Perfect timing for this question: I'm in the middle of a one week solo trip in Bali that came about as a last minute destination after canceling a sightseeing trip to Japan. By way of background this is my first trip here.
I divided my time into 3 nights at Amandari, near Ubud, and 4 nights at Amankila. It was very easy to fill up the time at Amandari with a combination of a river rafting trip, a cooking class, a hike, and various dance performances / temple ceremonies that were going on at the resort while I was there. I agree with earlier posters that the Ubud area has a lot to offer, and if you have the time I would definitely consider staying there.
Amandari was not very full, and at no time did it feel awkward to be solo there. Most of my meals at the restaurant I was the only one there because of early meals on my part. Ubud is 10-15 minutes away via the on-call hotel shuttle and offers many restaurants.
Today is my first full day at Amankila. It definitely feels more secluded here, part of which comes from the location (the resort is on a steep hill-side in a densely vegetated area) and part of which comes from the contrast with Amandari, which is well-integrated with the adjacent village. The resort is also fairly empty. In my 2 hours on the beach today I was the only guest there, and I also didn’t see anyone at the adjacent beach pool. So far I also haven’t felt remotely uncomfortable as a solo traveler here either.
Originally Posted by
blueline7
Good question...I think that for me at least, even with very much enjoying a tranquil breather at a luxury resort by oneself, one may feel a little overly isolated in a remotely situated villa within a compound. So therefore one may want to venture out a bit to perhaps a beach restaurant, or a shopping area. Also, if a place has honeymooners at every other table and Joe Solo at the remaining table, could be a little uncomfortable...
But as I said with Trisara, there was absolutely no solo traveler issues whatsoever....Although seeing couples did make me wish that my wife could come along...
This may be an issue for you at Amankila. There is very little nearby, and there is no mention of a shuttle service to nearby towns in the hotel literature (I haven’t asked). The closest town is Candidasa. I haven’t been there, but based on my Lonely Planet it doesn’t seem like there is much to see/eat/shop there. That said, with one day of relaxing, a snorkeling trip one day, and a biking trip another day, plus a couple of massages, I think my time here will be quite pleasant. There are many hiking options too.
I could definitely see that the feel here (and potentially at Amandari too) would be different if the hotels were full since it likely would be mostly couples and families. With only a couple of other tables occupied at dinner yesterday there was nothing uncomfortable.