Plataran Heritage Borobudur

Plataran Heritage Borobudur sits in tropical gardens amongst the rice terraces of central Java, overlooking the Menoreh Hills. The UNESCO World Heritage-listed Borobudur temple, the world’s largest Buddhist monument, rises dramatically from the jungle just a stone's throw away. 

There are 75 light and spacious rooms and suites, which combine elegant colonial style with contemporary luxury. The rooms feature plush beds, bathrooms with rainshowers and a tasteful, neutral colour palette complemented by colourful wall murals. The suites offer even more space, including lounges with chandeliers hanging grandly from the high ceilings. Private balconies and terraces overlook the pool, the rice paddies and the hills beyond. 

Traditional Indonesian specialities are on offer at Stupa, while the Menoreh restaurant has delicious breakfast, lunch and dinner buffets featuring both Asian and international cuisine. If you get a taste for the perfectly-formed dim sum that are served up at the restaurant, you can learn to make them yourself at home, thanks to cooking classes with the hotel chef.

The Langit Menoreh Bar & Lounge, meanwhile, is the place to go for a relaxing cocktail, with a range of light bites also available.

The hotel’s Padma Spa is a tranquil sanctuary on the top floor, with panoramic views and experts on hand to soothe tired muscles after a day tramping around the temples. Try the Borobudur herbal Kizhi massage, or the Laksmi exfoliate and face mask.

Away from the spa, you can keep on top of your workout at the hotel’s gym, or simply laze beside the lovely outdoor pool.

There’s no prizes for guessing the number one activity here: visiting the stunning Borobudur, the world’s largest Buddhist temple, which dates back to the 9th century. Surrounded by thick jungle, the monument was amazingly buried in greenery until it was rediscovered by Stamford Raffles in the 19th century. Perhaps for that reason, it looks remarkably good for 1,000 years old, and getting there for sunrise or sunset – or both – is an incredible experience.

Another must-visit in the area is Prambanan, Indonesia’s largest Hindu temple complex, where hundreds of ornately-carved temples wait to be explored.

After experiencing the temple at sunrise, hiking around the scenic countryside, river rafting, visiting local villages or learning how to cook Indonesian classics or make batik, enjoy sunset cocktails at the rooftop bar, overlooking Borobudur.