Amanpuri vs Belmond El Encanto

Aman vs Belmond — side-by-side hotel comparison

Amanpuri
AmanpuriAman

Phuket, Thailand

Belmond El Encanto
Belmond El EncantoBelmond

Santa Barbara, USA

The Hotel Flock Verdict

Amanpuri scores 9.4 overall; Belmond El Encanto scores 8.9. Amanpuri scores higher on our rubric.

Scores & Facts

MetricAmanpuriBelmond El Encanto
Hotel Flock Score9.48.9
Location9.99.4
Service9.59.0
Design9.58.8
Dining8.98.6
Value8.08.0
CategoryBeachCity
TierUltra-LuxuryUltra-Luxury
Opened19881918
From$1,400/night$900/night
Rooms84 (40 pavilions, 44 villas)92 rooms and suites
ArchitectEd TuttleHistoric California bungalow campus

Dining

MetricAmanpuriBelmond El Encanto
Dining Venues22

Rooms

MetricAmanpuriBelmond El Encanto
Room Categories33
Suite / Villa Types31

Spa

MetricAmanpuriBelmond El Encanto
Spa ProgrammeYesYes
Spa Facilities Listed44

Good to Know

Amanpuri

  • As the original Aman, this is the property most "Aman Junkies" cite as their favourite — worth booking even if you've stayed at newer, flashier Aman resorts.
  • Pansea Beach is genuinely quiet compared to the rest of Phuket — the resort's position and private access keep it that way.
  • About 30 minutes from Phuket International Airport.

Belmond El Encanto

  • Santa Barbara Airport is about 20 minutes away; LAX is roughly two hours by car.
  • The property is adult-leaning in feel but accepts children — ask about bungalow layout if travelling as a family.
  • Compare Bellini Club advisor amenities against the flexible direct rate.

Summary

Amanpuri scores higher on our rubric.

Explore Destinations

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