Amanjiwo’s thirty-four suites are designed in two deep crescent formations rimmed with high limestone walls, draped with spider lilies and lilac and cream convolvulus, that curve into stone walkways connecting the Suites with the Pool Club and main building.
The suites are domed with volcanic ash-tinted roofs, paying homage to their ancient neighbours and in particular Borobudur itself. A four-pillared bed is raised on a terrazzo platform which moulds into the smooth expanse of caramel mapped terrazzo floor. Local materials and artefacts – coconut wood, hand carved furniture, exotic Javanese textiles and antique glass paintings – are meticulously placed to stylish effect. Sliding glass doors open out onto garden terraces offering spectacular views, and a thatched-roof bale or pavilion provides the perfect location for private dining or simply relaxing, while 15 of the suites have private swimming pools.
Garden Suites
There are 12 Garden Suites 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 exceptional 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. Each features a natural stone pool which stretches from the bedroom towards the outdoor pavilion. The pool is 6m by 3m.
Borobudur Pool Suites
All seven suites in this category have views of Borobudur and Java’s most sacred mountains – Merapi, Merbabu, Sumbing and Sindoro, as well as private pools.
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 separate 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.
Cuisine
The Rotunda Bar, a circular salon with columns and drop fans, a coconut-wood bar and acid-etched bronze-drum tables, leads into the Dining Room. With its silver-leaf ceiling swirling with subtle colour, the Dining Room 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, and the chairs are silver-painted rattan with batik cushions.
Indonesian and Western cuisine is served 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 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, limestone pool itself, guests can enjoy views over the rice terraces 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 preservation 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 crafts 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 for purchase.
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 – the traditional Javanese preparation of a princess on the eve of her wedding – is a highlight. Facials, massages and cream baths, as well as a masculine version of Mandi Lulur are also available.
Swimming Pool
A 40m infinity swimming pool, lined with green tiles and shaded 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 deck with tables and chairs for poolside snacks and drinks (available from 8am to 8pm).
Tennis Centre
Amanjiwo has two tennis courts tucked into the Menoreh Hills just above the resort. There is also a thatched-roof bale overlooking the courts, ideal for shaded breaks and refreshments.
Internet
Wireless broadband connections are available in all resort accommodations and public areas.
