From the moment we stepped out of the car, the ancient Buddhist site of Borobudur was in our line of sight. It sat far across the rice fields, slightly misted by afternoon haze but unmistakable in its silhouette. It’s hard to overstate how central it feels to the hotel experience—not just geographically but spiritually. Everything at Amanjiwo seems to revolve around it.
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All photos in this post are by Laskowski & Zadros. © TravelPlusStyle.com.
“Amanjiwo embraces the romance of the Borobudur temple, channeling the air of sanctity through design, a tranquil atmosphere, and excellent service.”
— From our review of Amanjiwo.
Amanjiwo’s architecture mirrors the presence of Borobudur. The resort’s central rotunda, inspired by the temple’s stupas, sits like a crown on the hill. It’s made entirely of local limestone, in a color that shifts with the light—pale and warm at midday, dusky rose in the evening. We’d often find ourselves lingering under its dome during afternoon tea, watching birds cross the sky as the volcanic ridges turned purple.
Our suite followed the same rhythm: domed ceiling above the bed, soft stone underfoot, carved tub sunken into a little courtyard, and a thatched-roof bale just steps from our room. We spent hours in that bale, stretched out with books or snacks, watching the farmers move slowly through the terraced fields. Sometimes, in the clearest moments, we’d catch the temple again—quiet and dignified in the distance.
“All suites have a very spacious terrace with loungers and a bale (or a gazebo) just in front of the bedroom. It was our favorite place to rest, or to have a meal.”
— From our review of Amanjiwo.
Our suite—one of the Borobudur Suites—was perched on the edge of the property, facing a patchwork of farmland that rolled toward the temple. From our terrace and bale, we could see its silhouette rising above the trees, especially clear in the early mornings and late afternoons.
Inside, the design was classic Aman: clean lines, terrazzo floors, wooden screens, and a soaring dome above the bed. There was a sense of spaciousness and calm, anchored by thoughtful details—like the sunken stone tub in the open-air courtyard, which we used more than we expected. Not all suites have private pools, but ours had everything else we could want and then some.
Amanjiwo isn’t the kind of place you feel compelled to leave often. But eventually, curiosity (and a little guilt) pushed us out of our cocoon. The main pool, framed by black stone and jungle, became a favorite haunt, though we’d often find it empty. Like everything here, it feels semi-private.
Still, the real highlight was our visit to Borobudur itself.
“Thanks to the proximity to Borobudur, Amanjiwo guests have unparalleled access to the monument, and can easily visit it at dawn, when the site is said to be at its most spectacular.”
— From our review of Amanjiwo.
Most guests go at sunrise, hoping for that golden glow over the temple. But we’re not sunrise people (especially not when the bed is that comfortable), so we opted for sunset. Fewer people. Cooler air. A more relaxed pace.
What we didn’t expect was to be alone.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, a hush fell over the temple. The last tour groups trickled out. And then something remarkable happened: the call to prayer began. Muezzins from the surrounding mosques filled the valley with their voices, not in competition but in harmony. It was a sound we’ll never forget—deeply moving, strangely peaceful. A meeting of cultures and centuries, resonating through stone and air.
Where to Stay in Ubud, Bali, Indonesia
That night captured what makes Amanjiwo so special. Yes, it’s luxurious. Yes, the service is impeccable. But it’s more than that. It feels like it belongs here—in this landscape, in this history. It doesn’t try to compete with Borobudur. It listens to it. And in this symbiotic relationship, Amanjiwo offers you the most precious luxury of all: stillness. It’s not just about the comfort or the service but the profound sense of peace that permeates every corner of this place.
Alternatively, book Amanjiwo via
Tablet Hotels | Mr & Mrs Smith or or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
*All photos in this post are by Laskowski & Zadros. © TravelPlusStyle.com.
Getting there: The flight-comparison sites such as Skyscanner (www.skyscanner.com) or Kayak (www.kayak.com) will help you find the best flights and deals.
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Author: Travel+Style. Last updated: 13/06/2025
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