amandari (peaceful spirits) is located only a few minutes from the art community of Ubud, in Central Bali. The resort is set on the very edge of the Ayung River gorge, with the village of Kedewatan adjacent. 

amandari has been designed as a Balinese village, with river-stone walkways and high paras-stone walls. The pathway that runs through amandari and down the valley to the river below is said to be sacred land. Paths lead from amandari to surrounding villages. From amandari, most of Bali’s cultural and scenic offerings are within easy reach. 

Climate
Located about 8 degrees south of the equator, Bali enjoys a warm tropical climate year-round. The weather is particularly pleasant from June through September, when the trade winds blow, and always cooler in the mountain areas. Humidity is highest during the November-through-March rainy season. Even in the rainy season, however, the sun is rarely out of sight for long. 

Time Difference
Indonesia covers three time zones. Bali is eight hours ahead of Greenwich mean time.

Language
Balinese is a complex language of several levels rooted in social class or caste distinctions. Bahasa Indonesia, the national language, is the medium of instruction in schools. English is common in the main tourist centers. Dutch is still known among older Balinese, while French, German and Japanese have a following among some in the tourist trade. 

Getting There
amandari is a 45-minute drive from Denpasar airport. Complimentary airport transfer is provided. While visitors from most countries do not require special visas, passports must be valid for at least six months from date of entry. 

amandari has recently added a private, three-bedroom villa to its accommodations. Located alongside the Ayung River gorge, adjacent to the resort, the 1,500-square-meter site overlooks fields of rice and the distant peaks of Batukau, Sanglyang and Lesong. The Balinese-style villa compound includes five pavilions: three detached, terrace-style bedrooms; a separate living room walled entirely in windows and sliding-glass doors; and a fully fitted kitchen complete with staff quarters. The villa is crafted largely of coconut wood and teak. Interior design and furnishings are in classic amandari style. An outdoor dining bale is set alongside a reflection pond. A garden and a landscaped deck embrace the two-tiered swimming pool. 

The amandari villa is no more than a minute’s drive from the resort proper. A vehicle is always on call, should villa guests wish to take advantage of any of amandari’s facilities. The villa comes with two amandari staff; a chef is on call. 

Facilities and Services  The Restaurant, open to the country air and crafted largely of teak, overlooks amandari’s swimming pool and the gorge. The Restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner and specializes in Western and Indonesian dishes. The Bar , with its outdoor terrace seating, features a wide selection of drinks. Dinner celebrations can be arranged in the open-air bale next to the restaurant.  A selection of books, newspapers, music cassettes, CDs and games is available in the library. Local handicrafts and general items are featured in the g ift shop . amandari’s Gallery showcases antique textiles and handicrafts from all over Asia, with an emphasis on Indonesia.

amandari’s health-and-fitness center offers a fully equipped cardiovascular gym, with window views to the surrounding lotus pond. Outdoor massage bales overlook the pond. The center also includes a beauty-treatment room, sauna and steam rooms and shower and change rooms. The resort’s green-tiled swimming pool is set along the edge of the gorge. Its gently curving sweep echoes the rice terraces below. amandari’s tennis court is floodlit for night play. 
 

Activities 
Ubud has flourished as Balis cultural and creative heart since the 1930s. Today, Ubud is no less celebrated for its artists and shops. Nightly Balinese dances are performed at the royal palace in Ubud. A number of art and craft villages are also close by, including Mas for woodcarving, Celuk for gold and silver jewelry, Batuan for painting, Batubulan for stone sculpture and Peliatan for Balinese musical instruments. 

amandari can arrange personalized excursions throughout Bali. For those who enjoy countryside hikes, the region surrounding amandari is made for walking. Hikes can also be arranged for birdwatchers. Several morning markets are located within easy drive of amandari. Guests can combine a market visit with a biking trip or a hike into the countryside.

More adventurous fare ranges from white-water rafting down the Ayung River, to mountain biking and elephant riding. For golfers, Bali is blessed with three scenic, championship courses.