Capturing Borobudur’s Soul

Calm opulence overlooking a Unesco site in Central Java

Jakarta Globe, Anita Surewicz, October 30, 2013

Amanjiwo in Magelang is renowned for its stunning architecture and unspoiled view
 of the ninth-century Buddhist monument of Borobudur. (Photo courtesy of Amanjiwo)

Amanjiwo’s clever architectural aesthetic takes center stage from the moment one glimpses Yogyakarta’s Buddhist monument of Borobudur, perfectly framed by the resort’s airy entrance.

Approximately three kilometers away, the ninth-century monument is the main inspiration behind the resort’s intricate design. In fact, Amanjiwo’s circular layout and dramatic domes present an innovative take on the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization World Heritage Site.

Designed by Ed Tuttle — one of America’s best-known architects, who has masterminded a number of Aman’s other resorts including Amanpuri in Phuket, Amankila in Bali, Amanbagh in India’s Rajahstan state and Amanzoe in Kranidi, Greece — Amanjiwo is perhaps one of his most striking creations.

Featuring his characteristic grand sense of perspective and space, Amanjiwo stands majestic yet fits seamlessly into the rich greenery and verdant farmland that surrounds it.

“There is no doubt that Amanjiwo echoes the splendor of Borobudur,” general manager Mark Swinton said. “The circular motifs, geometric design features and crescents hark back to the centuries-old temple patterns of Borobudur.”

Fringed by the limestone Menorah Hills, the Kedu Plain and four volcanoes, Sumbing and Sundoro to the west and Merbabu and Merapi to the east, Amanjiwo, which opened its doors in 1997, preserves the nuance of Borobudur, and its location, through the use of natural materials and muted hues.

“The resort has been constructed from paras Yogya , a locally hewn coral-beige limestone,” Swinton explained. “We have kept the color scheme simple, and have also used a lot of traditional Javanese materials such as coconut wood, sunkai wood and bamboo for decoration.”

While beauty is said to lie in the detail, Amanjiwo’s most striking reference to Borobudur is its main structure, a circular limestone monolith topped by a soaring bell-shaped dome. An ambitious take on Borobudur’s emblematic stupa and circular platforms, the lofty-ceilinged salon houses the resort’s lobby, library, bar and restaurant.

The building, which features stone columns, drop fans, teak wood floors and a silver-leaf ceiling, overlooks a crescent-shaped terrace and its legion of stylish black terrazzo tables and rattan chairs. Murals of scenes from the Hindu Mahabharata epic at either end of the restaurant complete the magnetic picture.

Blink and you will miss the discreet black marble bar that sits inconspicuously to the left of the entrance.

“Amanjiwo’s main structure is on the most part circular so the most challenging aspect of the building process was translating all those curved lines in the drawings into reality,” Swinton said, adding that the resort took two years to construct.

Amanjiwo’s main rotunda is framed by 36 suites set in two semi-circular formations. All are linked to the main building by limestone-walled walkways. Perforated with a rhombus-shaped pattern, the walls bear a resemblance to Borobudur’s smaller stupas.

The suites are lavish yet simple in form and color, reflecting the spiritual ambience of Borobudur. The ash-colored ceilings, caramel-tiled floors and pillared four-poster beds elevated on platforms project a grand yet unassuming sensibility.

“The round gamelan brass pieces at the sunken outdoor bathtubs in the walled-in gardens are a further reference to Borobudur,” Swinton said. “In fact, the interiors and surroundings are so inspirational, we have equipped each suite with a set of watercolors in case any of our guests wish to unleash their inner artist.”

For those not yet convinced, Amanjiwo’s references to the world’s largest Buddhist sanctuary becomes particularly apparent after a visit to the monument. In fact, Amanjiwo offers 4 a.m. sunrise trips to Borobudur — the resort has special early access to the site.

Swinton believes Amanjiwo has captured the winning formula that pays homage to Borobudur’s grandeur. “There are no planned design changes,” he said. “Amanjiwo was designed to be timeless and relevant well into the future.”

Amanjiwo

Desa Majaksingi, Borobudur, Magelang

Tel: 0293 788 333

www.amanresorts.com