Amanjiwo, Solo Central Java

Amanjiwo overlooks Borobudur, the world’s largest Buddhist sanctuary, in the rural heartland of Central Java. Located in one of the most scenic parts of the country, it rests within a natural amphitheatre; the Menoreh Hills rise up behind and no less than four volcanoes grace the horizon. Amanjiwo provides the opportunity for immersion in Javanese culture, offering trips to ceremonies, temples and antique shops. Private dawn and sunset visits to Borobudur and other archeological monuments in the vicinity are a highlight of a stay at Amanjiwo.

Dining
From Amanjiwo’s entrance, five steps lead to the Bar, a circular salon with columns and drop fans, a coconut-wood bar and acid-etched bronze-drum tables. The Restaurant, with its silver-leaf ceiling, is defined by a double row of stone columns and looks out onto the crescent-shaped Terrace featuring black terrazzo tables and silver-painted rattan chairs with batik cushions. At either end of the Restaurant, gold-painted murals recreate scenes from the Hindu Mahabharata epic, but the view over rice fields to Borobudur and its surrounding volcanoes takes centre stage. Indonesian and Western cuisines are served in these dining venues, but the specialty of the house is Makan Malam, a series of classic Javanese dishes served in traditional brass bowls. The view from The Terrace is particularly arresting at dawn and dusk. Borobudur is directly ahead of the resort, and just beyond the great Buddhist temple is the rounded hill of Tidar.

Spa
A range of Javanese and traditional beauty treatments including facials, massages and cream baths are available at Amanjiwo, some of which incorporate the ancient holistic jamu method of healing. Treatments can be enjoyed in the privacy of guest suites or in the specially-designed spa suite which features twin massage tables and an outdoor bale for relaxing afterwards with spicy ginger tea. The two-hour Mandi Lulur, the traditional preparation of a Javanese princess on the eve of her wedding, is a complete pampering experience. The masculine version of Mandi Lulur is also available.

Hotel Features
Library
The Library is large and light-filled, with daybeds for two at either end. Books on Indonesia are available in several languages, including Japanese and German. A variety of CDs, tapes and games are also on offer. The Library is a venue for occasional lectures at which leading Indonesian experts speak on issues ranging from temple preservation to Javanese art and culture. Both high-speed and wireless connections are available for Internet access.

Boutique
A wide variety of Javanese clothing and textiles (including exquisite hand-woven, hand-dyed and handpainted silk scarves and shawls) are available for purchase in The Boutique. Also featured are gamelan instruments, shadow puppets, old ceremonial baskets, jewellery and other Javanese crafts and antiques, including the loro blonyo figures. These painted statues in bridal attire depict the deity Dewi Sri and her male companion Raden Sadono. Statues of this classic couple can be found in most Javanese homes.

Art Gallery
Regular exhibitions featuring the works of renowned artists and photographers are held in The Art Gallery. Guests are also welcome to join Amanjiwo’s informal artist-in-residence for a morning of charcoal sketching in the countryside surrounding the resort. For those inspired by the views from Amanjiwo, a box of water-colours is provided in each suite.

Location
The most important island in the world’s largest archipelago, Java is at the centre of Indonesian culture and industry. Stretching more than 1,000 kilometres, Java is framed by the Indian Ocean to the south and the Java Sea to the north, with Sumatra bordering its west coast and Bali immediately to the east. The volcanic, ruggedly beautiful island of Java is about the size of England. Its population, however, is about 105 million – nearly half of Indonesia’s entire population. Amanjiwo can be reached by several daily domestic flights to Yogyakarta and Solo from Indonesia’s capital, Jakarta, Bali or Singapore.

Contacts
Ds. Majaksingi - Borobudur - Magelang - Central Java - Indonesia

Tel: (+62) 293 788 333
Fax: (+62) 293 788 355