Amanjiwo Review, Borobudur, Java

Amanjiwo Review

 

This Amanjiwo review in Borobudur, Java is part of a trip report including Singapore Suites, Cathay Pacific First Class, Emirates First Class, Asiana First Class and luxury resorts and dining in Southeast Asia. For the previous posts, please see:

Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse JFK

Singapore Suites A380 Review: New York JFK to Frankfurt

Review: Lufthansa Senator Lounge Frankfurt

Singapore Suites A380 Review: Frankfurt to Singapore

Singapore Airlines Private Room Lounge Review

Cathay Pacific First Class Review NYC JFK to Hong Kong

Singapore Suites A380 Review: Singapore to Hong Kong

Review: Grand Hyatt Hong Kong Club Harbour View Room

Tin Lung Heen Hong Kong Dim Sum Review

Review: Grand Club Lounge, Grand Hyatt Hong Kong

Emirates First Class A380 Review: Hong Kong to Bangkok

Review: Novotel Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel

Conrad Koh Samui Review

Conrad Koh Samui Zest Restaurant Review, Menu and Prices

Koh Taen Snorkeling with Tours Koh Samui Review

Conrad Koh Samui Jahn Restaurant Review, Menu and Prices

Four Seasons Koh Samui Review

Four Seasons Koh Samui Breakfast and Koh Thai Kitchen Review

Takho Bangpo (Bang Por Seafood) Koh Samui Review

W Retreat Koh Samui Review

W Koh Samui Breakfast and Kitchen Table Review

Four Seasons Singapore Review

Singapore Gardens by the Bay Review

One Ninety Singapore Review and Menu

 

TravelSort Clients may book Amanjiwo with Virtuoso benefits:

  • Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
  • Continental breakfast for two daily (review in future post)
  • Complimentary lunch for two once during stay (excludes beverages, taxes and gratuities)
  • Early check-in and late check-out, subject to availability

 

Complimentary Airport Transfer To and From Amanjiwo

Amanjiwo provides a complimentary private car transfer from Yogyakarta Airport (JOG), which normally takes about 1 hour. We were fortunately among the first off our Tiger Airways flight, paid for our visa on arrival, and after a short wait in line for passport control and baggage screening, were soon out in the arrivals area, where we spotted our friendly driver Rohmat and were on our way. We loved that Rohmat was our driver and guide throughout our stay, for all our cultural excursions as well as our transfers.

Amanjiwo Review, Borobudur, Java - Complimentary Airport Transfer

 

There were even delectable brownies and cookies provided, and conveniently, WiFi.

Amanjiwo Review-Brownies and Cookies

 

Amanjiwo Location, Lobby and Check-in

Amanjiwo is located just minutes away from Borobudur, one of the greatest Buddhist monuments worldwide and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In fact, Borobudur is visible from Amanjiwo and the resort, designed by renowned architect Ed Tuttle, is oriented so as to have a direct view of Borobudur from the main lobby and the stairs leading down from it.

We should have checked the holiday calendar, since due to a Hindu festival there was a good deal of traffic that prolonged our drive to Amanjiwo. But finally we arrived, were showered with rose petals by two lovely local girls, and were warmly greeted and quickly, before being led to our Garden Suite.

Each day in the afternoon, local children practice traditional Javanese dances in the Amanjiwo lobby. It's not actually a performance, but as with other guests I enjoyed a peek at these cultural traditions being kept alive by a new generation.

Amanjiwo Review - Local Girls Practicing Javanese Dances in Lobby

 

Amanjiwo Garden Suite

As with all Aman Resorts, Amanjiwo is truly boutique, with just 36 spacious suites: 10 Garden Suites, 10 Borobudur Suites with distant views of Borobudur, 7 Garden and Borobudur Pool Suites with private pools, and The Dalem Jiwo Suite (photos in future post) with two separate bedrooms, a private swimming pool, terrace and personal butler service.

The suite interiors are exactly the same, with the main differences among them being the view and private pool, so we were more than happy with our spacious Garden Suite. As we arrived at night, the suite was softly lit and the king bed was already turned down. The one thing that I would change if I could would be a slightly softer, plusher mattress. That said, we had only to ask, and additional duvets were placed on top to make it more to our liking.

Amanjiwo Review - Garden Suite

 

Amanjiwo Review - Garden Suite

 

Each night, a beautiful handcrafted gift was left on our bed. Our first night, these lovely bookmarks were provided:

Amanjiwo Review - Turndown Gift - Bookmarks

 

There was a lovely fruit bowl that was replenished daily, and usually included a nice variety of apple bananas (well, at least that's what we call them in Hawaii), mangosteens, passionfruit, and tangerines.

Amanjiwo Review - Tropical Fruit Bowl with Passionfruit, Mangosteens

 

In the morning, we were able to see and enjoy our outdoor thatched room bale (pavilion) with its day bed and table:

Amanjiwo Review - Bale (Pavilion) with Day Bed

 

The sunken bath is also outdoors. This photo is actually of the one for the Spa Suite, but ours looked exactly the same, except without the sunshade:

Amanjiwo Review, Borobudur - Sunken Outdoor Bath

 

There's also a separate indoor shower and toilet, with sliding wooden doors. In the bathroom, I wondered what the lovely fragrance was–eventually I traced it to a small dish of fresh jasmine blossoms, placed underneath the toilet and replenished daily. Talk about attention to detail!

Amanjiwo Review, Borobudur - Fresh Jasmine Blossoms

 

Bath amenities, as at all Aman Resorts, are locally made from natural ingredients. There was even a candle provided in case you wanted to bathe by candlelight:

Amanjiwo Review, Borobudur - Bath Amenities

 

As at Amankila and Amanjena, there were dual vanities with his and hers sinks, and separate closet space by each, with robes and slippers:

Amanjiwo Review - Closet with Bathrobes and Slippers

 

I loved the Amanjiwo touch of offering watercolor paints, brushes and paper to guests, to inspire their own artistry:

Amanjiwo Review - Watercolor Paints in Each Suite

 

Amanjiwo Outdoor Pool, Tennis Court, Spa Suite, Art Room and Library

We were conveniently located near the swimming pool, which the munchkin loved. Our first day we even met another family, expats living in Singapore, and all the kids had a blast. That said, relatively few families with young children visit Amanjiwo, so you can safely expect a tranquil poolside ambience the vast majority of the time.

Amanjiwo Review - Outdoor Pool

 

We especially enjoyed playing tennis as a family. We were the only ones we saw playing during our time, and prior to our first time on the court they spent some time clearing some stray leaves off of it, so chances are good that you won't have any competition for time on the tennis court during your stay. Rackets, tennis balls and refreshing cool towels, drinks and even cold watermelon were provided (and very welcome, after working up a sweat).

Amanjiwo Review - Tennis Court

 

While we didn't have any spa treatments during our stay, a variety of Javanese massages, reflexology and body treatments are offered, either in your own suite or in the Spa Suite. If I'd had time, I would have loved to try the Mandi Lulur, which was a traditional ritual for Javanese princesses before their wedding day, featuring a massage, body polishing with white tumeric and honey, and a relaxing herbal bath.

Amanjiwo Review - Spa Suite

 

Almost hidden away, the Art Room features rotating exhibitions of noted artists and photographers:

Amanjiwo Review - Art Room

 

And across from the concierge area, The Library is a comfortably air-conditioned and light filled space to enjoy a good book, play a game of chess or backgammon, or simply enjoy an refreshing cold drink in the afternoon.

Amanjiwo Review - The Library

 

Amanjiwo Dining and Food

Amanjiwo's Restaurant is beautifully arranged in a circular open air dias just below the lobby, with a terrace for fully al fresco dining. I'll cover breakfast, lunch and dinner options in a future post.

Amanjiwo Review-Stairs to The Restaurant and Lobby

 

The Verdict

Amanjiwo is simply stunning, in every aspect: architecturally of course, but even more importantly its personalized service, incredible attention to detail, integration within its community, delicious food and relaxing serenity. My husband, when I initially planned our trip here, was curious and a little puzzled by my choice. Not any longer. He can't stop talking about it to friends now, which has led several to put it on their travel bucket list.

Disclosure: My family and I were guests and enjoyed a partially complimentary stay and breakfast at Amanjiwo, however the views expressed in this post are my own.

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