We spent 6 nights in Life over the New Year period. We had been to the Amed area previously at the next beach, Lipah, (1992 & 2002) for extended stays and loved it. We selected Life as we are a family of 4 and the cottages have a mezzanine for the two children which was more economical.
First positives. Beautifully appointed cottages, conveniently overlooking pool, bottled water provided, friendly discrete staff, great snorkelling straight of the beach in front, Sails restaurant walking distance on northern headland (torches help).
Negatives. The whole compound is so cramped. After a few nights we found it incredibly claustrophobic. You are separated from the beach by a big wall running alongside the pool and two big 2 storey villas. On the other side of the pool/wall is a huge residence. I'm guessing the cottages were built to face the sea but lack of room forced the expensive accomodation to be placed right on the beach? We wished we'd gone back to Hidden Paradise or Coral views on the next beach at Lipah with their expansive grounds.
Biggest downside of cramped area is the restaurant. Previously we have stayed at Amed in places where the restaurant is placed on the beach side with a view. Since there is not much to do at Amed beyond resting, snorkelling and eating, leisurely meals with sea breezes and a lovely outlook are vital. They chose to put the dark depressing restaurant on the roadside entrance to the property with constant road noise and no outlook. We spent speedu breakfasts fighting off flies. We had a couple of nice dinners there at first, but when we discovered Sails up the hill same prices (if not cheaper) with great views along the beach, breezes and great service we didn't go back.
We were there when the place wasn't packed, but it's so small I would think the common/pool area could be very unpleasant if full.
A couple of points to consider too; no bar fridge in cottages - you are forced to order drinks from restaurant. We arrived with our supplies and were disappointed but compensated by using ice from the bar.
The airconditioning in the cottages no way reached the mezzanine upstairs- it was stifling. They provided a desk fan, but we had to use boxes to lift it off the floor to make a difference. Also the stairs are very steep and open and the upstairs banister very low so I wouldn't recommend putting very small kids up there.
Our room (1?) had the worst bed we've every had. Not the mattress (comfy) but it was a local box constuction that creaked and groaned it a puff of wind blew in its direction, every small movement on it woke us up - not conducive to romance!

Lastly comment on the location, which can't be a criticism of the hotel but you need to know.
Besides Sails there is nowhere else to eat unless you have transport. The walk during the day to Lipah is long and hot, but on that beach there are lots of warungs and resorts with restaurants on the beach if you want variety. At lean there is a warung on the southern side which is very stark and food was very ordinary and slow (nice views!) There is one local warung that didn't look loved or patronised that we just didn't want to risk problems with the kids. There is a new resort at the southern end with a lovely restaurant on the beach (very minimalist and modern) but with scarey ++ prices too.
Many have commented on the hassling on the beach. We found it here worse than other places in Bali and really annoying (and counter productive for them). We couldn't stand on the beach and watch any aspect of life without going through long repetative sales pitches (I couldn't stand inside the property and look out without them coming running!). It was ridiculous, they would line up and take turns with the same pitches even though we had just (politely) declined those who were first in the line. The touting was incessant and although we hired a boat for fishing and gear for snorkelling it real put us off. Hence with the small property and the difficulties of the beach we felt a little trapped and claustrophobic at times. We spent a pleasant morning snorkelling on Lipah beach and had no hassles.
So, Life is a lovely place, but for us there would be better value places in the Amed region to go for an extended time.

We really enjoyed the two nights we spent here - 2 adults and 2 kids (13 and 11). Beautiful, tasteful, well designed villas. Staff are extremely friendly and helpful. Good restaurant with reasonable prices and a varied menu. A lovely pool. I was really impressed by the location. A working fishing beach is metres away to your front and traditional kampung life continues to your back. You feel a part of traditional Balinese life but at the same time have the luxury of the comforts of the villas. Noise levels were not an issue during our stay at least. One minor concern was the lack of hot water in the shower. We went snorkeling on the nearby coral reef and ship wreck. We also spent a day on a cycling tour which was fantastic and I would highly recommend this activity. We would hope to return again some day!!

My family and I reserved several nights at Life in Amed. We had hoped for a relaxing end to our holiday in Bali. The bungalows at Life in Amed are lovely. However, the entire property is very small and the bungalows are located very close together. Just after we arrived, a group of thirteen also arrived. Good for business, but not good for us. We left after one night to another hotel up the road that provided the peace and quiet that we craved.
The restaurant is good, but not great.

I had the tremendous privilege of staying at Life in Amed in May and cannot say enough about this amazing property. From the luxurious rooms, to the accomodating staff and the delicious restaurant, not to mention snorkeling just steps away, this property should not be missed!