I'm planning an extraordinary holiday, and Amankila is an option, but the $$, geez . I could get two weeks at the Ritz for a week there.

For those who have stayed there, is it worth the rates they are charging?

You are paying for the exclusivity and the isolation ... worth it to some but not for most people. The top-end resorts in Hawaii are much better value and every bit as nice (Four Seasons, for example). I stayed at the Sheraton Laguna Nusa Dua (butlered 5 star resort, not quite Amankila quality but the next level down) and it was fine but I won't be back. Much better to vacation on the Great Barrier Reef (Heron Island, for example) or New Zealand (for the Amankila price you can get some of the world's best trout fishing with similar accomodation quality).

I stayed at the Amankila last year. If you have never stayed at an Amanresort, you will certainly be in for a treat. The Amankila is one of the best of all Amanresorts.

First, the architecture is fabulous and unique. The rooms are luxurious in a "non-western" way. They incorporate their surroundings and environment. They don't try to fight it. Everything about the Amankila is about being in tune with your surroundings. It is very spiritual, too.

The service is beyond reproach. I have been to many Four Season and other very high end resorts all over the world. Although they are fabulous too, there is a subtle difference between the way Aman resorts goes about taking care of their guests. They genuinely care about your well being. They never make you feel like they are doing you a favor. They have truly mastered the fine art of service to perfection.

The Amankila is worth every penny they charge. Yes it is expensive, but if you want an experience for a lifetime, go for it. You only live once!!