EASY TRIPS
REVIEW OF THE MONTH
AMANJIWOBorobudur,
Indonesia
WHY JAVA?
Java is the second-largest island of the Indonesian archipelago and
it lies between Sumatra and Bali, with the Java Sea to the north and
the Indian Ocean to the south. This creates a unique habitat that is
beautiful in its volcanic ruggedness. With temples and ruins
scattered throughout its landscape, Java is truly the cultural
heartland of Indonesia.WHY AMANJIWO?
Nestled amongst lush paddy fields and in the shadows of the
Menoreh Hills in rural Central Java, Amanjiwo lies within view of the
majestic stupas of Borobudur. The Buddhist monument has directly
influenced the design of Amanjiwo, a temple-like hideaway with a
domed roof, colonnades and walls built using local paras stone.WHAT’S MY ROOM LIKE?
The suites at Amanjiwo were all constructed with the sole purpose of
showcasing the surrounding views. The Borobudur suite boasts an
impressive view of the Borobudur temple, which can be viewed from the
outdoor lounge bed. The interior has been decorated with sunkai-wood
screens, coconut-wood and rattan furniture accented with antique batik
cushions and Javanese glass artworks. All suites feature terrazzo floors,
high ceilings, domed roofs and an outdoor bathtub.CLOCKWISE FROM
TOP LEFT The
Borobudur Pool Suite
that comes with its
own private pool;
lounge around in the
pavilion for views of
Menoreh Hills and rice
paddies; the view of
the Borobudur stupas
that can be clearly
seen from Amanjiwo
at sunriseWORDS: ESTHER CHOY. PHOTOGRAPHS: AMANJIWOEASY TRIPS
WHAT AM I DOING?
Amanjiwo caters to all aspects of luxury lifestyle, from their
spa treatments to the vast range of activities available for
guests upon request. Treat yourself to the signature Amanjiwo
massage or spend mornings in the surrounding countryside
sketching with the artist-in-residence. The Library is a large,
light-filled space that offers a range of books, CDs and games
in several languages. This is also the venue in which visiting
speakers or artists would hold classes that showcase the best
of Javanese art and culture.WHAT AM I EATING?
Like everything else at Amanjiwo, dining here is an experience in
itself. The Restaurant, Bar and Terrace offers a menu of
Indonesian and Western cuisines available all day, giving guests
a taste of the local fare while enjoying the view of rice fields and
the stupas of Borobudur. For a healthier option, head over to the
Pool Club where you can enjoy breakfast, light lunches and
healthy drinks from a raised, colonnaded deck.GOOD TO KNOW
Discover Borobudur from the local’s point of view with the
Amanjiwo 20th Anniversary 20km bike ride with a local guide
through the surrounding villages and paddy fields. The
highlights of the trails include visiting a pottery village, cycling
by a waterfall and interacting with friendly locals along the way.
Another highly recommended activity is the 2.5hr hike up
Menoreh Hills where guests are able to have an unobstructed
view of Amanjiwo and its surroundings from the peak of the hill
in all its majestic beauty.(^) WHAT’S THE DAMAGE
Rates start at US$700++ a night for the Garden Suite, inclusive
of daily breakfast for two and airport transfers. For the ultimate
in luxury, book the Borobudur Pool Suite at US$1,400++ a
night. This suite comes with its own private pool and walled
garden, and offers the same expansive views of the Borobudur
stupas. aman.com/Amanjiwo