We spent our honeymoon in Bali last July (2005) at the three Aman locations on the Aman Bali package.
It is a once in a lifetime experience. (Hopefully we will be able to go again for an anniversary)
I would start out at Amanusa in Nusa Dua which is on the Eastern side across from the airport. This is the closest location to the airport and in the most touristy of the three Aman locations. The resort has it's own private beach where you will have a sunrise breakast one morning. You will also enjoy going to the temple one evening and watching the Kechek Dance as the sun goes down.
The best massage I have ever had in my life was here, based on the skill level of my massage therapist. I wish I remembered his name. The husband to be needs to ask for the male masseuse and should ask for a medium to deep tissue massage. The massages we received at the Ritz Carlton Spa and the other Aman locations were the typical average massages. I always thought that was how a massage is supposed to be until Amanusa. If I was a rock star I would have hired him in an instant to go on tour with me.
Dinner at the restaurant is also excellent as is the pool. Monty is the head of all the Aman Bali Resorts and also the GM of this property. He will take good care of you. I would spend the least amount of nights here. 1 or 2.
Next I would move on to Amandari in Ubud which is up in the mountains. Note to husband to be: John Hardy the jeweler (Sold in Neimans and other high end jewelers) has his factory here and his home is right down the road from Amandari. Secret: The best thing is you will be able to buy your wife jewelery at the factory at 50% off. Bring plenty of $'s, you won't be sorry. Ubud is an artists colony and the restaurants and shopping are also great.
The hike you will go on as part of your package is great fun, my wife and I really enjoyed it. One of the restaurants in town is owned by an ex French Laundry Chef (the restaurant in Napa) and is not to be missed. Also, the cultural dances in town are not to be missed. One of the nights each week a more famous group performs, tell the hotel staff you would like to go see them. 2 or 3 nights here. 3 if you want to shop for artsy stuff.
The last stop is at magical Amankila. On the South Eastern shore of the larger island you will truely be away from it all.
Dinner on the beach is not to be missed. I surprised my wife on our last night with dinner on the beach and it was very romantic, delicious and unforgettable.
The biking tour is very enjoyable. We loved going through the little villages and taking in the scenery. You start off with breakfast in your own private Bale (pronounced Ba ley) looking down the valley. We took our massage in the coconut grove by the beach at the Beach Club. I would recommend this location over having at your room.
The staff will also setup a mosquito net and you can sleep outdoors on your outdoor bed sized couch. This is very romantic.
Ask for rooms that are further away from the others at each property. It is your honeymoon!
Thank you for allowing me to remember my own honeymoon! Congratulations.
P.S. I took photos of the various facilities and locations in Bali but you may want to let things unfold naturally and experience them for the first time in person.
Check out our web site
www.oursantafewedding.com, we will eventually be posting honeymoon pictures. Currently it lists our pre honeymoon info. Tip: Click on each of the two square icons on the left on the honeymoon page and a list of tips will come up. (It will take a little while to load as I have extensive notes) I used these links for myself when we were in Bali to keep up with everything. Each Aman has free high speed internet access in their library.
If you have a Amex Platinum Card or higher this could provide a potential upgraded room. We reserved pool rooms and were upgraded to pool suites. At Amankila and Amanusa all rooms are the same, the upgrade is the view.
Om Suasti Astu