Amanjiwo

Amanjiwo

Amanjiwo, which means peaceful soul and opened in 1997 is fashioned out of limestone and takes its inspiration from the surrounding culture of Central Java. The resort is located within a natural amphitheatre with the limestone Menoreh Hills rising directly behind, the Kedu Plain in front and four volcanoes – Sumbing, Sundoro, Merbabu and Merapi – gracing the horizon. Amanjiwo looks out onto Borobudur, the largest Buddhist sanctuary in the world. Indeed, Borobudur is carefully mirrored in the resort's design and central dome. The view runs arrow-straight through Amanjiwo's entrance and the stone corridor that neatly cleaves the resort, up the steps to the soaring, bell-shaped rotunda, down to the Dining Room, on to the Terrace, past rice fields in an unwavering line to Borobudur itself. Several kampungs (small villages) are within walking distance.

Amanjiwo is constructed from paras yogya – the local limestone. Thirty-six suites radiate outward from the main building in two deep crescents. These are rimmed by high, limestone walls set off by spider lilies and morning glory. The walls blend into the stone walkways that link the suites to the main building and the Pool Club. At the far end of the resort, in a lush tranquil setting, is the Dalem Jiwo – a large private suite with two separate bedrooms.

Amanjiwo provides an insight into Javanese culture and the enduring traditions of this untouched, rural heartland. Excursions include antique shopping, elephant safaris, trips to ceremonies at nearby temples, as well as private dawn and sunset visits to Borobudur. From leisurely strolls through the villages to temple tours or more adventurous treks, Central Java offers an experience to remember.

ACCOMMODATION
Amanjiwo's suites feature terrazzo flooring, high ceilings, domed roofs and sliding glass doors that open onto a garden terrace with a view of Borobudur or surrounding farmland. Fifteen suites come with private swimming pools. All suites include a thatched-roof kubuk (pavilion) with a daybed for outdoor lounging and dining and two loungers. Interiors include a central, four-pillar bed on a raised terrazzo platform, sungkai wood screens, coconut wood and rattan furniture, old batik pillows in classic Yogyakarta style, traditional glass paintings and a large sunken stone outdoor bathtub.

Garden Suites: There are 10 Garden Suites in varying locations 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: Ten Borobudur Suites offer enhanced views of the Borobudur temple and the surrounding valley.

Garden Pool Suites: Five Garden Pool suites have views of the Menoreh Hills and surrounding farmland. The natural stone pool stretches from the bedroom toward the outdoor pavilion. The pool is six metres by three.

Borobudur Pool Suites: All nine suites in this category have views of Borobudur and Java's most sacred mountains – Merapi, Merbabu, Sumbing and Sundoro.

The Dalem Jiwo Suite: This retreat is set in a discrete compound complete with a private entrance, a classically styled rotunda and surrounding terrace with two separately walled bedrooms, each with stone steps descending to the suite's private swimming pool and its two lounging kubuks. The 15-metre 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 compound.