Amanwana

Located within the Moyo nature reserve, Amanwana feels like something out of a Robinson Crusoe tale with 20 tents stretch across a sandy plateau, where the tropical rainforest meets a protected marine park.

The Standout: Arriving by seaplane from Bali, flying above volcanoes on Lombok and Sumbawa islands Don’t Miss: Snorkeling or diving at wildlife-rich coral reefs and jungle trekking

• The 10 oceanfront tents with views of the Flores Sea
• Uncomplicated, desert island-style luxury and sense of place
• On- and off-property activities, including private beach drop offs, bonfire dinners, treks to jungle waterfalls and world-class scuba diving

Getting to Indonesia’s Amanwana is half the adventure, the one-hour flight from Bali to the remote island of Moyo is as scenic as the destination itself. Guests travel via eight-passenger seaplane high over the Nusa Tengaara archipelago and past massive volcanoes on Lombok and Sumbawa islands. After an aerial glimpse of the resort, the plane touches down on the turquoise blue water of Amanwana Bay–so clear it offers an unobstructed view of the spectacular marine life below.

Located within the Moyo nature reserve, Amanwana feels like being in a scene from Robinson Crusoe. The 20 tents are laid out across a sandy plateau, where the tropical rainforest meets a protected marine park. Just beyond lies the Flores Sea, one of the best diving and snorkeling destinations in Indonesia. Amanwana’s tents are the essence of rustic luxury: a coral stone deck leads to an interior of dark hardwood floors and simple white furnishings. In the center, a king-sized bed is draped in silky mosquito netting. The roof is a canvas tent, a thin barrier between guest and nature, which often means an early wakeup call from monkeys swinging through the trees above. Though without some of the signature frills of the Aman brand–the bathrooms are neither bathed in marble nor offer sumptuous tubs or showers–the uncomplicated luxury of Amanwana feels the purest of all the Amans in Indonesia.

The on- and off-property activities accessible to Amanwana guests seem endless. Avid snorkelers and scuba divers can access a sublime coral reef just offshore. Guests may also take part in a variety of other water-based activities including windsurfing, kayaking, sailing, paddle boarding, yachting and fishing. Some of the top dive sites in Indonesia are 10 minutes from the resort and with Amanwana’s expert instructors, beginners can become certified. Guests looking to relax and unwind may opt to sunbath on “the boardwalk,” a dock extending out into the bay, or enjoy a treatment at the Jungle Cove Spa. Equally exciting are on-land excursions, including hiking nearby nature trails, which are full of diverse animal and plant life. Perhaps the most exhilarating activity is the waterfall excursion, where guests trek through the jungle to a spectacular waterfall. For the fearless, jumping off the cliff into the ice blue freshwater is permitted.

Without a doubt, the ultimate adventure for discerning (and price-insensitive) travelers is the five-night Komodo Expedition aboard the stunning three-cabin Amanikan. This floating Aman resort offers access to the purest Indonesian terrain, island-hopping through the Nusa Tengaara chain, full of biologically diverse underwater sites. Passengers can walk along and dine upon deserted white-sand beaches and end at the World Heritage Komodo National Park, one of the few locations where the endangered Komodo dragons can be viewed in their natural habitat.

Couples and families with older children who want castaway fantasy. While seemingly difficult to access, Amanwana is actually a quick, worthwhile hop from Bali and should be incorporated into any itinerary. Potential guests should note that tents have a minimum age requirement and the property may not be able to accommodate families with multiple small children.