A Review of Amanjiwo: Luxury Amidst Ancient Wonders
Updated: May 26
What is Aman Famous For?
Stepping into the realm of Amanjiwo, one is instantly embraced by the luxury and serenity that is synonymous with the Aman brand. Aman, which means 'peace' in Sanskrit, has a unique philosophy of offering unparalleled high-end experiences in some of the most remote and culturally rich destinations around the world. With their distinctive architectural designs and commitment to exceptional service, Aman resorts are renowned for immersing guests in the local culture while providing a haven of tranquility and indulgence.
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Amanjiwo
Nestled amidst the lush landscapes of Central Java, Amanjiwo is strategically located overlooking the UNESCO World Heritage site of Borobudur. Located in the Menoreh Hills, this architectural masterpiece is just a stone's throw away from the bustling city of Yogyakarta, offering guests the best of both worlds - proximity to cultural wonders and the tranquility of a secluded retreat.
How to Reach Amanjiwo
Reaching Amanjiwo is a seamless experience. The nearest airport is Adisucipto International Airport in Yogyakarta. From there, it's approximately a 90-minute drive to the resort. The resort offers private transfers for guests, and you can expect to be picked up in an air-conditioned SUV with water and a snack buffet awaiting you.
Borobudur: The World’s Largest Temple Complex
The main reason for our stay at Amanjiwo was to explore the magnificent Borobudur temple complex. As the largest temple complex in the world, Borobudur is a UNESCO World Heritage site that dates back to the 9th century. Its unique bell-shaped structures made of stone are unlike anything we had ever seen before.
The Amanjiwo offers shuttles to the temple and a VIP entry line upon arrival, so visiting this historic site was quite easy. Sadly, from there things went downhill fast. Beginning in COVID, new regulations had been implemented restricting access to walk through the temple itself. Instead, we could only view the complex from the outside walkway, and the distinct bell shapes that had piqued our curiosity remained elusive. Our attentive guide endeavored to enhance our experience by taking us to a nearby hillside, usually reserved for special morning breakfast events, to offer an alternative vantage point.
While the vista was undeniably beautiful, it was not the up-close encounter we had envisioned. (Note: It appears that a limited number of guided tour tickets to the inner temple structure may now be available in 2024.)
Amanjiwo: A Journey Back in Time
Returning to Amanjiwo, we were disappointed by our excursion, and frustrated that the hotel had not warned us of this recent change. We found ourselves thinking we should have picked another destination, but that was when the true beauty of Amanjiwo shone through. We were surrounded by the resort's awe-inspiring architecture, reminiscent of the ancient temple structure we had just visited.
While we may have not been able to explore Bordubur the way we had hoped, we were able to feel as though we were living inside an ancient temple ourselves. The labyrinthine of pathways inside stone walls, and intricate designs transported us back in time, offering a glimpse into what life might have been like centuries ago. Somehow, despite its historical charm, Amanjiwo doesn't compromise on modern luxury.
Our Suite: A Sanctuary of Comfort
Our suite was a masterpiece of design and comfort. Set in a private walled-off area, the standalone stone structure ensured a quiet and peaceful vacation. The spacious bedroom featured a grand and comfortable king-sized bed, sitting atop a raised terrazzo platform and surrounded by stone columns, ensuring one of the best sleeps we've ever experienced. From our bed, we could gaze out at our private garden area, offering a serene view to wake up to each morning.
The ensuite bathroom was a masterpiece in itself, featuring a state-of-the-art smart toilet with all the latest features and an incredible outdoor bathtub. The bathtub was nestled underneath a wooden lattice adorned with crawling vines, providing a secluded and romantic setting for a relaxing soak.
The amenities provided by Amanjiwo were of an unparalleled caliber. Among our favorites was the personalized paint set, adding a unique and creative touch to our stay. We were also in love with the provided sleek black kettle, and nearly brought one home from the gift shop until we saw the listed price.
Outside, the private garden area was a delightful oasis, complete with a covered daybed perfect for lounging and alfresco dining. In fact, it was here that we enjoyed our first breakfast at Amanjiwo. When inquiring about the included breakfast timings during check-in, the manager assured us that while the restaurant would stop serving breakfast, he was happy to deliver it to our room at any time. True to his word, at 12:30 pm, after a restful night's sleep, we were treated to an exquisite breakfast spread featuring classic Indonesian dishes like mie goreng and nasi goreng, along with iced and hot lattes, fresh watermelon juice, french toast, and a basket full of pastries.
We opted for the Borobudur suite, which allowed us to enjoy a distant view of the temple from our garden. While there is a category above this, the Borobudur Pool Suite, featuring a private pool in the front garden, we found the main pool at the resort so inviting and beautiful that we probably wouldn’t have used the in-room pool anyway.
The Main Pool: A Romanesque Retreat
The sprawling main pool, surrounded by manicured trees and plush loungers, has a restaurant on one side, and expansive rice paddies on the other. A curving stone wall felt reminiscent of an ancient roman bath house, and the entire area looked straight out of a movie. The architectural grandeur and serene ambiance made it the perfect spot to relax and unwind, with snacks and refreshments delivered right to our loungers.
Culinary Delights: A Gastronomic Journey
Each meal at Amanjiwo was a culinary revelation. From the delectable beef rendang to the artful fruit salads, every dish was a testament to the resort's commitment to gastronomic excellence. However, our most unforgettable dining memory was a special experience we pre-arranged: the Gubak Sawah.
This was a private romantic dinner set amidst the rice fields, where we ate under a small balé with a roof above. To the side there was a table littered in clay pots, where our traditional Indonesian cuisine was being cooked over coal. The evening came complete with live music and candlelight. Yes there were candles on the table, but also, paper lanterns were scattered along with flower petals all over the field in front of us. This sight was unbelievable to behold, and the food was divine.
Activities and Amenities
Amanjiwo offers a plethora of activities, from e-biking and horse and buggy rides to chocolate-making classes. The resort's small but well-equipped gym ensured we could over-indulge in the exquisite dining without guilt.
How Many Days to Stay at Amanjiwo?
While the surrounding area offers limited activities, Amanjiwo itself is a destination worth lingering at. We initially booked for two nights but the atmosphere, the food, and the service was so impeccable, we extended our stay to three. This allowed us ample time to soak in the history, relax by the pool, and indulge in the luxurious amenities, and we would suggest you do the same. After all, this could very well be the best resort in Indonesia.
Conclusion
Amanjiwo is not just a resort; it's an experience. A blend of historical charm, modern luxury, and exceptional service, it offers a sanctuary of peace and indulgence amidst the cultural wonders of Central Java. Whether you're exploring the majestic Borobudur temple, relaxing by the pool, or indulging in gourmet dining, Amanjiwo promises a truly unforgettable experience.
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