Having been invited to Kila ' s 20 th anniversary celebrations , it is perhaps befitting that we are here again ( but only twice so far ) this year .

It was a pleasant surprise to find ourselves in the Kilasari suite for her 25 th , we usually let the GM decide which category we end up in . Wonder if we have been staying about the same number of times ..

We were greeted by many of our Kila family including the senior management .

Check In

Swift in suite  :) 

On arrival at the main driveway & with greetings / floral welcome by one of the Balinese school girls sponsored by Kila , we were " buggied " to Kilasari . GM Ernst L joined us

Room

Similar to the others but only one with an infinity pool :) !!

Decent size at 33 ' but smaller than Amankila Suite ' s .

Has larger patio / verandah . Almost wrap around .

Being at the highest point of the property , one can expect the views to be rewarding

This is at sunrise , the pool after private dining the previous night

Dining

Celebration dinner was at the Beach Club 

Preparations for megibung dinner at sunset

We often have our our private dinners by the main pool or on the beach

But considering the current tides situation & high levels of occupancy , it was prudent to enjoy dinner and views in our suite .

Other options on the premises include :

The beach but not at the moment 

This photo shows the exposed roots where the high tides have eroded away the sand . The sand will be washed in again  , normal seasonal occurrence . Thankfully , the 2 springtides for the year are over .

Larger waves , unusual stronger winds for this time of the year

Here we see the receding tide . The lifeguard is keeping an eye on adults & children body surfing , having a blast with the waves !

New set up for future wellness area near the beach , next to the Beach Club 

Looking forward to the spa suites with a view , hopefully within 2 years

Our refreshing daily dose

Or 2

Udang Kelapa  - besar :)  !!

Service

Almost excellent 

Thrilled to see some who have been in Kila family here 25 years , plus pre opening . New ones too imbibing the Kila culture .

Amankora staff also present , seen one so far . Seems only 2 on hand this time for exposure . Seen some others at other Amans ( including pre opening training at Puri ) .

Location

Appreciate the less developed part of Bali Kila is at . Interesting topography , along with bamboo & coconut groves  , padi fields / terraces .

Overall

View in the morning when the winds died down . Note no ships !

From the tiered pools , another typical day at Kila 

Enjoying the cool breezes tremendously , compared to the heat & humidity in January .

Glad that the new spa area by the above new wellness area will be happening in the near future .

At the moment we are enjoying our usual  in room treatments :)

Appreciating the meals more & more .

And , with Shane L being the Regional  Executive Chef Aman Indonesia and Food & Beverage Director what more can we expect ?? ;)

Very relieved that there are still many Aman veterans here  , from the locals to GM Ernst L . Can can feel / capture the " essence " of what Amans should be here ( even among the Indon Amans ) .

Pre - arrival changes

After my first stay at Amanpuri , our stays have always been coordinated directly with the respective Aman , I think , easy enough when there was only one or less than 5  - my goodness , seems like ages ago now !!..

When emailing became de rigeur , I began to email the GMs myself ( after been weaned off having my assistant type the emails - my typing has improved somewhat so I am now able to finally attempt TRs too ;) )

This latest trip required some rather late changes in dates , the GMs & Nusa HM handled these deftly , as usual . And accommodating :)

It also required some patience in confirming arrival / departure times as the flights were very full .

We now have an Aman Bali " pattern " , more or less a no brainer , after all these years . Having our departure time different was initially rather upsetting .