Thanks, Kagehitokiri. I really enjoy your informative posts. Amanpuri actually receives consistently good marks both here and TripAdvisor, so it's difficult to reconcile with my experience.

After reviewing some TripAdvisor reviews, we did not receive fruit at the beach, champagne on arrival, or an Amanjunkie tee though it is my second visit there. It was a much smaller resort then my first stay. Also, where did the nightly pillow presents go? We received one common single dendrobian orchid on our pillows one night. There was a consistency of less than happy reviews from experienced Aman clients.

I have to say this service level was far below a Ritz-Carlton or even the four star inn I stayed at in Hanoi just before my Amanpuri visit.

If I ever stay at another Aman, I will certainly look at size first and perhaps if there is the distraction of residence villas (unless we rent a villa and the service is better there). I was told there are 70 pavilions plus villas for a total capacity of 350 currently at Amanpuri. There were about 100 people there (including the villas which have their own staff) through the week we were there.

I worry that Aman will never be what it once was...or maybe one just needs to choose a property by manager.