There's no reason to do Iniala with a room only rate, and it wouldn't make sense. We did the AI + Sommeliers package and have private drivers, multiple nannies and a whole entourage of people helping with anything. The whole beauty of this resort is that they just know when I'm ready for another glass of champagne, or whatever and it's just handed to me. This is the way to travel.

Light years above the recent Amans we stayed at. Kora which was good but had a huge disaster, and Taka/Sara which were also good. Makes those places look pretty pathetic in their service offerings and even attempts at providing hosts. The best thing about Kora was our guide.

It's hard to describe all the differences, but it's just lightyears better.

I'd either go Yamu or Iniala if it were me. The CEO came from North and is bringing out the big guns of hospitality. Although Iniala still seems to be word of mouth from friends, I think it justifies a much, much higher price point for what you get. Just takes time to get legs.

I feel like we've gotten a heck of a bargain and my spouse thought a place like this could justify 3-5x the current price. I'd feel ripped off at an Aman even though its certainly much more budget friendly.

As for Iniala, just do have all the inclusions so that you don't have to worry, thats the beauty of grabbing drinks, planning excursions, getting massages, eating whatever, wherever, whenever when you'd like. I've never signed any checks or anything. Even things like chartering private boats, they make sure you get wholesale or rock-bottom prices. We opted for the 36' boat, though most of the people do like 70' private charters here since this is the realm of the uber, uber wealthy and me, a lowly mortal, is just lucky enough to be here.

We did the bbq last night and it wasn't like the other ones we've done at other lux resorts with 2 people, a chef and a butler but like 10 people on standby (but not obtrusive), tiki torches, a speaker system, a sommelier, a bon fire, an outdoor lounge area with four sitting areas, a nanny, several chefs, it was insane.

Simply the best.

At first I thought the pictures weren't really my style at all, and we don't decorate with modern style at the home. But it is fun and interesting, and actually quite varied. Being able to use the theatre in the collectors villa, their spa room, etc... is a real treat. Besides, isn't travel about new things, not the same old Four Seasons appeal to the masses style, every time?

Long term this could be a real money saver for me since I'll just compare everything to this and say "meh, a Four Seasons... might as well just do a Marriott since it's all the same compared to Iniala."

I must thank Macmyday for pointing me to this wonderful place. It'll be interesting to see how he compare it to North and Luacala.