How to Book Amanjiwo: Sunrise Over Borobudur in Java

Amanjiwo, whose name means Peaceful Soul, is a resort built as a monument in its own right, a sweep of domed stone pavilions arranged in two crescents on a hillside in central Java, facing the world's largest Buddhist temple at Borobudur. Ringed by volcanoes, rice terraces and the jungle, it is one of the most dramatic and spiritual settings in the entire collection. Booking through a preferred-partner advisory costs the same as booking direct, with recognition and benefits added at no extra cost.

Amanjiwo stands in the Kedu Plain of central Java, within sight of Borobudur and surrounded by the Menoreh Hills and the volcanoes of Merapi and Sumbing. The architecture, drawn from Borobudur itself, uses local paras stone and a central rotunda that frames the temple on the horizon. Few hotels in the world are as married to their view, or as quiet once the day-trippers have gone.

The thirty-four suites are freestanding domed pavilions, each with a sunken bed, an outdoor terrace, and in many cases a private pool and a view down to Borobudur or across the rice fields. At the top of the house, the two-bedroom Dalem Jiwo Suite is a private villa with its own pool and staff. Throughout, the design is monumental yet calm, stone and light arranged around the landscape.

Dining is served in the central rotunda and on terraces open to the view, with a menu that moves between Indonesian and international dishes and draws on the produce of the surrounding fields. Private dinners are arranged in memorable spots, among the rice terraces or in the resort's own setting above the plain.

The signature experience is a private dawn visit to Borobudur, climbing among the ancient stupas as the sun rises over the volcanoes before the crowds arrive. Back at the resort, the Aman Spa offers Javanese healing rituals overlooking the rice terraces, and guided walks and cycles explore the villages and temples nearby. For more of Aman in the region, see which Aman is right for you.

Amanjiwo is a temple facing a temple, domed pavilions of stone arranged to hold a single, extraordinary view of Borobudur at dawn.