Cover The Dalem Jiwo rotunda and pool
The Dalem Jiwo rotunda and pool
1 / 1
Tatler+
Escape to Amanjiwo’s serene luxury in Central Java, inspired by Borobudur’s tranquillity. And T’roka, a new luxury travel brand brought to you by Holiday Tours and Travel, offers curated experiences of a lifetime, including that exclusive trip to Amanjiwo, which is why that dream holiday of yours won’t seem like a faraway dream after all
Planning the great escape can be exhausting; whether it’s planning the logistics, aligning your schedules, and going on the hunt for the best attractions to visit—holidays can be a lot of work.
But they don’t have to be. A relaxing getaway should be as advertised: an escape from the cacophony of daily life so unforgettable that it’s one where you can look back on it years later and go, “Wow, I did that. I want to go back there again.”
So, consider a tailor-made journey for the self, whether it’s through one of the happiest places on earth, Bhutan, by way of Amankora’s circuit of exotic Himalayan sanctuaries, or be witness to Central Java’s awe-inspiring Borobudur at dawn from Amanjiwo’s elegant poolside villas. For beach holiday lovers, The St Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort overlooks the alluring waves of the Indian Ocean, nestled between verdant rainforest and white-sand beaches on a private island that offers relaxation unlike any other.
Read also: Tumi’s Adam Hershman shares his biggest travel tips
It’s More Than Just A Regular Holiday
Above President of Holiday Tours & Travel, Ben Foo
President of Holiday Tours & Travel, Ben Foo
1 / 1
President of Holiday Tours & Travel (HTT), Ben Foo, Malaysia’s leading travel management company, curated experiences like the above should be transformative, not limited to your run-of-the-mill vacation. Enter T’roka, a luxury travel service launched by HTT that aims to craft an elevated getaway that doesn’t just prioritise your needs and preferences, but your value for money and time.
Inspired by his own stay at the Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar resort in Oman, Foo recalled being brought to Wadi Ghul, an abandoned village located in the Grand Canyon of Oman. “The guide who brought us to the place grew up in one of the villages along the canyon, you see,” says Foo. “And as he led us around, he started telling us the story behind the abandoned state of the village, which was brought about by their only water source drying up due to climate change. He then told us the story about every house we passed by—who lived there, and what life was like when the villages were teeming with life.”
”Finally, when we came upon his house, he tells me his vision for the future; he wants to install a pipeline that will restore the villages’ water source to encourage the villagers to return. As I was listening to his dream, I was struck by this sudden wave of emotion. I never thought my trip to Oman would be so priceless! All that money spent was well worth it. And at [T’roka], I want others to experience life lived to its fullest, the same way I have. Because ultimately, that kind of human connection is what makes our getaways so memorable, and it’s what we aim to deliver. Luxury travel, to me, is resonating experiences that last you a lifetime.”
See also: Love to travel but hate crowds? Here’s why Mongolia is the perfect destination for introverts
The Best of The Best—An Elevated Experience
Above The view of Gunung Merapi from the paddy fields
Above The 40-metre infinity pool at Amanjiwo is an emerald green treasure one can dive right in
The view of Gunung Merapi from the paddy fields
1 / 2
Taking a hotel-first approach, T’roka utilises HTT’s vast network and extensive insider knowledge from its 50-year legacy to ensure a heightened, personalised approach to your dream holidays. According to Foo, the luxury travel service’s very own panel of experts will work closely with travellers in search of new destinations and create novel ways to explore the local cultures and histories of a chosen destination.
From flexible itineraries catering to specific interests, to detailed consultation services offering exclusive experiences that allow travellers to savour the trips at their own pace, in their own design.
Additionally, under their exceptional list of hotels, T’roka works with renowned names, including Aman resorts, Marriott International, the Hyatt Hotels, Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts, as well as the Leading Hotels of the World, which oversees more than 400 luxury hotels in over 80 countries.
Travellers who employ T’roka’s services get to enjoy exclusive benefits for their first booking, from the best available hotel rates, a discerning travel advisor who will help create a seamless travel experience for you, and complimentary perks such as unexpected upgrades and invitation-only events.
Don't miss: 8 of the world’s most extreme and exclusive dining experiences
The Amanjiwo Experience Made Unreal
Sophia Liana and Maria Rahajeng taking in the view during a cultural tour around the villages surrounding Borobudur on a vintage Volkswagen
1 / 11
Amanjiwo, a tranquil retreat nestled in Central Java’s lush landscapes, is one such experience travellers can enjoy with T’roka.
From quick-and-easy check-ins to a smooth two-hour drive from Yogyakarta’s airport to the five-star luxury resort, travellers can immediately feel their stress melt away as this luxurious treatment is maintained throughout their journey in Amanjiwo.
Other than being surrounded by a stunning panoramic view of the terraced farmlands of the Menorah Hills and the distinct presence of four majestic volcanoes on the horizon, this luxury retreat boasts private suites that offer the same scenic sights, each featuring a luxurious king-sized bed atop raised terrazzo platforms, spacious garden terraces, and outdoor tubs.
Those who seek a cultural immersion can also explore a myriad of activities through T’roka; spiritual journeys await through rituals like Tolak Balak, revitalising with guided meditation and traditional herbal drinks. Offering culinary experiences like never before, Amanjiwo's chefs celebrate Central Java's produce via a Culinary Expedition hosted by Indonesia’s culinary artists. Travellers can also explore Java's flavours via a specially requested river picnic, cooking classes, culminating in a gala dinner by the famous Borobudur Temple. And for those looking to enjoy a feast fit for a king, the Ramayana Royal Feast Dinner offers a regal poolside feast, accompanied by the ancient epic's unfolding.
Above Watch Marion Caunter, Maria Rahajeng, Jojo Goh and Sophia Liana embark on a T’roka experience to Central Java. To discover T'roka's full offerings, please visit troka.co
If you’re the adventurous type who enjoys the arts, Amanjiwo also has a list of cultural activities that align with your appetite for adventure. From village tours via bicycles or vintage Volkswagens to dance lessons, history classes with the resident anthropologist, and even learn Aksara Jawa, also known as Javanese script writing.
Believing that the authenticity of these experiences is what makes it valuable, Foo, and by extension, T’roka, want to deliver a service that goes the extra mile to make it worth one’s while.
“A retreat, to me, should feel like coming home after work—it’s a place where you can reset physically and spiritually. And T’roka aims to invoke this feeling in our experiences. We want to offer travellers an unrivalled sense of hospitality,” says Foo. “Want to meet a museum's curator in Spain? Or a Michelin-star chef in Tuscany? We'll make it happen for you because we want your experience to transcend from being just an ordinary holiday.”
To know more about the curated experiences that T’roka provides, visit https://www.troka.co/ or visit their Instagram page at @troka.co
NOW READ
Why Sri Lanka is an isle of plenty for intrepid food lovers
7 unique getaways and experiences in Sydney and New South Wales to add to your bucket list
5 Korean lifestyle shops in Seoul that home design lovers should visit
Usually found at home and one with her couch, Koy Yi would either crack open a good book or game in her spare time to wind down after a long day. She also loves to scour art conventions and book fairs alike when she's able, collecting art books of all regions to gain inspiration for her own illustrations. With a keen interest in people and the stories they tell, she enjoys a good talk and a good laugh (preferably over food). Follow her on her Instagram @peiyi57.
