Raffles Jakarta to Open Early 2015

Raffles Hotels & Resorts will open the Raffles Jakarta, located in the thriving commercial hub of Kuningan and linked to Ciputra Artpreneur Centre, in early 2015.

In keeping with its location, the hotel is a celebration of artistry and an 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 most important works punctuate the elegant interiors with their trademark 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 turbulent life.

This influence of Hendra Gunawan is felt even in the hotel’s 173 rooms and suites, which are some of the largest in the city. Floor to ceiling windows frame a view of the energetic, urban landscape of this bustling capital city.

Raffles’ classics come to Jakarta in the form of their exceptional food and beverage outlets. Amongst these, The Writers Bar is reinterpreted as an oasis of art, Indonesian history, literature and artefacts in this modern metropolis. Away from the bustle of the city, the bar is a haven where a fine wine, a sophisticated cocktail, or a perfectly made martini is something to savour. 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 create a sensory experience. The menu offers an inspired selection of Pan Asian and European dishes. Alternatively Navina – deriving from the Indonesian word for ‘fresh’ – provides a more informal poolside setting for light meals, tea or aperitifs amid the lush tropical gardens.

The Raffles Spa has six treatment rooms and suites, saunas, steam rooms and experience showers. The hotel also has a choice of swimming pools (including a children’s pool and play area), a full service fitness centre, a yoga terrace, tennis courts, two open air pavilions and a jogging track around and through the lush Hendra Gunawan inspired garden.

Raffles Jakarta’s General Manager is Richard Schestak who, after three very successful years as General Manager of Raffles Hotel Le Royal in Phnom Penh, moved to Jakarta in summer 2013 to prepare for this important opening. Austrian-born Schestak brings with him a wealth of international experience having held senior roles for Fairmont Bab Al Bahr, Abu Dhabi, Fairmont Dubai and management positions for iconic hotels, resorts and Michelin-starred restaurants in North America and Europe.

On opening Raffles Jakarta, Richard Schestak said, “Raffles is able to bring 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. When it opens, this hotel will also be infused with an artistic flair and I believe that this, together with the service we will offer, will really set us apart, and bring a whole new element to the experience of staying in a hotel. 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.”