Jungle Booking MesaStila in Java is the calmest of retreats despite the volcanic surroundings
Jungle Booking
MesaStila in Java is the calmest of retreats despite the volcanic surroundings
What
MesaStila (previously known as Losari Spa Retreat and Coffee Plantation) is an oasis of serenity in central Java. It’s a heritage site boasting Colonial, traditional Javanese, Arabesque and contemporary architecture. Imagine a 19th-century Javanese prince’s-turned-planter’s house, wooden villas with Javanese antiques, relics of an 1860s Colonial railway station and South East Asia’s only authentic hammam. It’s all set amid eight spectacular volcanoes, coffee plantations and 55 acres of lush, palm-filled gardens, 3,000ft above the plains of Java.
Who
Having recently transformed from resort to fabulous retreat, it’s luring affluent Indonesians, European adventure-seekers and expats from Jakarta and Singapore: often stressed-out city folk focusing on their health and recharging their spiritual batteries under the volcanoes.
When
Try the dry season from May to September.
Related
Have
The wellness options and programmes for healthy living include learning to sleep better. Or you can try bootcamp — albeit with a private villa with Indonesian day beds on the veranda, gourmet Javanese fusion food, and daily traditional massages. The jungle gym and Pencak Silat (Indonesian martial arts) are popular, and there are plantation tours. Have a stimulating Java coffee scrub (blended with coconut milk and cinnamon) and Javanese Lulur (a massage traditionally given to brides).
Do
Check out the stupas at Borobudur, the world’s largest Buddhist temple and an 8th-century wonder. Then enjoy the local ancient Hindu shrines and temples and a colourful Javanese dance display.
Best
You may never need Harley Street again once you’ve met a Jamu practitioner, whose healing practices employ medicinal plants, herbs and spices.
losaricoffeeplantation.com
Three nights from £540 pp, based on twin-sharing. Includes three meals a day, daily spa and wellness activities.
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