With five resorts across Indonesia, Aman offers a rare opportunity to engage with the archipelago’s diverse and ancient cultures, dramatic landscapes and spiritual atmosphere. For a unique journey of discovery, Aman has crafted a calendar of new experiences inspired by each resort’s story and setting. This includes culinary collaborations at Amandari as it prepares to celebrate 35 years in Ubud; the opening of Arva at Amankila on Bali’s east coast; deciphering chronograms from Amanjiwo in temple-studded Central Java; golfing adventures at Aman Villas at Nusa Dua and swimming with whale sharks from Amanwana on Moyo’s tropical shores. Woven between are one-off events and insider access to the festivals integral to Indonesian daily life – all possible through Aman’s long cherished connections within each community.
Amandari, Bali
Presided over by a sacred stone tiger, Amandari came into being in 1989, the second ever Aman resort. Everything about it seemed to fall seamlessly into place, from its name ‘Peaceful Spirits’ – given by an Indonesian clairvoyant – to its setting. Perched above Ayung River Gorge in Bali’s lush highlands, Amandari is not just designed after a traditional Balinese village – it is part of one. Kedewatan villagers have placed offerings daily at its riverside temple for 35 years this October.
In celebration of this milestone anniversary, Amandari has undergone a subtle refurbishment – gardens freshly landscaped, alang-alang roofs newly thatched and guestrooms upgraded with new bathroom fixtures and furniture in the same original style. The resort’s relaunched library now features a special gallery dedicated to its history. Archival photos reveal architect Peter Muller’s vision for Amandari dating back to the 1970s and the list of firsts the resort represented on the island: the first infinity pool; the first to feature Balinese crafts including kamasan tapestries, fans and sarongs; and the first with a cultural pavilion – where village children still learn traditional Balinese dance to this day.
In the build-up to Amandari’s 35th anniversary dinners in October, the resort will host multiple culinary events open to both guests and non-residents. Monthly Purnama (Full Moon) feasts feature welcome drinks and canapes, a traditional Ngejot menu and live entertainment (gamelan music and dancing). Amandari & Esa is a special collaboration with new Indonesian restaurant Esa, co-owned by acclaimed food journalist Kevindra Soemantri. Taking place on 31 May, the ‘four hands dinner’ sees Amandari’s Chef Iwan joined by Esa Head Chef Adiyta Muskita to create contemporary dishes inspired by Balinese ingredients. This will be followed by an Amandari & Esa Culinary Trend Discussion, hosted in Amandari’s new library on 1 June, with Chef Aditya of Esa and Amandari’s culinary experts exploring current trends in the world of food and restaurants.
In addition, this year, two new partnerships see Amandari collaborate with sister brands Karusotju, Bali’s finest spirit company, and The Talasi, a coffee plantation resting on the slopes of Mount Batukaru. Crafted exclusively for the resort’s anniversary, the limited-edition bottles of Amandari X Karusotju are made with bespoke Karu 35 premium arak—a traditional sweet potato fermented spirit of the island. Using Japanese (shochu) and Korean (soju) fermentation techniques, this arak has a refined profile with a smooth, earthy taste. Starting October, purchase full-sized bottles, each with custom illustrations by a Balinese artist, from Amandari’s boutique. Alternatively, a smaller size will be available for purchase from in-suite mini bars. Additionally, enriching the resort’s coffee offerings, The Talasi X Amandari partnership debuts in October, presenting three distinct varieties of Balinese coffee within Amandari’s minibar selection along with complimentary homemade snacks.
As a final testament to Amandari’s significance in Bali, the storied property will feature in two books during the annual Ubud Writers and Readers Festival this October. The first by Rahadityo Mahindro Bhawono documents ‘100 Years of Balinese Hospitality and Bali Hotel Architecture’ and the second entitled ‘Indonesian Cigar’ by Yadie Dayana highlights Amandari’s locally sourced cigar menu in The Bar. Indonesia is one of only three countries outside Central and South America where cigars are produced.
Amankila Bali
Continuing the theme of collaboration, Amankila, on Bali’s east coast, will host a number of exciting culinary events over the coming months in celebration of the newest incarnation of Aman’s signature restaurant, Arva, arriving at the resort.
From New York to Tokyo, Arva is renowned for serving exceptional ‘cucina del raccolto’ or harvest-style cuisine in select Aman destinations worldwide. At Amankila, Arva has refreshed the poolside setting of The Terrace to bring an entirely new dining destination with the same picturesque sea views.
On 17 May, Arva kicks off its Cook the Island culinary series of exclusive, guest-chef-led dinners drawing inspiration from Bali’s incredible natural produce. A ‘four hands dinner’ will see Arva’s Chef Cihan joining forces with Chef Allessandro of Amici – a new Italian restaurant in Seminyak co-owned by Michelin-starred Chef Enrico Bartolini. The second Arva & Amici dinner will be hosted by Amici in Seminyak on 14 June with priority reservations offered to guests of Aman Villas at Nusa Dua.
From August, adding further lustre to Amankila’s culinary scene, is a new dining experience taking place at Ujung Water Palace. Built in 1901 and fully restored in 2000, this gracious estate was the architectural inspiration for Amankila. Ensuring that resort guests have the entire historic site to themselves, after gates to the public close at 5pm, The Karangasem Royal Dinner begins with sunset drinks and canapés followed by a private guided palace tour. The multi-course dinner of royal Balinese dishes takes place at the palace’s highest point, with beautiful views of the palace grounds and the surrounding landscape.
Amanjiwo, Central Java
Resting in the foothills of the Menoreh Hills with inspiring views of Borobudur, Amanjiwo is perfectly placed to offer a spiritually enriching experience of Indonesia’s cultural heartland.
From 2 to 5 May, uncover the rich culinary heritage of the region with the resort’s sixth Culinary Expedition to Java. In collaboration with Amanjiwo’s Executive Chef Reza Kurniawan, this three-day gourmet journey will be hosted by renowned experimental chef Andrian Ishak of Indonesia’s first molecular gastronomy restaurant, Namaaz Dining. Intimate dining experiences and gastronomic excursions include a welcome dinner and a picnic breakfast beside the Progo River and will culminate in an unforgettable gala dinner against the majestic backdrop of the Unesco-protected Buddhist sanctuary of Borobudur.
Captivating Vesak is the resort’s two-night exclusive from 22 to 24 May, celebrating the most important Buddhist festival which commemorates Buddha’s birth, enlightenment and death. Amanjiwo guests will enjoy a special robe offering and blessing by monks, a spectacular Vesak dinner accompanied by traditional Javanese dancing, the releasing of lanterns from Borobudur, fascinating lectures by an anthropologist and traditional Javanese afternoon tea at the Rotunda.
Amanjiwo has long offered insight into Central Java’s cultural wealth through lectures, hands-on experiences and private tours, including of Yogyakarta – a 60- to 90-minute drive from the resort. Now for the first time, Amanjiwo offers an exclusive visit to Keraton Yogyakarta – the Yogyakarta Royal Palace. Discover this historic centre of learning through two new unique experiences including a Keraton Royal lunch where favourite dishes of the first Sultan of Yogyakarta are served in the home of the prince.
The second, reveals the secrets of chronograms known as Sengkalan, traditionally used in inscriptions to signify a given year. In a special room inside the palace, Kanca Kabujanggan, the Royal Historian of Keraton Yogyakarta, explains how certain words were assigned a specific number, and poetic phrases formed of these words to describe and date particular events.
These new experiences are exclusive to Amanjiwo guests and can be booked individually or in combination with a wider private tour of Yogyakarta, including the Unesco World Heritage Site of Prambanan Temple and the cultural museum of Sonobudoyo.
Amanwana, Moyo Island
On the beautiful island of Moyo in the Flores Sea, Amanwana is a natural paradise perfect for private group escapes. The wilderness hideaway offers full-board accommodation in just 17 luxury guest tents, designed by Jean Michel-Gathy and unrivalled access to some of the best scuba diving and snorkelling in Indonesia.
Located a short distance east of Moyo Island, Unesco-protected Saleh Bay is home to one of the largest whale shark (Rhincodon typus) populations on Earth. At least 103 of these gentle giants – completely harmless to humans – inhabit its waters year-round. Embark on a bespoke Whale Shark Excursion to come face-to-face with these majestic creatures on a two-hour sunrise cruise with an expert guide. The experience includes an interactive and informative lecture by Konservasi Indonesia, accompanied by an onboard breakfast.
Amanwana’s Whale Shark Excursion is also part of the camp’s new Underwater Wellness Retreat, which has been designed for wellbeing and diving enthusiasts alike. The first of its kind, this six-day retreat harnesses the natural healing powers of the underwater realm and includes breathwork practice and underwater meditation, free diving, snorkelling and more. Every moment is designed to connect participants with the healing energy of the ocean, promising a therapeutic adventure above and below the waves.
Amanwana is an ideal destination for hosting intimate destination weddings and extraordinary events. Its secluded setting is a world away, providing a unique experience for those wishing to celebrate surrounded by nature.
Undiscovered Indonesia
An exclusive offer combining up to four Aman destinations across the archipelago, Undiscovered Indonesia showcases the beauty and cultural diversity of this island nation. From the emerald rice terraces of Ubud at Amandari to the ancient monuments of the Kedu Plain seen from Amanjiwo, this journey also offers beachside seclusion with views over the Lombok Strait with Amankila and unrivalled beach and golf access from Nusa Dua’s hillside at Aman Villas at Nusa Dua, a private villa only escape. Each stay includes daily breakfast for two, return airport transfers, champagne on arrival, scheduled group wellness sessions, daily afternoon tea and a range of activities.
For more information, kindly refer to the press release attached and the hi-res images are available to download from here. Should you have any questions, please feel free to let us know and we are more than delighted to assist.
