Sunday 5 August 2012

A touch of class

Wow! Only a week to go and I will be winging my way back to Jakarta. I just don't know where the time has gone, but I have been flat out with the flu, maintenance issues round the house, my day job, of course, and catching up generally. I still have a huge backlog of photos of great places and gardens I managed to visit in my last two weeks in Indonesia that I am dying to share with you, from my super-mini break in Bali after my conference, to three days R&R in Jogyakarta immediately before I flew home.

Just to get us in the mood and ready for more adventures in South-East Asia, this is the fabulous hotel I stayed at in Jogya - The Phoenix. It was so wonderfully atmospheric, I felt like I had been transported into the setting of a Somerset Maugham story.

Of course, the reason for me being in Indonesia in the first place was work-related, and my three days in Jogya were a little treat to myself. But, despite my oppulent surroundings, I remain a budget traveller at heart and love the challenge of finding great accommodation with character that doesn't break the bank. On the website this morning, the rooms here are on special from 501,000 IDR, which is only about $50 in Australian or US money. With so much to see in Jogya, including the wonderful temples of Borobudur and Prambaran, and the Sultan's Palace (all in coming posts) and reasonable flights from Australia, it is really worth a visit.

Hope you enjoy this photographic visit to The Phoenix!





My room was the closest balcony you can see on the right.
















Doorway to the lobby area


Trolleys with cigars and brandy for the gentlemen and white wine on ice for the ladies. I  stayed in theme and enjoyed  pre-dinner gin and tonics in the terrace bar in the background, until I got hooked on their delicious non-alcoholic punch.


Love the magnificent urns adjoining the courtyard.




The fountain in the court


The restaurant


Fabulous attention to detail with the repetition of the phoenix motif on the door handles,


the table linen,


the banners overhanging the bed,


even the planters.

10 comments:

  1. Beautiful spot, Marisa - looks very relaxing. Can't wait to see the rest of the photos when you get the time. Hopefully after some much needed R&R in a warm clime before the WORK commences!

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    Replies
    1. I'm sure you are right but even if I am reading through work stuff, it will still feel more relaxing if I am under a coconut palm or lounging poolside!

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  2. Gosh, what a BEAUTIFUL and exotic hotel....I would love it there.
    Are you sure there is no room in your luggage for me to stow away on your next trip?
    Safe travels...see you when you get back.

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Virginia. You would fit right in at the Phoenix!

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  3. You have great taste - that place looks very stylish. Reminds me of a wealthy plantation house

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    1. I just love colonial period architecture. It's great to see how many cities in South East Asia are celebrating their heritage by restoring and preserving these treasures.

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  4. Oh wow is that gorgeous. Hard to believe it was also affordable--what a find! I really enjoyed your photos, thanks.

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    Replies
    1. It was just beautiful. I would love to head back there and have a longer look around.

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  5. Marisa, what a wonderful place to stay and have a break in these opulent, exotic surroundings. I have to think about that holiday!

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  6. I do love a holiday, and, much as I love being at home, I think sometimes you need to get away from it all.

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