Originally Posted by
kethee
I would vote for Amankila over Amanusa.
Amankila has a magical/special feel and its location is more secluded and "authentic." The hotel has sprawling staircases and the views are spectacular being built on the cliffside. We loved exploring the surrounding areas and checking out the local spots. Theres a village down the road that has a restaurant called Vincents that has good food and live jazz if you get sick of the food at hotel. My bf and I really enjoy diving, and although diving was never great off Bali, it was better in this area. Added bonus: Richard Gere was there the week we were.
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Also, I was *extremely* disappointed with the management at Amanusa - we were one of four guests during our stay and we didn't get upgraded (booked through DavidO who's wonderful). We were put in a room that was right *on* one of the tee boxes, at the same level. So whenever a group came through that hole, theyd be staring right into our bedroom. Repeat, we were 1 of 4 guests. There was also construction going on during our stay and so all day I'd hear rhythmic banging of metal or concrete. Finally, the evening before we left to Jiwo (my fav of the Amans there, the manager's the best - although I think he left to different one), I asked the manager when we should be ready for the car and he stared at me like I was from outer space for like a whole minute (probably really 10 seconds). Someone overheard and ran up saying a car will be ready at X:00 tomorrow. Of course the manager wasn't there to see us off, Im sure the 3 other guests had something urgent that required his attention. This was the only bad Aman experience I've had. The rest of the staff was wonderful as always tho. Sorry for the rant...
Yes & more days at Kila.
Not sure when you stayed but you'll be pleased to know that Sean F, former GM of Jiwo, has been promoted to regional manager for Indonesia & is also the GM , of Nusa .
Previously ,Monty B, who is now in Hawaii managing Aman projects from there.
The GMs are often called away or out of town & may not be around to greet or bid farewell, it's happened over few of the numerous time I / we have stayed.
Sometimes the suites are being ' fogged ' ( made pest free ), etc & so have to be blocked off for use.
Amanpuri has decided to close every June for such purposes. Been like this a few years now, instead of blocking off a huge ' section ' annually.
So you may have been at Nusa at a ' low ' period when such activities were happening.
The Nusa GM also oversees the residential villas so he may have been at the many site meetings..
Hope this helps explain your experience though a real pity
Think much of the construction should have ended by now with the interiors being fitted out.
However, there maybe some in some neighbouring property.