Bali, IndonesiaCandidasa
Amankila
Terraced cliffside sanctum
Candidasa Bali, Indonesia
Opened
1992
Price
$$$$
Rated for
Design Luxe ResortOutside the door
The house
AmanTerraced cliffside sanctum
Elevated walkways wind through frangipani trees and paras-stone pavilions, framing sweeping views across the quiet waters of the Lombok Strait.
“The 34 suites are modeled off of Balinese beach houses, elevated high on stilts to maximize views of the ocean.”
What it’s good at
Remarkable
Stilted alang-alang thatched suites connect via elevated walkways above a signature three-tiered infinity pool.
Remarkable
Long-serving staff provide anticipatory service, dedicated butler care, and private cliffside or beach dining arrangements.
Remarkable
A secluded coastal estate offering a private black-sand beach club, two distinct pool settings, and traditional outrigger cruises.
What they say
Two Michelin Keys
Michelin
Forbes Four-Star
Forbes Travel Guide
2026
Also in Condé Nast Traveler and The 50 Discovery.
The hotel’s 34 freestanding thatched-roof suites dot the hillside, some with views of the wooded hills and others spectacularly facing the ocean.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
Perched beneath sacred Mount Agung along Bali's rural eastern coast, the resort borders quiet waters and a private black-sand beach.
1 of 5
The rooms
Freestanding thatched suites feature coconut-shell furniture, canopied beds, sunken marble tubs, and private terraces with daybeds overlooking the ocean.
The pools
Bring a swimsuit.
A three-tiered infinity pool lined in grey volcanic slate cascades toward the sea, and a 41-metre lap pool rests among coconut palms.
The spa
Open-air thatched pavilions tucked into the greenery host traditional Balinese massages and body scrubs with local herbs.
At the table
Open-air pavilions serve Indonesian dishes with garden produce, and the thatched bar pours sunset drinks to live rindik music.
The design of the three-tier infinity pool was inspired by the nearby water palace at Ujung and sacred Mount Agung.
How it began

Architect Ed Tuttle conceived the cliffside layout in 1992, taking inspiration from the historic royal water palaces of East Bali.
“Stilted suites, connected by flower-lined treetop walkways, offer soul-stirring views of the deep sea and the summit of sacred Mount Agung.”
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.