The new Raffles Jakarta stand above the thriving commercial hub of Kuningan. The hotel is exclusively linked to the new Ciputra Artpreneur Centre, a development dedicated to the celebration of art and theatre at the heart of Jakarta’s golden triangle which opened last year.
The hotel’s soft opening brings Raffles’ portfolio to s and resorts – from the flagship Raffles Hotel, 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 and we are 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 is 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 Le 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. His legacy comes to life at Raffles Jakarta, where his works enhance the elegant interiors. The hotel’s Art Concierge will provide insights into his fascinating life.
The hotel’s 173 luxurious rooms and suites are 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.
As one would expect in a city with a rich culinary history, Raffles Jakarta offers a fine selection of restaurants and bars: The Writers Bar, a much-loved haven at Raffles Singapore, a tribute to the famous novelists who have stayed at the hotel, is re-interpreted in Jakarta as an oasis of Indonesian art, history and literature. The design is again inspired by Hendra 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 art of the edible kind, as sights, sounds, textures and delicious aromas from the show kitchens emerge. Navina – derived from the Indonesian word for ‘fresh’ – provides an informal poolside setting serving light meals and cocktails in the lush tropical gardens. Two more restaurants will open later this year.
Like all Raffles hotels, Raffles Jakarta will be a place to meet, for business and social celebrations, with spaces ranging from a private boardroom to the 2,500 square metre Dian Ballroom. When it debuts later in the year, the Signature Raffles Spa will be one of the most comprehensive in the city, a calm urban oasis, with six treatment rooms. There will also be a choice of swimming pools (including a children’s pool and play area), a state-of-the-art Fitness Centre, a Yoga Terrace, tennis courts and a 300 meters jogging track around and through the lush Hendra Gunawan inspired garden on level 14.
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 128 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.”
