RAFFLES JAKARTA
Since its grand opening in 2015, this glamorous high-rise hotel in the heart of the Indonesian capital has been delighting travelers with its level of service and a design inspired by the artwork of celebrated painter Hendra Gunawan. A mosaic reproduction of one of his works takes pride of place in Raffles Jakarta’s gleaming lobby, while an Art Concierge can arrange a walking tour of the premises and a visit to an attached museum dedicated to the Indonesian maestro.
Starting at 60 square meters, Raffles Jakarta’s 173 elegant rooms and suites are among the biggest in the city, and come decked out in pale woods and creamy marble alongside a host of thoughtful touches such as Penhalligon bath amenities and batik yukata robes. Doubleglazed floor-to-ceiling windows frame views of the glittering skyline, while plush feathertop beds allow for a good night’s sleep. Raffles Butlers are on hand to provide discreet and attentive service, ensuring that one’s stay is as fuss-free as possible.
Downstairs, The Writers Bar is favored for its classic cocktails and live jazz music, as well as the signature Tipsy Tea experience featuring pastry chef Anom Putra’s delicate creations (also available at Raffles Patisserie) paired with world-class champagnes from wineries like Moët & Chandon. Meanwhile, chef Lukman Hakim presides over all-day dining destination Arts Café by Raffles, which offers everything from dry-aged premium cuts to modern takes on Indonesian dishes. But the pride and joy of Raffles Jakarta is undoubtedly The Dining Room. A frequent host for takeovers by awardwinning guest chefs from out of town, this intimate space comes with a state-of-the-art show kitchen and an adjoining bar with city views.
Deeper relaxation awaits at Raffles Spa: signature massages harness age-old Balinese and Javanese techniques, while the sleek hydrotherapy zone features vitality pools, steam rooms, experience showers, and ice fountains for a blissful escape like none other.
Raffles Jakarta’s meeting spaces are headlined by the 2,520-square-meter Dian Ballroom, the perfect setting for large-scale social events, weddings, and high-level conferences. Smaller gatherings can be held in two meeting rooms and a flexible space with its own balcony, VIP lounge, and boardroom.
Situated at the northern edge of the Maldives in Raa Atoll, Alila Kothaifaru Maldives sits on an 11.2-hectare private island surrounded by turquoise waters and abundant marine life. A trip to the allpool-villas retreat begins with a scenic 45-minute seaplane journey from Male. Upon arrival, guests will be immersed in a uniquely ecocentric interpretation of Alila’s sleek brand DNA: The resort’s terraced pavilions and villas blend into the surrounding vegetation, with plenty of foliage on the rooftops and floor-toceiling glass walls for an uninterrupted vista of verdant greenery and the blue ocean.
The resort encompasses 44 beachfront villas and 36 overwater villas, each with a private freshwater pool. Standout options include the openconcept Lagoon Water Villa, which is perfect for couples on a romantic escape, as well as the Sunrise Beach Villa, which will undoubtedly appeal to early risers with its stunning sunrise views.
The surrounding waters of the Raa Atoll are rich in marine life, their reefs teeming with corals, stingrays, reef sharks, and hawksbill turtles.
A new addition to the resort’s lineup of Alila Experiences is an evening trip to the island of Vaadhoo to witness the “sea of stars”—a mesmerizing phenomenon that occurs every November through January when the sea is filled with a constellation of bioluminescent phytoplankton.
For a more relaxing marine adventure, guests can go on a dolphin-watching excursion aboard a traditional wooden dhoni boat. Another interactive activity allows guests to experience a day in the life of a Maldivian, which is narrated by local hosts and highlights the unique lifestyle of the archipelago. And no visit to an Alila resort would be complete without a spa session or two. The spa experience here takes guests away from the beach and into the treetops, where contemporary spins on ancient healing techniques are presented amid the island’s leafy canopy.
Even more laidback but no less unique is the Starlight Cinema, where your movie of choice plays under the stars, accompanied by popcorn.
All-day dining is available at Seasalt, which boasts a creative medley of international flavors. Umami, as its name implies, focuses on modern Japaneseinspired cuisine and drinks. For beachside drinks and light bites— as well as a unique mixology class—there’s Mirus Bar, while Pibati is a chilled beachside café serving anything from pizzettes to artisan coffees. Last but not least, Yakitori Bar is the ideal spot to enjoy Asianinspired cocktails and Japanese sake in a serene waterside setting.
A true island escape experience, The Shack is set on a private sand cay (giri) and can be visited on four-hour trips for either a picnicstyle lunch or a sunset barbecue cooked up by a dedicated chef.