Amanjiwo
Borobudur, Java

Amanjiwo is one of Ampersand's Top 10 Aman Resorts in Asia.

Amanjiwo, one of Ampersand’s Top 10 Aman Resorts in Asia, is set in Central Java’s rural heartland, surrounded by landscapes and cultural treasures that remain remarkably unspoilt. Here, the views stretch across the Kedu Plain towards the 9th-century Buddhist temple of Borobudur, one of the most important spiritual sites in Southeast Asia and the neighbour to this extraordinary retreat.

The hotel itself is a destination in its own right. Designed by renowned Aman architect Ed Tuttle, the main building is a dramatic limestone structure inspired by Borobudur, with a domed roof, colonnaded halls and a grand rotunda that sets the tone of calm monumentality. A flight of steps rises to the Rotunda Bar, the Dining Room and the Terrace, all of which look out over rice fields and tropical forests to the temple beyond. The 40-metre infinity pool, built in an amphitheatre-like curve from locally quarried limestone, mirrors the surrounding hills and is one of the most striking in Asia.

Accommodation is spread across 34 suites, arranged in two graceful crescents around the property and bordered by high limestone walls. Each suite is spacious and serene, furnished with four-poster beds, hand-carved Javanese furniture, antique glass paintings and local textiles. Bathrooms feature outdoor sunken bathtubs, while sliding glass doors open onto private garden terraces scented with frangipani. Fifteen of the suites include private swimming pools, offering even greater seclusion.

Beyond the suites, Amanjiwo offers a strong sense of place through its activities and facilities. The Menoreh Hills rise directly behind the property, providing opportunities for guided hikes, nature walks and cycling, while families will enjoy exploring the surrounding countryside together. Two tennis courts, yoga sessions and a well-equipped gym are available for those wishing to stay active, and the spa specialises in traditional Javanese therapies that draw on local healing practices.

Dining at Amanjiwo reflects the estate’s setting in the fertile Kedu Plain. Menus are built around Indonesian flavours and farm-fresh produce, with elegant international dishes also available. Meals can be enjoyed in the grand colonnaded Dining Room, on the open-air Terrace, or privately in your suite. The Rotunda Bar provides a particularly atmospheric spot for a sunset drink, as the temple and hills shift through shades of gold and green.

What sets Amanjiwo apart is its seamless connection to Borobudur and the surrounding cultural landscape. Guests can visit the temple at dawn, before the crowds arrive, for a profoundly moving experience, or explore nearby villages, markets and craft workshops to gain insight into Javanese life. The hotel arranges private cultural encounters, from gamelan performances to visits with local artists, ensuring that every stay goes beyond luxury to engage with the heritage of Central Java.

Amanjiwo is not just a place to stay, but a sanctuary of extraordinary beauty, cultural depth and spiritual resonance, a fitting counterpart to the timeless monument that lies just beyond its walls.

The traveller sees what he sees, the tourist sees what he has come to see.
G. K. Chesterton