Originally Posted by
cornwall4000
Thanks, Aventine. This is what I figured/feared. We'll stick to Thailand or Indonesia. Hoping we can find a beach as (purportedly) beautiful as Amanpulo's. Maybe Raffles or Bulgari in Bali. Or Iniala in Phuket.
Back to Amanpulo... Out of curiosity.....
Are there any lux hotels or resorts one might (reasonably) pair 'Pulo with that aren't in the Phillipines or Hawaii? (Not tons of interest in Manila). Or is the Pamalican leg just too much travel to combine with another location, over a two week trip from the US? We may still do 'Pulo someday , even if it's a one-stop trip.
Finally, are there any Aman locations in Indonesia or Thailand with a gorgeous, wide-open beach comparable to 'Pulo's?
Nusa Dua? Amanpuri? Or Amanoi in Vietnam?
Our family did 4 nights at Amanoi in the 2 bed Ocean Pool residence and 5 nights in an Amanpulo villa in March 2024. As already mentioned, the beach and clear blue water at Amanpulo is truly something special. The sand feels like stepping on baby powder that never got too hot. The beach outside our villa was private giving you a private island feel. Our children spent their days playing on the beach, swimming, attending kids art classes and at the kids club (ideal for kids < 8 y/o). The adults enjoying snorkeling, kayaking, line fishing, and just doing nothing at times. The service was just ok. Nothing terrible but not memorable.
The hard product of Amanoi was fantastic but I would never consider it a beach holiday. The sand was far coarser and felt like crushed shells at time (not sure if it was the time we visited). We did not spend much time at the beach but were found at the pool, or hiking/trekking. The service was, however, truly exceptional. Our butler Ms Linh was phenomenal with the ability to anticipate our needs and was also amazing with our children. She spontaneously set up an outdoor movie night for my kids at the villa pool under the blanket of stars complete with warm popcorn which they still talk about.