Amanjiwo, Central Java

Amanjiwo is one of our favourite properties, not just in Indonesia but across all the countries that we cover. This high-end hotel comes with the luxurious comforts and impeccable service that you'd expect from Aman - plus, it provides one of the finest settings imaginable and easy access to Borobudur, one of South East Asia’s great monuments.

The clever architecture means that the property enhances its wonderful surroundings and provides a great backdrop for Borobudur nearby. Situated halfway up a hill, the circular central lobby has a sight line from the driveway directly to the magnificent Borobudur temple 2.5 km away, making it one of the first things that you notice on arrival. Just magic. Beyond the lobby, the hotel cascades down the hill and overlooks a sprawling plane of paddy fields and lush greenery as far as the eye can see. This is only interrupted by the temple and four huge volcanic peaks that tower over the horizon, including the still active Agung Merapi and its constant plume of smoke.

Although the real selling point to the hotel is its location and setting, the 36 suites that surround the central lobby all have the usual Aman combination of unpretentious luxury, local style, space and privacy. They all follow the same design, with a large outdoor area to enjoy the view (some of these have private pools) and simply but stylishly furnished rooms and modern bathrooms. The suites are split into those with views of the Menoreh Hills and farmland and those with views of Borobudur and the surrounding forested plain.

The hotel is very conveniently located for a visit to Borobudur, particularly as it is best to climb the temple in time for sunrise! After the morning excursion, however, the restaurant by the 40m blue pool is a truly fantastic setting from which to have breakfast. Located below all the rooms it looks directly out over Borobudur, the volcanoes, the forests and the paddy fields, with the hills behind dominating the background. Sit back and soak it all in.