Silhouetted at sunrise, Unesco-listed Borobudur is sure to stir up artistic tendencies - not only because the landscape includes Mount Merapi’s volcanic peak, smouldering in the background, but because Amanjiwo provides guests with sets of watercolour paints.
Here in Indonesia’s artistic and intellectual heartland, Borobudur, one of Buddhism’s most sacred Mahayana temples, was reclaimed from the jungle in the 19th century, and its significance is echoed in the resort’s design.
The temple-like hideaway, built entirely from blush-beige local paras Jogja limestone, has soaring ceilings, colonnades and a central domed stupa roof that mimics Borobudur in the distance.
Amanjiwo overlooks the world’s largest Buddhist monument.
At dawn and dusk the jungle surrounding this majestic 9th-century UNESCO World Heritage site is bathed in ethereal light and birdsong – perfect for personal reflection.
Amanjiwo, enveloped by the rainforest of central Java, is set within a natural amphitheatre – where the Menoreh Hills rise up nearby and the farmlands of the Kedu Plain spread below steep volcanoes on the horizon.
Crafted from local limestone, the sweeping circular monolith at the heart of Amanjiwo frames the views of Borobudur.
Throughout the resort, motifs pay homage to central Java’s ancient temples.
Set in two graceful crescents, the 36 Suites feature sunken bathtubs and thatched-roof bale pavilions, and open onto private gardens.
The Restaurant, with a silver-leaf ceiling and views of Borobudur and volcanoes, serves Indonesian and Western cuisine.
The Spa’s treatments include Mandi Lulur, a centuries-old wedding day body-polishing ritual for Javanese royalty.
Whether atop an elephant or trekking through jungle, Java offers an immersive experience.
Amanjiwo is the starting point for journeys of discovery.
Inspired by the 9th-century Buddhist sanctuary of Borobudur, Amanjiwo’s Suites feature four-pillar king-size beds on raised terrazzo platforms, spacious garden terraces, some with private swimming pools, and lounging pavilions.
Set amidst the rice paddies with its own private entrance, the Dalem Jiwo Suite offers two bedroom pavilions and 1200sqm of living space, with a private 15-metre swimming pool.
The 243-square-metre Borobudur Pool Suites offer the same privacy, comfort and expansive views as the Borobudur Suites, with the addition of a private pool.
Daybed for outdoor lounging and dining. Central four-pillar king-size bed on a raised terrazzo platform.
Each 243-square-metre Borobudur Suite offers a private walled garden with picturesque views of Borobudur and the surrounding valley.
The 243-square-metre Garden Pool Suites offer the same privacy, comfort and views as the Garden Suites, with the addition of a private pool.
Each 243-square-metre Garden Suite offers a private walled garden with picturesque views of the Menoreh Hills and tiered rice paddies.
Private picnics can be arranged at any time of day in the serene rice terraces, at panoramic spots in the hills of Dagi, or by the Progo riverbanks.
Enjoy a village-style dinner, nestled in a Galangal plantation at Amanjiwo's Rustic Bale.
The region’s diverse vegetables, fruits and spices are not only integral to the cuisine, but also to cocktails such as the soursop martinis that pair wonderfully with sunset panoramas across the valley.
Simply cooced, market-fresh fish is regular feature of the Makan Malam menu.
The treatment includes a soothing massage, followed by a body mask and exfoliation of white turmeric, honey and rice grains, and then a warm herbal bath.
Masseurs are revered in rural Java, and this treatment – performed by a master of his art – delivers both relaxation and healing.
Borobudur – the world’s largest Buddhist monument and one of many religious sites in the area – is a short drive from Amanjiwo resort.
Time-weathered Hindu temples on the Dieng Plateau date from the 7th and 8th centuries, and the ancient complex of Prambanan boasts towering Hindu temples dotted across the plain.
Java’s dramatic landscape is ideal for trekking, whether up the steep flanks of Mt Merapi or into the lush Menoreh Hills, replete with villages, clove plantations and rice fields.
A 7 night journey including daily breakfast, airport and inter-resort transfers, and complementary experiences at each resort.
At dawn, as the sun scales the surrounding volcanoes and the mist clears, a spiritual peace descends on this UNESCO World Heritage site. Six platforms are decorated with 2,672 relief panels and 504 lifesize Buddha Statues.
Stay for three nights and enjoy daily breakfast, airport transfers, and three experiences per person per stay, including a guided tour of Borobudur.
Rural villages host frequent celebrations, with gamelan music and spirited dancing, while Hindu and Buddhist temples are replete with centuries of architectural and sculptural masterpieces.
Amanjiwo’s setting suits all manner of events, which can be complemented by Javanese folk dances and music.
Stay three nights at Amanjiwo and three nights at Amanwana and enjoy guided excursions, snorkeling trips, a sunset cruise and an optional extended stay at Amanusa.
The walk to Selogriyo, an 8th-century Hindu temple isolated high up the slopes of Mt Sumbing, passes through some of Java’s most enchanting rice paddies.
From beach and golf-focused escapes to journeys into the spiritual, cultural and adventure-fuelled unknown, Indonesia never fails to inspire.
AMANJIWO
Ds. MajaksingiBorobudurMagelangCentral JavaIndonesiaAsia