Situated on the north-west coast of Java, one of the world's most densely populated islands, Jakarta is the largest city in South-East Asia and is tipped to become the region's largest urban economy by 2030.
In a new development for this city of 11 million people, a long-awaited hotel has opened, marking the highly anticipated debut of the Park Hyatt brand in Indonesia. The Park Hyatt Jakarta is accepting bookings from this month onwards.
Originally scheduled to open in early 2018, this hotel has been a long time coming although Hyatt hotels have operated in Indonesia for more than 40 years. Indonesia is one of Australia's closest neighbours and Jakarta is an important destination for business travellers and politicians. Just a few kilometres off the east coast of Java is Bali, one of the world's most popular tourist destinations.
Jakarta's history
Since the 5th century Jakarta has been a primary port stop along the shipping trade routes of Asia, changing hands every few centuries as Islamic sultans moved in, followed by European colonists and finally a home-grown independence movement for Indonesian nationalism.
When Indonesia finally gained independence in 1949, Jakarta was named the capital. The founding president, Sukarno, wanted to transform Jakarta into a world-class city and instigated massive infrastructure projects. Many of the resulting structures still stand in the capital today and one, the National Monument, is the focal point of the panoramic view from the new hotel.
Hotel location
Located in the tranquil Menteng area in the heart of Jakarta's bustling central business district, the Park Hyatt Jakarta offers a distinctive collection of culinary, leisure and wellness experiences as well as unique event venues for bespoke celebrations.
The hotel occupies the top 17 floors of the 37-storey Park Tower in the centre of the city's financial and diplomatic district. The Menteng area was originally conceived in the early 20th century as a garden city and is now known for its peaceful tree-lined streets, abundant greenery and elegant heritage architecture.
Park Hyatt Jakarta offers easy access to local parks and popular retail and entertainment venues as well as panoramic views of the nearby National Monument Park. The hotel's location, says the Hyatt Group, harkens back to the origins of the Park Hyatt brand with its first property overlooking a serene park in Chicago, its proximity to nature reflecting how Park Hyatt hotels around the world offer an oasis of calm in the midst of the bustle of the city.
Contemporary design, with Indonesia at its core
The residential-style interiors of Park Hyatt Jakarta were designed by award-winning, London-based design practice Conran and Partners, led by partner Tina Norden. Inspired by the beauty of the Indonesian rainforests, traditional crafts and indigenous natural materials, the design uses elements such as lava stone and copper as well as handwoven ikat textile motifs, intricate wood carvings and shields.
The visual journey through the property is meant to symbolise the layers of a rainforest, starting with a richer, darker colour scheme on the lower floors that represents the forest's understorey. Then, like branches wrapped around the trunk with dappled light filtered through the canopy, the palette becomes lighter on the higher floors.
A custom art collection curated by Indonesia's acclaimed Hadiprana design consultants seamlessly merges traditional heritage with sleek contemporary designs, creating a subtle contrast between Jakarta's modern urbanity and the country's ancient natural environment. Guests can also admire specially commissioned works by celebrated Indonesian artist John Martono, whose swirling abstracts blend painting and hand embroidery on silk.
European inspirations are also evident. One of the hotel's most striking features is a series of hand-blown crystal installations and chandeliers, made up of thousands of delicate orbs that hover like clouds. In a nod to the archipelago's diverse cultural heritage, the guestrooms feature exquisite traditional Indonesian crowns made from copper.
Guestrooms
Park Hyatt Jakarta features 220 elegant, oversized rooms, including 36 suites. Guestrooms range from approximately 615 to 915 square feet (57 to 85 square meters), while the suites are from approximately 936 to 2,454 square feet (87 to 228 square meters). All rooms come with floor-to-ceiling windows, providing uninterrupted views of Jakarta and the National Monument landmark.
Guests can also enjoy deep-soaking marble baths and large flat-screen TVs with an integrated media hub, while rooms are adorned with classic Indonesian decorative objects from jewels to paintings and shields. The hotel's Presidential Suite covers an expansive 3,230 square feet (300 square meters) and has its own VIP entrance. The suite includes a spacious bedroom with an 82-inch LED TV and a living area anchored by a work desk made from solid Trembesi wood.
Drinking and Dining
The restaurants start on level 22, where the Dining Room serves a collection of breakfast, lunch and dinner offerings that highlight Indonesian and Italian cuisines in an interactive live-cooking setting. On level 23, the Conservatory provides a selection of spaces for different occasions, serving comfort foods from savoury snacks to sweet treats with specialty teas. The Bar is where diners can enjoy light bites and crafted beverages alongside live entertainment as they admire magnificent views of Jakarta from the outdoor terrace.
Occupying the top two levels of the building and opening in the coming months, Kita喜多 Restaurant & Bar will be a choice destination for socialising and special occasions, where guests can enjoy elevated modern Japanese dining and creative cocktails amid spectacular views of the city, especially at sunset.
Located on level 37, KITA 喜多 Restaurant will serve an array of authentic Japanese cuisines such as robatayaki, tempura, shabu-shabu, sushi, sashimi and teppanyaki. The authentic Japanese concept includes a series of private rooms, comprising tatami rooms and a large VIP room with private kitchen. Visitors can then take in the stunning views from KITA Bar on the broader dimensions of level 36 while enjoying live sets from the resident DJs.
Events, functions and wellbeing
Park Hyatt Jakarta offers 10 beautifully appointed function rooms, which can accommodate up to 750 people, whether for elegant wedding receptions or intimate gatherings. Each event space features an open kitchen and bars in the welcome foyers, creating an engaging restaurant-style environment suited for all private social gatherings and corporate meetings.
Spread over four levels, the venues include the ballroom duplex on levels 2 and 3, and the level 22 salons overlooking Menteng. The Observatory, on level 36, offers an impressive event space with its open-air-terraces and panoramic views of Jakarta.
Located on levels 34 and 35, The spa and fitness centre at Park Hyatt Jakarta offer a choice selection of wellness and leisure experiences. Guests can also accomplish fitness goals using the latest Technogym cardiovascular equipment, while certified personal trainers are on hand to design a specific workout.
"We are delighted to welcome discerning domestic and global travellers to the first Park Hyatt hotel in Indonesia," said general manager Fredrik Harfors. "The brand's home-away-from-home concept unites our personalised luxury philosophy with Indonesia's renowned gracious hospitality."
Photos courtesy of Park Hyatt Jakarta