Amanjiwo, in the heart of Java, is set surrounded by a ring of volcanoes. It also overlooks Borobudur, the world’s largest Buddhist sanctuary and the 8th century wonder of the world. This exquisite location allows guests to explore the surrounding countryside, local villages and the spiritual home of Javanese Buddhism by car, bicycle, on horseback or by andong, the horse-drawn carts used by the villagers.

This season, Amanjiwo has a selection of 12 cultural trails from which guests can choose three as a complimentary addition to their three-night stay. These include excursions such as hiking in the Menoreh Hills; taking a guided tour of Borobudur at sunrise; discovering the temples of the Kedu and Prambanan Valleys and learning how to practice semadi, a silent Javanese meditation in the ancient Mendut temple strewn with rose petals. There is also an opportunity to visit a ‘home restaurant’ and watch the local classic warung dishes being prepared over a charcoal fire and to visit the local markets. For those who want to engage with the mystical side of Java, there is the opportunity for a fortune-telling session with a royal astrologer.