For the prince in your life
LOCATED WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE TO THE 9TH-CENTURY BUDDHIST SANCTUARY OF BOROBUDUR, A UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE, AMANJIWO IS SITUATED WITHIN A NATURAL AMPHITHEATER, WITH THE LIMESTONE MENOREH HILLS RISING GRACEFULLY BEHIND, THE KEDU PLAIN IN FRONT AND FOUR VOLCANOES STANDING GUARD ON THE HORIZON. FRAMED BY THE INDIAN OCEAN TO THE SOUTH AND THE JAVA SEA TO THE NORTH, JAVA IS THE CENTER OF INDONESIAN CULTURE AND INDUSTRY, AND CONSIDERED THE MOST IMPORTANT ISLAND IN THE WORLD’S LARGEST ARCHIPELAGO.
Nestled in the breathtakingly beautiful rural heartland of the island, Amanjiwo’s main building is framed by 36 suites set in two artistic crescents around a central rotunda. Artisan-hewn stone walkways link the suites to the main building and resort amenities. As you enter one of the resort’s seven Borobudur Pool Suites, time stands still and the mystical energy that surrounds Amanjiwo is captured flawlessly within striking limestone walls, high ceilings and domed roofs. Sliding glass doors open to a private swimming pool and thatched-roof bale (pavilion) with a daybed for outdoor lounging and dining. Inside, a dramatic four-pillar bed is raised on a terrazzo platform surrounded by sungkai wood screens, coconut wood and rattan furnishings, vintage batik pillows in classic Yogyakarta style and traditional glass paintings. A sunken outdoor bathtub is set within a walled garden sanctuary.
Rice paddies surround the resort’s 40-meter infinity swimming pool, lined with green tiles and overlooked by banyan trees. Trimmed with sun loungers and umbrellas, it lies adjacent to the Pool Club, a raised and colonnaded semicircular deck where breakfast, light lunches and snacks are served. A tennis center is tucked into the Menoreh Hills behind the resort where refreshments are enjoyed in a thatched-roof gazebo. Renowned artists and photographers are routinely exhibited in the Art Gallery, where guests are welcome to join Amanjiwo’s informal artist-in-residence for a morning of charcoal sketching in the countryside. For those inspired by the resort’s breathtaking views, a box of watercolors is provided in each suite.
Incorporating the ancient holistic jamu method of healing, Amanjiwo’s specially designed Spa Suite is an oasis where the masseur is revered. In rural Java, a masseur is known as Dukun, or holy man, healer and mediator with the spirit world. All members of the resort’s hand chosen spa team possess the ‘gift’ and are respected as orang pintar, or spiritual people. Specializing in Pijat traditional massage – considered therapeutic rather than hedonistic – the technique is deep, instead of a soft, pampering stroke, that results in a blissful state of mind, both relaxing and healing. The traditional Javanese massage is a softer, gentler version guaranteed to make you sigh with pleasure.
To experience the spa’s royal treatment – literally – choose the Mandi Lulur which is a body treatment that helps to prepare a Javanese princess before her wedding day. Enjoy the traditional exfoliation and body polishing ritual made from white turmeric and honey, blended with rice grain. The treatment begins with a massage, followed by the lulur scrub and ends with a relaxing herbal bath. As a final touch, lavender tuberose body cream is applied to condition and soften the skin. For the princes in your life, book the Mandi Lulur Borneo Hitam that uses a blend of black rice and coffee as a body scrub to smooth the skin. An invigorating massage with essential oils is followed by a warm herbal bath.
The inexplicable allure of Borobudur is ever present on the grounds of Amanjiwo as the resort’s restaurant, with its silver-leaf ceiling and double row of stone columns, looks out onto a crescent-shaped terrace, featuring black terrazzo tables and silver-painted rattan chairs with batik cushions. The specialty of the house is Makan Malam, a series of classic Javanese dishes served in traditional brass bowls. The view from here is especially remarkable as the great Buddhist temple is directly ahead and is best seen at dawn when the air is fresh and full of birdsong.
