When it opens late February 2015, Raffles Jakarta will stand as a beacon above the thriving commercial hub of Kuningan. The hotel will be exclusively linked to the new Ciputra Artpreneur Centre, a landmark development dedicated to the celebration of art and theatre, at the heart of Jakarta’s golden triangle, which opened in 2014.
The hotel’s opening brings the company to 12 hotels and resorts – from the flagship Raffles Hotel in Singapore, to China, Cambodia, the Philippines, Seychelles, Saudi Arabia, Dubai, Paris and most recently Istanbul. There are plans for further openings in Jeddah, Sharm-el-Sheikh and Warsaw over the next few years.
Peter French, President of Raffles Hotels & Resorts said, “Jakarta is the economic and cultural seat of one of Asia’s fastest growing economies with an increasingly sophisticated dining and entertainment landscape, and Raffles is delighted to be part of this growth.With Raffles Jakarta, we are bringing to Indonesia an authentic expression of Raffles Hotels & Resorts’ philosophy – the hotel has its own individual personality, its own story to tell and a combination of both Indonesian and global influences that gives it a unique sense of place. The interpretation and display of Hendra Gunawan’s artwork in this hotel is a truly special tribute to Indonesian art.”
Like its sister hotels, the stylish Royal Monceau – Raffles Paris and the newly opened Raffles Istanbul, Raffles Jakarta will be a celebration of artistry – and in particular a homage to the iconic Indonesian artist Hendra Gunawan. An activist and campaigner against injustice and colonialism, much of Gunawan’s work was rarely seen until after his death in 1983. Now his legacy comes to life at Raffles Jakarta, where some of his works enhance the elegant interiors with vibrant colours and strong flowing lines. The hotel’s Art Concierge conducts walking tours of Gunawan’s art pieces, providing insights into his fascinating and often turbulent life.
Alongside the colourful and artistic spirit of Hendra Gunawan, the hotel maintains the richness and elegance that the Raffles name is synonymous with. Here, over 127 years of Raffles heritage and experience in graceful service is evident in every area of the hotel.
The hotel’s 173 luxurious rooms and suites are set to be some of the largest in Jakarta. Floor to ceiling windows frame views of this energetic, bustling capital city. The guestrooms are an interpretation of the artist’s retreat, with rich Indonesian aesthetics and supreme comfort, each one a tranquil sanctuary. The authentic Raffles touch is personified by the legendary Raffles Butler service that is part of the anatomy of every Raffles hotel.
The Writers Bar, a much-loved haven at Raffles Singapore, a tribute to the famous novelists who have stayed at or written about Raffles Hotels around the world, is reinterpreted in Jakarta as an oasis of art, Indonesian history, literature and artefacts in this modern metropolis. Once again, the bespoke design is inspired by Gunawan’s love of nature and colour. The ceiling is sculpted with showering crystals, whilst vibrant fish swim through the custom made carpet below.
At the Arts Café, guests will find a tableau of art and cuisine, where sights, sounds, textures and aromas from theatrical show kitchens will create a delightful sensory experience. Alternatively Navina – deriving from the Indonesian word for ‘fresh’ – will provide a more informal poolside setting serving light meals, tea or aperitifs amid the lush tropical gardens. Two other restaurants will open later in 2015.
Like all Raffles hotels, Raffles Jakarta will be a place to meet and for social celebrations, with spaces ranging from a private boardroom to the impressive 2,500 square meter Dian Ballroom. Guests will also appreciate the Signature Raffles Spa – set to be one of the most comprehensive in the city, a calm urban oasis, with six treatment rooms a choice of swimming pools (including a Children’s pool and play area), a full service Fitness Centre, a Yoga Terrace, tennis courts and a jogging track around and through the lush Hendra Gunawan inspired Garden.
Step out of Raffles Jakarta’s impressive lobby and there is an exciting and fascinating city to explore. Jakartais the capital and largest city of Indonesia, on the northwest of the island of Java. It has become the economic, cultural and political centre not only of Indonesia but Southeast Asia as a whole. The city is filled with an array of museums, exciting nightlife and vibrant shopping areas and is also known as the centre and melting pot of Indonesian culture.
Raffles Jakarta’s General Manager Richard Schestak, formerly with Raffles Hotel Le Royal in Phnom Penh, comments, “Raffles brings the best of both worlds to this opening: the most modern facilities, technology, exciting, stylish restaurants and bars – alongside the 127 year Raffles heritage of providing warm and graceful service, embodied by the legendary Raffles Butlers. At Raffles we know that good service is not just about what you give people, it’s about how you make them feel. We call this ‘emotional luxury’ – an authentic Raffles experience that we will strive to deliver to guests of this incredible city.”
