First Stop on Our Hopping Tour: Amanusa in the Nusa Dua Area

Have you heard the term “Aman Junkie”? It refers to people who adore Amanresorts, love the 26 Aman properties around the world, and travel between them – addicts in the best sense of the word. These junkies find Aman’s “traps” so delightful that they are never satisfied with just one resort per trip, making “hopping” between multiple locations the norm.

The Nusa Dua area of Bali is a beach district developed for tourism during the Suharto administration, dotted with large, high-end resort hotels. With the opening of the Bali Mandara Toll Road (an over-the-sea highway) connecting Nusa Dua, Benoa, and Ngurah Rai Airport at the end of September to commemorate APEC 2013, the area from the airport to Nusa Dua has become significantly closer and more convenient, allowing for a comfortable drive to Amanusa.

Sean Freiklaner, who oversees the Indonesia region and is the General Manager of Amanusa, says, "In Bali, we believe in three steps to happiness: maintaining harmony and balance through spirit, community, and nature leads to happiness. Warmly welcoming everyone as a family member is commonplace here in Bali, and we are the Amanusa family."

Mr. Freiklaner, originally from North Sydney, moved to the United States at age 22 and worked at a ski resort in Colorado. While studying hotel management, he heard his Swiss boss say, "A hotel must have good food," and began to seriously study cuisine. At 42, he was invited to be the chef for the grand opening of Amanusa. However, he directly appealed to Adrian Zecha, the founder of Amanresorts, expressing his desire to become a General Manager. After serving as GM at Amanwana (Moyo Island), he returned to Amanusa, a unique career path.

Services and Facilities So Satisfying, You'll Smile and Say "Cozy!"

"Amanusa is in the Nusa Dua area, but it's a very family-like boutique hotel. Very private, very quiet, very at home,—and personal. With high-level service, Amanusa takes pride in its unique identity," says the General Manager.

Amanusa, meaning "peaceful island," opened in 1992. Built on a small hill with a panoramic view of the Indian Ocean, its buildings, inspired by ancient Hindu poetry, were designed by the renowned Australian architect Kerry Hill. Overlooking the string of resorts along the coast and the Bali Golf & Country Club managed by Amanusa, the view is exceptional.

In the open-air entrance hall, where a green breeze blows, a teak wood object inspired by "Ramayana" welcomes you along with the staff.

At "The Terrace," a restaurant with an expansive view, you can enjoy local Indonesian and Thai cuisine, while "The Restaurant," open only for dinner, offers authentic Italian dishes.



The 35 guest rooms can be described in a word as modern and stylish. There are four types: Garden Suites with courtyards, Deluxe Suites with views of the sea or golf course, Pool Suites with private pools and terraces, and Amanusa Suites with sea views and pools. The Garden Suites are functionally arranged in a brown color scheme, featuring a four-poster wooden bed and a spacious indoor bath, creating an elegant and relaxed atmosphere.

Mr. Freiklaner explains, "Amanusa is characterized by its multi-level architecture. The restaurant with a great view naturally becomes a gathering place, and the open-air design enhances a sense of freedom. All three Amanresorts in Bali are deeply connected to Bali's traditional culture and customs, offering hospitality with the latest amenities. Enjoy your preferred activities, including the landscape design unique to a beach resort, a library space, a spa offering traditional Balinese massages, a fitness gym, tennis courts, swimming pools, and a golf course." It was very impressive to see the GM mingling with the staff, responding to guests' requests.