Indonesia Hideaways & Retreats
Choose where you sleep
- Amanjiwo
- Amankila
- Ibah Bali
- Taman Sari
Start the journey by visiting the Royal City of Yogyakarta (Jogjakarta) on Java's south coast, considered to be the cultural heart of Java and home to the World's single largest Buddhist monument, the ancient temple of Borobudur - one of the 7 Ancient Wonders of the World.
Jogja is famous for its rich artistic heritage and remains a key centre for the performing arts, including legging dance, gamelan music, puppetry (shadow and wooden puppets) and for batik painting, contemporary art, wood carving and furniture making. The market street, Jalan Malioboro, is a treasure trove for exotic purchases, and leads to the Sultan's Palace, the Keraton.
Within the Borobudur historical Park lies one of the world's most exclusive and beautiful hotels, the AmanJiwo - a romantic setting of the highest order - a perfect honeymoon launch pad and place to relax after the stresses and strains of wedding ornganising.
Continue east through lush countryside, winding through towering rice terraces, tea and coffee plantations. Witness the other worldly sunrise over Mt Bromo 
and visit the Ijen national Park, an area of exceptional biodiversity and a cauldron of volcanic activity. See the sulphur plumes and the turquoise-green crater lakes.
Arriving at the easternmost tip of Java, cross the narrow straight by ferry to the Hindu majority island of Bali and settle in to a charming beach resort on the north coast, far from the mass tourist areas of the south part of the island.
After a couple of days rest & relaxation here, snorkelling or diving the rich coral reefs and drop offs of the Manjangan National Marine Park 
and the nearby Taman Bali Barat National Park, set off to explore the "Island of the Gods" by self drive car. Enjoy getting lost amongst the maze of tiny, winding rural roads, knowing that your map and the ever hospitable locals will always help you back on your way. End each day checking in to a gorgeous little boutique hotel, set amidst Bali's picturesque, verdant rice terraces such as the Ibah or The Kamandalu.
Visit Ubud, the home of many artists, both Balinese and International, since the early 1920s with its many galleries. Every 
village in the surrounding hills has its own artistic tradition - one specialises in Gamelan music, another in Lagong Dance, another in wayan kulit (leather puppets for shadow puppet shows) or wayan golek (highly decorative wooden puppets), another in wood carving or batik printing. Sons and daughters for generations have followed their parents in the village's particular special artisan trade. Using your hire car, explore the charming country lanes that link these villages, each of which features 3 temples, one to honour each of 3 sets of spirits that are central to Balinese folklore, and take time to leisurely discover the rich tapestry of Balinese life.
Often you will stumble across a religious ceremony or wedding taking place, with processions of ornately dressed ladies carrying platters of fresh fruits on their heads as they head towards the appropriate temple to make heir offerings. Visitors are always welcome.
Several of the rivers that flow southwards from Bali's towering Gunung Agung volcano run in deep gorges, and the adventurous can embark upon a half day of adrenalin charged fun, white water rafting the foaming waters. There are also a several stunning crater lakes to explore and many wonderful walks to enjoy.
Wind up your holiday with a stay at one of Bali's renowned, super luxury, boutique spa resorts - such as the AmanKila, voted by Condé Nast Traveller as the best hotel in the world. Final days of delicious relaxation and pampering in one of the most beautiful and sensuous places in the world!
There are many variations possible, including some excellent scuba diving to be added along Bali's north coast or amongst the group of islands off the south east. A visit to neighbouring Lombok is also easy to arrange for a challenging trek up the towering Gunung Rinjani volcano, or more scuba diving amongst the tropical, sand-fringed Gili Islands - very popular amongst younger travellers.
And, of course, Java & Bali are not only for honeymooners. Bali, especially, is blessed with an amazing choice of accommodation scattered throughout the island, not only in the main tourist centres and not all of it super deluxe and expensive. Ask us about modelling an itinerary tailored to you and your own interests… and budget!
"Chris, many many thanks for everything. We had an absolutely awesome time: you pitched the level perfectly for the both of us – we loved every minute of it. The Aman hotels are something else –wow! And what a way to finish! Java was a fantastic place and we loved the contrast to Bali. Look forward to giving you a full debrief in due course, but just wanted to drop you a quick line to say thanks for everything….it was perfect!" - Will Gow, Antarctic Explorer, many of whose photos are featured here.
Amanjiwo (which means "peaceful soul" and opened in 1997) is a monumental resort fashioned out of limestone and takes its inspiration from the surrounding culture of Central Java.
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.
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. Fifteen suites come with private swimming pools. All suites include a thatched-roof gubug (pavilion) with a daybed for outdoor lounging and dining. 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 sunken outdoor bathtub.
Suites: There are eight suites in varying locations with views of the
Pool Suites: Four 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.
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. The 15-metre pool, finished in a green Javanese stone known as hijau danau, is set into the rice fields. The Dalem Jiwo personal attendant, always on call, has separate quarters in the compound.
The rotunda Bar is a circular salon, with columns and drop fans, a coconut-wood bar and acid-etched bronze-drum tables.
The Dining Room looks out onto the crescent-shaped Terrace, with its banquette seating, brass tables, teakwood chairs and Yogya batik cushions. The view from the Terrace is particularly arresting at dawn and twilight, or after a cleansing rain, when the views open up over the Kedu Plain. Borobudur is directly ahead. Drinks, snacks and light lunches are also available at the colonnaded Pool Club that stretches into the rice fields. From the deck or from the 40-metre, green-stone pool itself, guests can enjoy views to Mt. Merapi.
The AmanKila (which means peaceful hill) opened in 1992 set on a cliff side overlooking the Lombok Strait in East Bali. Below the resort is its private stretch of sand and beach club. From the intimate, airy lobby, the views are already very much in evidence. The resort is close to Manggis, Candi Dasa, Tenganan and other villages in Karangasem, Bali's most traditional regency.
Amankila's suites are elevated to take advantage of the spectacular views to the sea and surrounding hillsides. The 34 free-standing suites, with their alang alang roof thatching, are fashioned as beach houses with a twist. They reflect the lines and flow of their East Bali surroundings, in particular the royal water palace just outside Amlapura, the district's capital. All suites are connected to the reception and restaurant area by stepped walkways.
Superior Suite: Each suite features a large bedroom with wide window views, a canopied, king-size bed and a writing desk. The bathroom is divided, with a window-side divan, a soaking tub and separate shower and toilet rooms which give way to coconut-shell dressing areas and double terrazzo vanities. The suite's outdoor terrace is furnished with a daybed, coconut-shell table and rattan chairs.
Deluxe Suite: These are identical to the Superior Suites but have better Ocean views.
The Kilasari Suite: The Kilasari Suite, which takes its name from Amankila's main temple, is perched high on the hillside, with partial sea views, a 12-metre pool and its own separate entrance.
The Amankila Suite: This suite includes two separate pavilions opening onto a large terrace with a private aquamarine-tile pool, two lounging bales, sun beds, lily ponds and limitless views over the beach and Amuk bay. It is ideal for guests who want complete privacy or for two couples who wish to stay together.
Beach Club: The Beach Club is located at the base of the cliff five minutes below the main resort. Guests can either walk to the beach or be driven there in one of Amankila's open-air buggies. Set within a grove of coconut palms and partially shaded by a frangipani tree, is Amankila's largest swimming pool. Snorkelling equipment, windsurfers, boogie boards, kayaks and hobie-cats are located at the Beach Club. Amankila's staff will assist guests with watersports and provide lessons or sailing partners if required. Eight private lounging bales are set in the sand, each secluded amongst the foliage for added privacy. Drinks and light meals can be enjoyed here.
Massage and Beauty Treatments: Traditional Balinese massage and beauty treatments are available in the privacy of the guest suites, in the specially-designated massage pavilion or at the Beach Club where twoteakwood massage tables are hidden away in a grove of coconut palms and flowering bushes.
"Ibah" which means bequest in Indonesian was completed on the former site of the Tjetjak Inn in 1995 and offers visitors more than the amenities of a luxury hotel. Ibah is a hand crafted meditation in the art of relaxation.
All rooms are named after flowers, have Roman blinds, wooden shower floors,air conditioning, ceiling fan, exhaust fans or air-conditioning in the bathrooms, beautiful ceramics, earthenware pots and earthenware or wooden dishes, and most have Javanese glass paintings. Roofs are thatched with elephant grass, some ceilings are visibly covered with woven bamboo mats. The roof tops have traditional designs made of ijuk,the black fibre of the jaka palm tree, with animal figures such as bullsor snakes.
IBAH TREETOPS
The two Deluxe Suites on the upper floor can be interconnecting as can the two Standard Rooms on the Lower level, or, for a large group, the whole building can be used as a single unit.Villa-Ratih-mstrbed.jpg)
Taman Sari blends wonderfully with nature. Luxurious cottages and suites were built using natural indiginous materials in a relaxed setting surrounded by tranquil gardens and ponds. The surrounding mountains enhance the beauty and tranquility of Taman Sari, a perfect place for families as well as newlyweds. Anyone can enjoy the many features offered here.
Tamansari offers six suites, each with its own character and individually decorated with antiques and art. Two of the suites have a second floor with a terrace overlooking the ocean and the nearby mountains, while the others have large intimate terraces. All are surrounded by a picturesque lotus pond and have a garden bathroom where you can enjoy a shower under the open sky.
If you are looking for more economic accommodations, Tamansari is the right place as well with two ocean-view junior suites and comfortable air-conditioned cottages overlooking a lawn from which you can watch local fishermen sailing boats lazily float by.
Join a guided trekking tour in the nearby National Park.
Room Types : Single room,Double room
