We stayed at Amankila and Amandari for our 2-year anniversary. We were at Amandari first, then at Amankila. The contrast was great. Not only is physical location of the two resorts very different (Amandari was surrounded by fields and lush greens and Amankila is by the water), but the "styles" of the properties were very different as well. Everything at Amankila was elegantly done and well managed- from the nice toiletries to the wonderful surprises that management sends you, and to the terrific bales and neat library, everything was so quietly stylish.

We would recommend that you book a private dinner on the beach, where the chef comes to you earlier in the day to ask you what you would like to have and customizes a menu for you. It's just your party, the chef and one server on the beach. I thought it may be awkward at first because there would be someone standing around while we ate. But service was attentive but not intrusive, and we had a delightful time.

What I would recommend most is having breakfast in one of the view bales early in the morning. Someone will pick you up in a Jeep and drive you through a village and into the mountains. Then you will have a picture opportunity while your bale is being dressed and breakfast laid out for you. The whole experience was fun (can't remember the last time I had a chance to have a picnic) and so memorable! I would recommend a breakfast rather than lunch (which is an option) because it gets really hot up in the mountains.

The only tiny wrinkle during our otherwise perfect stay was that on one evening, I was reading a book in my room and I look out of my window and there was a staff member staring in. He hurried away. Then, on another day, we walked into our room and a security staff was there alone. Not sure why he was there, as he hurried away too. (same guy?) It's not a big deal as nothing seem out of sorts in our room, but it took away just a little from our sense of privacy and tranquility. I don't want to overstate this because the staff at Amankila was otherwise very non-intrusive (unlike Amandari). Plus, I think my expectations were a little higher than usual because we were specifically looking for somewhere really relaxing, tranquil and private after a very stressful period at work.

Overall, this is a terrific and beautiful resort. I would highly recommend it to anyone! Christy, the sales manager at the property, was gracious and thoughtful. We had an unforgettable trip and we'll be back for sure!