Want to experience an unforgettable October? Then head to the nearest airport and board a plane to Bali, Indonesia this minute. Yes, travelers around the world have discovered this enchanted island but its very essence remains unchanged, and there is no more wonderful place to rest your weary head than the Amandari, one of our favorite hotels in Bali.
Situated in the village of Kedewatan, overlooking peaceful rice paddies and the luscious Ayung river gorge, just minutes away from the artistic community of Ubud, the Amandari is a magical place. The quiet elegance, the graciousness of all who work there, the delicious perfume that permeates the air, a mixture of tuberose and frangipani, the polished marble mixed with traditional volcanic stone, the beautiful coconut and teak wood architecture, the thatched roofs, the shrines. all combine to make you believe you are indeed dwelling with peaceful spirits on sacred ground.
This amazing hotel is celebrating its 20th anniversary this October with a series of unique cultural and artistic events, some in conjunction with the Ubud Writers and Readers Festival. Especially noteworthy is the evening with Vikas Swarup, author of "Q &A" on which the celebrated 2009 Oscar winner "Slumdog Millionaire" was based (Oct 9).
And for all those cinema buffs, the Amandari will be presenting a series of rare Balinese films and documentaries, some from the 1930s, from the Paris Institute of Dance Cinema (Oct 14-17). A Balinese night market recreated on the grounds of the hotel promises to be something really special (Oct 21), and don't pass up a morning hike through the jungle to the sacred Bongkasa banyan trees followed by one of their superb breakfasts and a celebratory reception and dinner that evening (Oct 22). Also a morning meditation followed by a brunch at the Pesiraman temple just below the Amandari (Oct 23) should not be missed.
One never needs an excuse to visit the Amandari, but this is a special month at a very special hotel!
