LOCATION
The most important island in the world’s largest archipelago, Java is at the centre of Indonesian culture and industry. Stretching for 1,000km, Java is framed by the Indian Ocean in the south, the Java Sea to the north, Sumatra in the west and Bali to the east. This volcanic, green and ruggedly beautiful island is about the size of England. Amanjiwo can be reached by several daily domestic flights to Yogyakarta and Solo either from Indonesia’s capital, Jakarta, or from Bali. ACCOMMODATION
Amanjiwo’s Resort comprising 36 suites & villas with its natural environment is evident throughout the resort, the heart of which lies within its open circular monolith, crafted from paras yogya (local volcanic limestone from Yogykarta), as it liberally breathes in the Javanese country air.
All rooms are designed in two deep crescent formations rimmed with high limestone walls, crawling with spider lilies and lilac and cream convolvulus, that curve into stone walkways connecting the suites with the Pool Club and main building.
Garden Suites
There are 12 Garden Suites in varying locations with views of the Menoreh Hills and terraced farmland. Each suite category has the same size and room configuration as well as all the amenities and interior features mentioned above.
Borobudur Suites
Eight Borobudur Suites offer enhanced views of the Borobudur temple and the surrounding valley.
Garden Pool Suites
Seven Garden Pool Suites have views of the Menoreh Hills and surrounding farmland. The natural stone pool stretches from the bedroom toward the outdoor pavilion. The pool is six metres by three.
Borobudur Pool Suites
All seven suites in this category have views of Borobudur and Java’s most sacred mountains – Merapi, Merbabu, Sumbing and Sindoro.
The Dalem Jiwo Suite
This retreat is set in a discrete enclosure complete with a private entrance, a classically styled rotunda and surrounding terrace with two separately walled bedrooms, each with stone steps descending to the suite’s private swimming pool and its two lounging bales. The 15m infinity pool, finished in a green Javanese stone known as hijau danau, is set into the rice fields. The Dalem Jiwo personal butler, always on call, has separate quarters in the enclosure
SERVICES & FACILITIES CuisineFrom Amanjiwo’s entrance, five steps climb to the rotunda Bar, a circular salon with columns and drop fans, a coconut-wood bar and acid-etched bronze-drum tables. The Dining Room, with its silver-leaf ceiling swirling with muted colours, is defined by a double row of stone columns and looks out onto the crescent-shaped Terrace. At either end, gold-leaf murals recreate scenes from the Hindu epic Mahabharata. The tables are of black terrazzo, the chairs silver-painted rattan with Yogya batik cushions. Indonesian and Western cuisine is served in an open-air setting with panoramic views over the rice fields to Borobudur and its surrounding volcanoes. The specialty of the house is Makan Malam, a series of classic Javanese selections served in brass dishes. The view from the Terrace is particularly arresting at dawn and twilight, or after a cleansing rain, when the views open up over the Kedu Plain. Borobudur is directly ahead.
Breakfast, light lunches, drinks and snacks are also available at the colonnaded Pool Club that stretches into the rice fields. From the deck or from the 40m, green-stone pool itself, guests can enjoy views to Mount Merapi.
Library
The Library is large and light-filled, with a black terrazzo table and daybeds for two at either end. A selection of books on Indonesia is available in several languages, including Japanese and German. A variety of CDs, tapes and games can be borrowed. The Library is also the venue for occasional lectures. Leading Indonesian experts speak on issues ranging from temple preservations to Javanese art and culture. A laptop is available for Internet access.
Art Gallery and Studio
Regular exhibitions are held in the Art Gallery. Amanjiwo’s informal artist in residence welcomes guests to join him for a morning of charcoal sketching in the surrounding countryside. For those inspired by the views from Amanjiwo, a box of watercolours is provided in each suite.
Boutique
A wide variety of Javanese clothing and textiles, both antique and new, are available at the Boutique, which also features gamelan instruments, shadow puppets, old ceremonial baskets, jewellery and other Javanese craft and antiques.
Gallery
Exquisite handwoven, hand dyed and painted silk scarves, shawls and other pieces are featured here. A selection of Javanese antiques is also available.
Massage and Beauty Treatments
A range of Javanese and traditional beauty treatments are available at Amanjiwo, some of which incorporate the ancient holistic jamu method of healing. These can be enjoyed in the privacy of guest suites or in the specially-designed spa suite which has twin massage tables and an outdoor bale for relaxing afterwards with spicy ginger tea. The two-hour Mandi Lulur is a highlight, the traditional Javanese preparation of a princess on the eve of her wedding. Facials, massages and cream baths as well as a masculine version of Mandi Lulur are also available.
Swimming PoolA 40m infinity swimming pool, lined with green tiles and overlooked by banyan trees, is set into the rice paddies below the resort. It is surrounded by loungers and umbrellas and lies adjacent to a raised, colonnaded semicircular deck with tables and chairs for poolside snacks and drinks available from 8am to 8pm. Tennis CentreAmanjiwo has two tennis courts located just above the resort nestled into the Menoreh Hills. There is also a thatched-roof bale for shaded breaks and refreshments. InternetWireless broadband connections are available in all resort accommodations and public areas.
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