading to the Amankila library. He hadn’t finished it, and knowing that he had a birthday coming up, I decided to contact the hotel to find out the title. I asked them to check their records, telling them that he was reading something war or battle related. It turns out, they did not have a sign-out record, so they emailed me digital photos of their war and battle book covers so that I could identify the book by sight! Needless to say, my husband had a happy birthday surprise.
If we weren’t Aman junkies before, we certainly are now.
FOUR SEASONS SAYAN – BALI
This property is, quite literally, an architectural masterpiece, having won many worldwide architecture awards. To stay here is to stay in the middle of a jungle! We booked a riverfront villa (#20), which the Four Seasons claims is their best and most private. The villa was outfitted with obscene amounts of teak, both inside and out, and had an enormous bathroom with a bathtub that was filled with frangipani on our arrival. There were great expanses of outdoor living space that made up 2200+ sq. ft., including a living room, dining area, plunge pool and deck – but be warned – if it is raining when you go, as it was for us, you will find out how small a villa of that size can feel when you are confined to the bedroom. After 3 days of solid rain, we asked the manager for a reprieve, that is, a transfer to the Four Seasons Jimbaran, which reportedly receives more sunshine since it is by the ocean. Management came through for us (actually apologizing for the weather!) by securing us an oceanfront room on Jimbaran Bay. The food at the Four Seasons Sayan was wonderful, as was the nightly singing of the many frogs. The twice-weekly mosquito spraying was a blessing. The service was a bit awkward at times, and after just coming from Amankila, being asked our room number over and over again felt like a slap in the face, but this seemed to be just a drawback of a larger hotel.
FOUR SEASONS JIMBARAN – BALI
This was a very pretty hotel, mimicking a Balinese village with charming stonewalls surrounding each villa. We had one of the better oceanfront villas at this property, but an ocean view at this property also comes with an airport view, and the planes took off across the bay several times a day. Our villa compound had lovely outdoor and indoor living spaces. Our outdoor dining room shared a thatch roof with the outdoor dining room of the villa next door to us - which gives you an idea of how close together the units are to one another. Our villa was relatively quiet while we were there, but I would hate to be there when the hotel was booked to capacity. Our plunge pool had a darling spitting cherub fountain, and frangipani trees were strategically planted next to each villa’s plunge pool so that the flowers would gracefully fall into the water. Unfortunately, the villas were starting to show their age, not inside (polished marble ages well), but in the plunge pools, where we found an aged scaly substance floating in the water. It was enough to keep me out of the plunge pool during our stay. The food was great, and the weather was as kind to us as the staff. However, we could tell this was a larger property with the way that we were occasionally, if unintentionally, forgotten. Example: at check in, when showing us our villa, one of the staff members asked what my husband’s favorite fruit was so that he could refill our fruit basket. My husband told him, but the fruit never came.
RITZ CARLTON MILLENIA – SINGAPORE
We booked a marina view room and the pictures we took from our bedroom and bathroom windows were postcard-perfect! The city view is what makes this property a Ritz Carlton flagship. The rooms are large and beautifully furnished, if somewhat modern. The bathroom…well, what you’ve heard is true. Given our limited time at the hotel, we decided against the concierge level, but were pleasantly surprised by the Asian-influenced breakfast buffet in the Dale Chihuly filled lobby. The service was both friendly and attentive. Also, for a hotel of this stature, you’d be surprised by the great rates you can get if your timing is right.
HOTEL INTERCONTINENTAL - SINGAPORE
We booked a concierge level room at this hotel, expecting to be unimpressed and wanting to ensure we were in one of their better rooms. While the rooms were definitely smaller than the Ritz Carlton, they were quite lovely. A small foyer beckoned us into the room with a pattern of inlaid wood flooring, the bedding was fabulously down and the bathroom surprised us with a stunning blue/black/silver granite countertop like we’ve never seen before. For those on a budget, this hotel will give you a taste of the finer things. While the service lacked the warmth of a Four Seasons/Ritz Carlton/Aman experience, it was always prompt and efficient. The surroundings and restaurants were wonderful, and the rooms, hallways and public areas were trimmed in white wood, a very cool feeling in an always hot city.
--------------------------------------------
Bali. Truly magical – if wet. Turns out the rainy season came a little early this year, but the luxury accommodations more than made up for the dampness. Our impression of Bali is that it is a wonderful place for vacationers who like to experience many things, including ocean and jungle environs, mountain terraces and beautiful vistas of rice paddies, shopping, fabulous restaurants, snorkeling/diving, and a unique and beautifully ceremonial culture.
BALI HYATT – BALI
We spent one night at this property because our plane got in late and it was fairly close to the airport. Having spent one night and one morning in the Regency Club, we can make the following observations. The grounds, beach and ocean were very nice. The people were friendly and the concierge pavilion (where they served breakfast and cocktails) was lovely. But the rooms and public areas were dated, and the lounge singer that worked the bar in the evenings was singing all of the American lounge-like songs that we came to Bali to escape.
AMANKILA – BALI
This was where my husband and I became Bapak and Ibu (Mr. and Mrs.) XXXXXX. And, if you can’t tell by the length of this review, this is the property we consider the end-all, be-all of our trip, and the property that will someday draw us back to Bali.
We were picked up by private car and greeted by some of the most welcoming, warm people we have ever met. Taken immediately to our villa by multiple staff members for a more personal check-in experience, we were met with a full bottle of Moet & Chandon French champagne. Knowing that this property would have one of the more stunning vistas of our trip, we booked what our research told us would be the villa with the best view – the Indrakila suite. Unlike the rest of the property, this villa is only two years old. We had seen pictures of the villa and its view prior to our visit, and were driven to pay an unprecedented amount of money (for us) to secure the accommodation. Have you ever anticipated a place so much, that when you finally got there, you could be nothing but disappointed? This was not the case with the Indrakila suite. When the staff members left us, I remember turning to my husband and saying, “We’ll never be able to top this.” He agreed. The 180-degree ocean, mountain, temple and black sand beach view was pristine and breathtaking. Our oversized patio stepped down to a large, blue-tiled pool and a private bale, where we would take breakfast and after dinner cocktails. The inside of the villa was nearly as beautiful, with terrazzo tiled floors and sliding windows lined up to take best advantage of the spectacular scenery. All of our time in the villa was spent with gentle “selon ding” music playing in the background. We especially enjoyed leaving it to play overnight, with the sound of waves joining it in the background.
Putting views and luxurious accommodations aside, the most amazing thing about Amankila was the staff. They knew who we were and where we were at every moment. They learned what made us happy and they shared that information with each other. They knew when we were out of our room and when they could get into it without disturbing us. Each staff member was equipped with either a cell phone or a radio – groundskeepers, too. When we would leave our room, the groundskeepers discretely reported it to the front desk, the front desk would then conversationally find out, from us, where we were going and report that to the staff members in our path. The result was an absolutely blissful, if eerie, experience where every staff member we ran into (even the person in the gift shop) was anticipating our arrival and knew our name. Amankila also kept a computer record of our likes and dislikes. They only asked my husband once how he likes his martinis. And a week later, when we had dinner at Amandari (while staying at the Four Seasons Sayan) the people at Amandari knew our names, knew we had spent time at Amankila, and knew how to make my husband’s martini – they didn’t have to ask!
Every moment of our stay was special. The hotel had arranged a gamelan band and a charming children’s ceremonial dance, even though there were only 6 couples at the property that night. And when it rained, there was a staff member ready for us with an umbrella before we even knew it was raining. Each day, two young local girls would sit on their mats and create welcome crafts/gifts for the villas. Referring to one of the crafts that a girl was working on, I said, “That’s beautiful.” The young girl smiled genuinely and replied, “So are you.” There was the ever-so-private dinner on the beach, where the chef spoke to us at length about what we would like him to prepare, and the not-to-be-missed Indonesian afternoon tea. And, when it came time to leave, my husband had to return the book he was reading to the Amankila library. He hadn’t finished it, and knowing that he had a birthday coming up, I decided to contact the hotel to find out the title. I asked them to check their records, telling them that he was reading something war or battle related. It turns out, they did not have a sign-out record, so they emailed me digital photos of their war and battle book covers so that I could identify the book by sight! Needless to say, my husband had a happy birthday surprise.
If we weren’t Aman junkies before, we certainly are now.
FOUR SEASONS SAYAN – BALI
This property is, quite literally, an architectural masterpiece, having won many worldwide architecture awards. To stay here is to stay in the middle of a jungle! We booked a riverfront villa (#20), which the Four Seasons claims is their best and most private. The villa was outfitted with obscene amounts of teak, both inside and out, and had an enormous bathroom with a bathtub that was filled with frangipani on our arrival. There were great expanses of outdoor living space that made up 2200+ sq. ft., including a living room, dining area, plunge pool and deck – but be warned – if it is raining when you go, as it was for us, you will find out how small a villa of that size can feel when you are confined to the bedroom. After 3 days of solid rain, we asked the manager for a reprieve, that is, a transfer to the Four Seasons Jimbaran, which reportedly receives more sunshine since it is by the ocean. Management came through for us (actually apologizing for the weather!) by securing us an oceanfront room on Jimbaran Bay. The food at the Four Seasons Sayan was wonderful, as was the nightly singing of the many frogs. The twice-weekly mosquito spraying was a blessing. The service was a bit awkward at times, and after just coming from Amankila, being asked our room number over and over again felt like a slap in the face, but this seemed to be just a drawback of a larger hotel.
FOUR SEASONS JIMBARAN – BALI
This was a very pretty hotel, mimicking a Balinese village with charming stonewalls surrounding each villa. We had one of the better oceanfront villas at this property, but an ocean view at this property also comes with an airport view, and the planes took off across the bay several times a day. Our villa compound had lovely outdoor and indoor living spaces. Our outdoor dining room shared a thatch roof with the outdoor dining room of the villa next door to us - which gives you an idea of how close together the units are to one another. Our villa was relatively quiet while we were there, but I would hate to be there when the hotel was booked to capacity. Our plunge pool had a darling spitting cherub fountain, and frangipani trees were strategically planted next to each villa’s plunge pool so that the flowers would gracefully fall into the water. Unfortunately, the villas were starting to show their age, not inside (polished marble ages well), but in the plunge pools, where we found an aged scaly substance floating in the water. It was enough to keep me out of the plunge pool during our stay. The food was great, and the weather was as kind to us as the staff. However, we could tell this was a larger property with the way that we were occasionally, if unintentionally, forgotten. Example: at check in, when showing us our villa, one of the staff members asked what my husband’s favorite fruit was so that he could refill our fruit basket. My husband told him, but the fruit never came.
Last edited by Ericka; Jul 10, 2008 at 1:55 pm
Oct 28, 2003, 6:28 am
#3
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: From and of Boston.
Posts: 4,973
Amankila sounds heavenly, and your mention of FS Sayan's architecture brought back wonderful memories. For those who go there and find themselves in a Balian downpour, I recommend heading to the bar in the main building. It's configured so that you're sitting outside but protected from the rain by an overhang, and the sights and sounds of a jungle downpour while sipping on a cocktail is a marvelous combination of wonder and indulgence.
Thanks for taking the time and effort to write an excellent and informative report, Ericka.
Thanks for taking the time and effort to write an excellent and informative report, Ericka.
Oct 28, 2003, 9:29 am
#4
Join Date: Aug 2003
Programs: BA, LH, BD
Posts: 1,469
Amankila sounds pretty fantastic, similar in that the staff speak to each other as the begawan-giri in Ubud, (did a search - and am amazed it only came up 2 times??)
thanks for your report.
and maybe next time you should look this hotel up, (it has the highest staff to guest ratio in the world!!)
thanks for your report.
and maybe next time you should look this hotel up, (it has the highest staff to guest ratio in the world!!)
Oct 29, 2003, 7:37 pm
#6
Guest
Posts: n/a
Great report - and was was even nicer there was never a hint of a security issue with you in Bali. I might suggest trying the Amanwana on your next trip that direction - 20 5 star Aman tents - in a not to be believed setting -
I'm taking a weeks road trip next week to Asia and was considering a few days in Bali...you've answered my questions if I can pull it off..... thank you!!!
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Dance as if no one's watching, Sing as if no one's listening and live live everyday as if it were your last
I'm taking a weeks road trip next week to Asia and was considering a few days in Bali...you've answered my questions if I can pull it off..... thank you!!!
------------------
Dance as if no one's watching, Sing as if no one's listening and live live everyday as if it were your last
Oct 30, 2003, 2:50 am
#7
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Fairfield County, CT USA
Programs: AA PLT+2MM / DL DM+1MM / A3 *G / Fairmont LT Plat / Ritz Gold / SPG Gold
Posts: 4,077
Thanks for the detailed post, Ericka.
I'm glad to see there have been improvements at the RCSin. My experiences there in 2000 uncovered some significant issues, but it sounds like things are more on track.
Re your time in Bali, how did it feel for you as an American there?
I'm glad to see there have been improvements at the RCSin. My experiences there in 2000 uncovered some significant issues, but it sounds like things are more on track.
Re your time in Bali, how did it feel for you as an American there?
Oct 30, 2003, 6:48 pm
#8
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2003
Programs: UA1K, *G & Wife of UA1K MM
Posts: 3,431
Security:
All of the hotels are doing routine inspections for bombs as people/cars approach the property. But frankly, if you stay at Amankila, you are in such a remote location, I doubt you would be a target. The more touristed areas on the south of the island seem like better targets to me.
Being an American:
Nothing but love, love, love. The common sentiment is "Please tell your friends to come to Bali. It is safe here." The island is mostly hindu, not muslim, and the people have always had a reputation for kindness. They were especially excited that Bush was coming for a visit and they know that tourism is vital to their economy.
All of the hotels are doing routine inspections for bombs as people/cars approach the property. But frankly, if you stay at Amankila, you are in such a remote location, I doubt you would be a target. The more touristed areas on the south of the island seem like better targets to me.
Being an American:
Nothing but love, love, love. The common sentiment is "Please tell your friends to come to Bali. It is safe here." The island is mostly hindu, not muslim, and the people have always had a reputation for kindness. They were especially excited that Bush was coming for a visit and they know that tourism is vital to their economy.
Oct 31, 2003, 6:58 pm
#11
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: New York, USA,
Programs: Amex Centurion. Amanjunkie. AA & DL Platinum
Posts: 432
I feel guilty I didn't submit a detailed Aman report after your stella review 
I just came back from Amanpuri and experienced everything you mentioned at Amankila. What puts the Aman chain apart from all others is their extraordinary attention to detail and their "sixth sense" in knowing what you want at every possible moment. You articulated it quite well!
When I tell my friends and family about the Aman Resorts, they can't quite comprehend what it is like. I know why now. There is nothing to compare it with. Simply another level.
Superb report. You brought back great memories and got my juices going to plan my next trip, hopefully early next year, at Amanpulo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I just came back from Amanpuri and experienced everything you mentioned at Amankila. What puts the Aman chain apart from all others is their extraordinary attention to detail and their "sixth sense" in knowing what you want at every possible moment. You articulated it quite well!When I tell my friends and family about the Aman Resorts, they can't quite comprehend what it is like. I know why now. There is nothing to compare it with. Simply another level.
Superb report. You brought back great memories and got my juices going to plan my next trip, hopefully early next year, at Amanpulo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Nov 6, 2003, 5:13 pm
#12
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2003
Programs: UA1K, *G & Wife of UA1K MM
Posts: 3,431
Me? One of the board's leading Aman junkies? I'm still just a "junior" junkie I'm afraid. I've only got two under my belt. But there's always next year!
Speaking of next year, Plumbar, we still can't decide between Amanpulo and Amanpuri. Lots to consider!
Speaking of next year, Plumbar, we still can't decide between Amanpulo and Amanpuri. Lots to consider!
Nov 6, 2003, 6:29 pm
#13
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: New York, USA,
Programs: Amex Centurion. Amanjunkie. AA & DL Platinum
Posts: 432
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Ericka:
Me? One of the board's leading Aman junkies? I'm still just a "junior" junkie I'm afraid. I've only got two under my belt. But there's always next year!
Speaking of next year, Plumbar, we still can't decide between Amanpulo and Amanpuri. Lots to consider!</font>
Me? One of the board's leading Aman junkies? I'm still just a "junior" junkie I'm afraid. I've only got two under my belt. But there's always next year!
Speaking of next year, Plumbar, we still can't decide between Amanpulo and Amanpuri. Lots to consider!</font>
Amanpuri is considered their flagship resort, probably because it was the original. It truly is breathtaking.
The Amanpulo is suppose to be something very special. I keep hearing that from various staff members of Aman Resorts. Each guest room comes with a golf cart to bring you around the resort!
You have a tough decision. Perhaps do both if you are going to be in that part of the world.
Nov 6, 2003, 10:48 pm
#14
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Join Date: Jul 2001
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Programs: AA EXP, Hyatt Lifetime Diamond, CX Gold, Mrs. Pickles travels for free
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<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by plumbar:
Amanpuri is considered their flagship resort, probably because it was the original. It truly is breathtaking.
</font>
Amanpuri is considered their flagship resort, probably because it was the original. It truly is breathtaking.
</font>