Amanwana Questions Re Accommodations and Food in Particular
Jul 28, 2013 | 7:45 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Toronto
Programs: SPG Gold, HH Silver
Posts: 855
Amanwana Questions Re Accommodations and Food in Particular
I will be in Hong Kong next May, and have 6 nights to play around with as a side trip. One of my contenders has been Amanwana, primarily to experience the diving there, with a stay at Amanusa as well.
My big concern is the accommodations (followed by food), as there have been several reports in this forum of some major issues with upkeep. I am OK (but not enamoured) with staying in a luxury tent, since I would expect it to be of Aman standards. But I am not OK with it being run down in any regard (as that would be the factor that would tip the scales against "lux" camping for me....). If that were the case I would simply not go.
Can anyone provide any recent information on the state of accommodations there?
Also, for an expert eater with some pickiness, will I be frustrated with the choices, and have to therefore pre-arrange each of my own meals with the chef? Is food not a highlight of this particular Aman (since I understand that there is limited selection from a blackboard, aside from a la carte breakfasts)? I have read reports of simple penne pasta in tomato sauce, stews, and cheeseburgers. Is that really the case?
Also, as a solo traveller, would I be eating in a big tent along with all the other guests?
Many thanks for your input!
My big concern is the accommodations (followed by food), as there have been several reports in this forum of some major issues with upkeep. I am OK (but not enamoured) with staying in a luxury tent, since I would expect it to be of Aman standards. But I am not OK with it being run down in any regard (as that would be the factor that would tip the scales against "lux" camping for me....). If that were the case I would simply not go.
Can anyone provide any recent information on the state of accommodations there?
Also, for an expert eater with some pickiness, will I be frustrated with the choices, and have to therefore pre-arrange each of my own meals with the chef? Is food not a highlight of this particular Aman (since I understand that there is limited selection from a blackboard, aside from a la carte breakfasts)? I have read reports of simple penne pasta in tomato sauce, stews, and cheeseburgers. Is that really the case?
Also, as a solo traveller, would I be eating in a big tent along with all the other guests?
Many thanks for your input!
Jul 28, 2013 | 2:36 pm
#2
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: IAD/DCA
Posts: 31,871
not sure when rainy season is, and whether it can be good to go before that, or after the annual refresh.
definitely be in touch in advance re schedule of room refresh. you can also look at different rooms when you arrive. and you might have a backup plan in case you want to leave. i would think you could communicate with them on your expectations, and you could even switch to another aman etc before finishing the trip to wana, if they let you know for example that they are booked up and the remaining tents may not meet your expectations. could also confirm contingency plans on their part in advance as well.
Also, for an expert eater with some pickiness, will I be frustrated with the choices, and have to therefore pre-arrange each of my own meals with the chef? Is food not a highlight of this particular Aman (since I understand that there is limited selection from a blackboard, aside from a la carte breakfasts)? I have read reports of simple penne pasta in tomato sauce, stews, and cheeseburgers. Is that really the case?
Also, as a solo traveller, would I be eating in a big tent along with all the other guests?
Also, as a solo traveller, would I be eating in a big tent along with all the other guests?
definitely be in touch in advance re food and get the menus and talk to chef/management about off the menu. many here say they order off the menu at aman. paul2 and FlyerEC especially may be able to comment re wana specifically.
there should also be a list of special dining options, and im sure they have lots of places to set up a 'regular' meal.
Last edited by Kagehitokiri; Jul 28, 2013 at 2:41 pm
Jul 28, 2013 | 5:08 pm
#3
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Enroute to ? & likely flying in ' A ':)
Programs: TPPS, UA, EK ...; Marriott BONVOY , HH, GP, GC..
Posts: 4,370
Think I posted awhile back , stayed before Kevin B moved to Aman SS.
The lead chef was away but had delicious meals & off menu too.. Am super picky with allergies as the Aman GMs will know. We dined at different locations other than the dining ' area '. Like in all Amans we have been to, one gets to dine ' anywhere ' one fancies
With so few tents , one doesn't often see many of the others.
When we went in early June , the weather was fine.
As I like it cool , Kevin had an extra AC unit brought in for me. We were in a refurbished tent . Haven't had a chance to return as really will like to dive there. Was recovering from foot injury ( well cared for from another Aman stay ) so only managed to snorkel . Saw turtles too - there's a ' turtle alley '.
Hope this helps ..
Pity no pm about our Amanjunkie ' Do '
The lead chef was away but had delicious meals & off menu too.. Am super picky with allergies as the Aman GMs will know. We dined at different locations other than the dining ' area '. Like in all Amans we have been to, one gets to dine ' anywhere ' one fancies
With so few tents , one doesn't often see many of the others.
When we went in early June , the weather was fine.
As I like it cool , Kevin had an extra AC unit brought in for me. We were in a refurbished tent . Haven't had a chance to return as really will like to dive there. Was recovering from foot injury ( well cared for from another Aman stay ) so only managed to snorkel . Saw turtles too - there's a ' turtle alley '.
Hope this helps ..
Pity no pm about our Amanjunkie ' Do '
Last edited by FlyerEC; Jul 28, 2013 at 5:39 pm Reason: Typo
Jul 28, 2013 | 5:18 pm
#4
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: London
Posts: 3,452
" I have read reports of simple penne pasta in tomato sauce, stews, and cheeseburgers. Is that really the case?"
In Indonesia - you've got to be joking! What's wrong with the food from the country you're staying in - that's part of the joy of travel. They must offer Indonesian food too.
In Indonesia - you've got to be joking! What's wrong with the food from the country you're staying in - that's part of the joy of travel. They must offer Indonesian food too.
Jul 28, 2013 | 5:38 pm
#5
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Enroute to ? & likely flying in ' A ':)
Programs: TPPS, UA, EK ...; Marriott BONVOY , HH, GP, GC..
Posts: 4,370
" I have read reports of simple penne pasta in tomato sauce, stews, and cheeseburgers. Is that really the case?"
In Indonesia - you've got to be joking! What's wrong with the food from the country you're staying in - that's part of the joy of travel. They must offer Indonesian food too.
In Indonesia - you've got to be joking! What's wrong with the food from the country you're staying in - that's part of the joy of travel. They must offer Indonesian food too.
Yes , for sure & really fresh seafood - lobsters , etc . Produce from Amanwana garden / vegetable patch too.
Homemade ice cream - local honey , yumm
Perhaps locate my Amanwana posts , likely more details
Time for return stay but it's Amanjiwo next week !
Jul 28, 2013 | 9:07 pm
#6
Join Date: Sep 2011
Posts: 246
Just been in Amanwana this June. Extremely beautiful property with amazing nature and marine offerings!
The tents were in very good state when we were there. In fact they are more like standalone suites than tent to us as everything is set in ground and the only "tent" bit is the canopy! Wooden door of bathrooms and toilets are brand new. Compared to Amanikhas, the Amanwana tent may feel less spacious but trust me you would be frolicking on the beach deck or enjoying the wonderful marine life just steps away. The tent is therefore perfectly adequate, would love to have a bathtub though! Not sure when they do their annual refurb tho, better fire Livio an email, he is one of the warmest GM we've met.
Re food, make sure you arrange a seafood bbq or request for prawn/lobster. Their seafood is really really fresh! Also agree FlyerEC's recommendation for Moyo honey and honeycomb icecream They have changed the head chef recently and we have had some amazing Indonesian food! Expect no Michelin star glam (and foamy things
), salad were fresh (and homegrown as pointed out by FlyerEC), western items such as risotto and steak are done to a high standard. Simple items like burgers and pasta appear in the lunch menu and the dinner menu is a bit more "sophisticated". I would strongly suggest you have a chat with the chef if you want anything out of the "blackboard menu".
I have taken quite a few pics, will upload them after work!
The tents were in very good state when we were there. In fact they are more like standalone suites than tent to us as everything is set in ground and the only "tent" bit is the canopy! Wooden door of bathrooms and toilets are brand new. Compared to Amanikhas, the Amanwana tent may feel less spacious but trust me you would be frolicking on the beach deck or enjoying the wonderful marine life just steps away. The tent is therefore perfectly adequate, would love to have a bathtub though! Not sure when they do their annual refurb tho, better fire Livio an email, he is one of the warmest GM we've met.
Re food, make sure you arrange a seafood bbq or request for prawn/lobster. Their seafood is really really fresh! Also agree FlyerEC's recommendation for Moyo honey and honeycomb icecream
They have changed the head chef recently and we have had some amazing Indonesian food! Expect no Michelin star glam (and foamy things), salad were fresh (and homegrown as pointed out by FlyerEC), western items such as risotto and steak are done to a high standard. Simple items like burgers and pasta appear in the lunch menu and the dinner menu is a bit more "sophisticated". I would strongly suggest you have a chat with the chef if you want anything out of the "blackboard menu".I have taken quite a few pics, will upload them after work!
Jul 28, 2013 | 9:08 pm
#7
Join Date: Sep 2011
Posts: 246
very jealous here!
Jul 29, 2013 | 5:54 am
#9
Join Date: Feb 2003
Programs: UA1K, *G & Wife of UA1K MM
Posts: 3,525
No worries, Blueline. There were always a variety of options on the chalkboard that you could customize to your specific liking....or order something else altogether. The tents were very well maintained....just not fancy like Aman-i-Khas.
The diving! Oh, the diving. Just do it. And make sure to explore the rest of the island, too.
The diving! Oh, the diving. Just do it.
And make sure to explore the rest of the island, too.
Jul 29, 2013 | 6:18 am
#10
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Here there and everywhere
Posts: 6,303
I will be in Hong Kong next May, and have 6 nights to play around with as a side trip. One of my contenders has been Amanwana, primarily to experience the diving there, with a stay at Amanusa as well.
My big concern is the accommodations (followed by food), as there have been several reports in this forum of some major issues with upkeep. I am OK (but not enamoured) with staying in a luxury tent, since I would expect it to be of Aman standards. But I am not OK with it being run down in any regard (as that would be the factor that would tip the scales against "lux" camping for me....). If that were the case I would simply not go.
Can anyone provide any recent information on the state of accommodations there?
Also, for an expert eater with some pickiness, will I be frustrated with the choices, and have to therefore pre-arrange each of my own meals with the chef? Is food not a highlight of this particular Aman (since I understand that there is limited selection from a blackboard, aside from a la carte breakfasts)? I have read reports of simple penne pasta in tomato sauce, stews, and cheeseburgers. Is that really the case?
Also, as a solo traveller, would I be eating in a big tent along with all the other guests?
Many thanks for your input!
My big concern is the accommodations (followed by food), as there have been several reports in this forum of some major issues with upkeep. I am OK (but not enamoured) with staying in a luxury tent, since I would expect it to be of Aman standards. But I am not OK with it being run down in any regard (as that would be the factor that would tip the scales against "lux" camping for me....). If that were the case I would simply not go.
Can anyone provide any recent information on the state of accommodations there?
Also, for an expert eater with some pickiness, will I be frustrated with the choices, and have to therefore pre-arrange each of my own meals with the chef? Is food not a highlight of this particular Aman (since I understand that there is limited selection from a blackboard, aside from a la carte breakfasts)? I have read reports of simple penne pasta in tomato sauce, stews, and cheeseburgers. Is that really the case?
Also, as a solo traveller, would I be eating in a big tent along with all the other guests?
Many thanks for your input!
The food is extremely good. In fact they have one of the best wine lists in Indonesia - really spectacular for such a remote place. There were never any issues with the food - there were always dishes we wanted to eat, and the chef was very flexible, so we could avoid any food intolerances with ease.
Livio is a great GM with stacks of F&B experience, so if anything I would expect the standard to rise even higher.
Jul 29, 2013 | 6:58 am
#11
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: IAD/DCA
Posts: 31,871
Don't worry about the upkeep of the 'tents' - they are immaculate. I have no idea why some said they were run-down.
The food is extremely good. In fact they have one of the best wine lists in Indonesia - really spectacular for such a remote place. There were never any issues with the food - there were always dishes we wanted to eat, and the chef was very flexible, so we could avoid any food intolerances with ease.
Livio is a great GM with stacks of F&B experience, so if anything I would expect the standard to rise even higher.
The food is extremely good. In fact they have one of the best wine lists in Indonesia - really spectacular for such a remote place. There were never any issues with the food - there were always dishes we wanted to eat, and the chef was very flexible, so we could avoid any food intolerances with ease.
Livio is a great GM with stacks of F&B experience, so if anything I would expect the standard to rise even higher.
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/luxur...li-beyond.html 2010 >
Fans of Amanwana no doubt praise the way the resort is able to pull off what it does in such a remote location. And I agree: the food is very good, (particularly the honeycomb ice cream made from local honeycomb) and the chef so accommodating, repeatedly offering to make whatever possible.
“Can we use a Hobie Cat?” “No, our only one is broken.”
We were in Ocean Tents #3 and #4
“Can we use a Hobie Cat?” “No, our only one is broken.”
We were in Ocean Tents #3 and #4
rainy season runs from December through March
monsoon months of February and March
dry season from April through November
driest months starting from May through to October
monsoon months of February and March
dry season from April through November
driest months starting from May through to October
Great report, although i was very disturbed by the poor maintenance at Amanwana - I have never experienced anything like that in all the years of staying there. It does suffer from weather damage, so they have to refresh it every season, but from your photos, it looks as though they missed a year. Worrying!
Our Wana tent 10 in June was ok and even had new air conditioning ( think others were eventually getting them too ). Am planning a return trip with others next year as we didn't manage some activities or explore any secluded beaches. So it was rather a shock to read/see your report.
I gathered from Kevin then that improvements were in the works. Didn't
inspect the jungle spa as it seemed too ' rustic ' and open for me.
Thought then it was ' in keeping ' with the environment & quirks like the
jeeps.Good thing we didn't have kids running wild but only a quiet Japanese baby. I thought the parents were very ' brave ' to bring her.
Went on the hobie cat but was told that one other was broken and they were waiting for a replacement.
I gathered from Kevin then that improvements were in the works. Didn't
inspect the jungle spa as it seemed too ' rustic ' and open for me.
Thought then it was ' in keeping ' with the environment & quirks like the
jeeps.Good thing we didn't have kids running wild but only a quiet Japanese baby. I thought the parents were very ' brave ' to bring her.
Went on the hobie cat but was told that one other was broken and they were waiting for a replacement.
As a recent guest to all but Amandari (total of 14 nights), I have fresh information about all of these resorts.
Amanwana was actually our best experience. Our bathroom was not like the ones that are shown in the pictures. It was very clean. We were in room 6 or 8. The whole jungle experience and the amazing ocean life will have you forget about the fact that you're staying in a luxury tent. I did have treatments in the open air spa and the facilities looked very nice to me. We did use the music pavillion and all seemed very updated with great sound system and pillows. I do not understand all the negative remarks.
Amanwana was actually our best experience. Our bathroom was not like the ones that are shown in the pictures. It was very clean. We were in room 6 or 8. The whole jungle experience and the amazing ocean life will have you forget about the fact that you're staying in a luxury tent. I did have treatments in the open air spa and the facilities looked very nice to me. We did use the music pavillion and all seemed very updated with great sound system and pillows. I do not understand all the negative remarks.
10 deerpoints: 3 Michelin star creativity & quality (according to your judgement)
9 deerpoints: 2 Michelin star creativity & quality
8 deerpoints: 1 Michelin star creativity & quality
7 deerpoints: highly creative food with spices you never tasted before
6 deerpoints: creative food with some real unique dishes
5 deerpoints: very good luxury-hotel food with real local spices
4 deerpoints: good luxury-hotel food with some local accents
3 deerpoints: standard luxury-resort food nicely presented
3 deerpoints for Amanwana
9 deerpoints: 2 Michelin star creativity & quality
8 deerpoints: 1 Michelin star creativity & quality
7 deerpoints: highly creative food with spices you never tasted before
6 deerpoints: creative food with some real unique dishes
5 deerpoints: very good luxury-hotel food with real local spices
4 deerpoints: good luxury-hotel food with some local accents
3 deerpoints: standard luxury-resort food nicely presented
3 deerpoints for Amanwana
Last edited by Kagehitokiri; Jul 29, 2013 at 7:13 am
Jul 29, 2013 | 9:57 am
#12
Join Date: Sep 2011
Posts: 246
Pics from Amanwana
Tent exterior (#8)
Sleeping area
Writing desk
Dressing area
Sunset viewed from tent
Beach deck
Beach dinner set up
Despite not having a white sandy beach, it is definitely one of the most beautiful and tranquil spot on the planet ^
Tent exterior (#8)
Sleeping area
Writing desk
Dressing area
Sunset viewed from tent
Beach deck
Beach dinner set up
Despite not having a white sandy beach, it is definitely one of the most beautiful and tranquil spot on the planet ^
Jul 29, 2013 | 11:25 am
#14
Join Date: Apr 2013
Posts: 324
I very much liked the on-land and off-land activities..