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.
