Luxury Hotels Atlas / Places / Indonesia / Moyo Island / Amanwana
Amanwana
Moyo Island, Indonesia · Aman · Apex Luxury
Jean-Michel Gathy designed Amanwana in 1993 as a tented camp on Moyo Island to comply with local regulations banning permanent structures — no trees were felled during construction. The only resort on the island, now within Moyo Satonda National Park, its 17 tents have hosted royalty: Princess Diana stayed in Tent 20 during a 1993 visit, and the tent remains one of the most-requested bookings.
- 17 rooms
- Opened 1993
- Neighborhood: Labuan Aji
- Rooms from 624 sq ft (58 m²)
- Architect: Jean-Michel Gathy
About Amanwana
- Princess Diana visited Amanwana in 1993 shortly after it opened; she stayed in Tent 20, which retains a hidden private beach and remains the most-requested accommodation — guests are advised to book it well in advance.
- Local regulations on Moyo Island prohibited permanent structures, so Gathy designed every guest tent and public building as a non-permanent structure, and the construction team kept every tree standing while threading the camp through existing jungle.
- Moyo Island was designated part of Moyo Satonda National Park in 2022, meaning Amanwana's 17 tents are now the sole accommodation inside a protected national park covering the entire island.
- The resort lies within one of Indonesia's most biodiverse marine environments: the surrounding reefs host whale sharks, manta rays, and over 150 species of coral, making it as much a dive destination as a land retreat.
- Entry-level rooms start at 624 sq ft (58 m²).
History
Opened in 1993, Amanwana was designed by architect Jean-Michel Gathy as a unique tented camp on Moyo Island to comply with local regulations prohibiting permanent structures, with no trees felled during construction. Located within what became Moyo Satonda National Park in 2022, it offers a low-impact luxury experience blending wilderness with modern comforts. The resort pioneered eco-friendly outdoor hospitality in a pristine nature reserve, emphasizing sustainability and wildlife conservation for over 25 years.
The setting
Amanwana is the only resort on Moyo Island, situated on a secluded beachfront within Moyo Satonda National Park, overlooking the Flores Sea with views of Sumbawa mountains. Surrounded by tropical rainforest and protected marine reefs, it provides direct access to jungle trails and pristine waters.
Restaurants and bars
- Restaurant — Restaurant
- Beach Bar — Poolside
Experiences
- Diving and snorkelling — Dive or snorkel reefs in Amanwana Bay and three large reefs near Labuan Aji. Instructors serve beginners and experts; PADI certificates available.
- Whale shark excursion — See whale sharks in Saleh Bay, just east of Moyo Island, with a guide from Konservasi Indonesia, a non-profit conservation organisation.
- Waterfall excursion (Barry's Falls) — Refreshing dip in the limestone pools of Barry's Falls in the centre of Moyo Island.
- Cruising — Three private vessels for sunset or starlight voyages.
- Yoga and meditation — Daily meditation and breathing sessions led by the resident practitioner in an open-air pavilion by the shoreline.
- Private dining — Private dinners can be set up anywhere in the resort grounds, such as the beach, boardwalk or jetty.
Amenities
- beach
- spa
- Jungle Cove Spa
- outdoor pool
- diving
- snorkeling
- yoga
- trekking
Awards
- Condé Nast Traveller Gold Standard List (2015)
- Travel + Leisure China Top 40 Vacation Recommendations (#5 (2013)
- Travelers’ Choice (Tripadvisor)
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